Walkers and cyclists take over Paris for a day

Locals and tourists made the most of Paris's first ever car-free day on Sunday 27th September, with around one third of the city closed to motorized vehicles. The initiative was generally viewed as a success, with many campaigners demanding it becomes a regular event.

 

With walkers and cyclists taking over main roads throughout the city, the Journée Sans Voiture ("Day Without Cars") was a unique moment in the French capital. From 11am to 6pm, roads were closed in all the central neighbourhoods and people were seen picnicking on the Champs-Elyseés and doing yoga in the Place du Châtelet. 

 

According to Airparif, the air quality monitoring network, there was a 20 to 40% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels compared with the average Sunday in Paris. Furthermore, the main roads in the city centre registered an average reduction of three decibels in noise pollution – roughly halving the usual noise levels. 

 

Unsurprisingly, the city's bike hire scheme Vélib was in demand, with a 32% increase in the number of rentals compared with the average Sunday. This made for two bikes hired every second – and a record number of rentals for the day.

 

However, not everyone was happy with the extent of the ban. Around two-thirds of the city's roads were still open to cars, even if the speed limit was reduced to 20 km/hour (12.5 mph). Public transport and emergency vehicles were also allowed to continue service as normal.

 

The event comes ahead of the United Nations climate change conference COP21, which Paris will host in November. Over the past few years, City Hall has followed a policy of combating high pollution levels by reducing the role of cars, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo saying she would like to put an end to diesel use by 2020 and create more car-free zones by the Seine.