Paris is taking another bold step toward sustainable urban living. In a recent referendum, 66% of voters backed a plan to close 500 more streets to car traffic - making way for pedestrians, cyclists, and green spaces. The move follows the city’s transformation since 2020, which has already cleared and planted 300 streets, part of Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s long-term push for a less car-dependent Paris (Bloomberg).

This new phase of the initiative aims to pedestrianize five to eight streets in each neighborhood. Locals will be consulted this spring to identify which areas are most suitable, with a budget of €500,000 allocated per street. The plan also includes removing 10% of Paris’s current parking spots - part of the city’s broader goal to cut 60,000 spaces by 2030 and replace them with trees.

The measure has been celebrated by Paris City Hall and green advocates. Christophe Najdovski, Paris’ Commissioner for Green Spaces and Greening, said the result shows Parisians clearly support “more pedestrian streets, fewer cars, more nature in the city.” Still, turnout was low - only 4% of eligible voters participated - raising questions about broader public engagement.

Critics argue the changes could complicate daily life, particularly for tradespeople and residents in tourist-heavy areas like Montmartre. The drivers’ group 40 Millions d’automobilistes called it “a gradual confiscation of urban space” that disproportionately affects those reliant on cars.

Despite resistance, Parisians already have a sense of what to expect. Streets near schools have been among the first to go green - ditching car lanes and parking spots in favor of paving and planted areas. Typically, about one-third of these streets are dedicated to greenery, helping reduce heat, air pollution, and flooding. By removing asphalt and introducing open soil, the city is building resilience against climate impacts while making neighborhoods more livable.

As the plan rolls out, Paris continues to serve as a model for cities worldwide seeking to reimagine their streets for a cleaner, healthier future.