Investments Propel Paris to Top of Cycling-Friendly Cities for Children
Paris has recently been recognized as the most cycling-friendly city for children in Europe, surpassing traditional leaders like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. This achievement is attributed to significant investments in cycling infrastructure, including the creation of 180km of cycling lanes and preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The city's transformation over the past decade highlights a shift towards more sustainable and child-friendly urban mobility.
The Clean Cities Campaign report, which analyzed 36 European cities, placed Paris at the top due to its extensive network of protected cycling lanes and the implementation of a 30km/h speed limit across the city. These measures have not only made cycling safer for children but have also contributed to a decrease in car usage, with bicycles now accounting for more than 11 percent of journeys in the city.
Other cities such as Brussels, Lyon, and Helsinki also made notable progress, securing spots in the top ten. The report emphasizes the importance of child mobility in urban areas, where over 70 percent of the EU population resides. It also points out that children, especially girls, are becoming less active and free to move around cities, underscoring the need for safe cycling infrastructure.
The success of Paris and other cities in improving their cycling infrastructure demonstrates that meaningful change can be achieved within a relatively short period. This serves as a model for other urban areas aiming to enhance their cycling networks and promote healthier, more sustainable modes of transportation for future generations.
