From Car Kingdom to Pedestrian Paradise

Remember when Paris was a chaotic labyrinth of honking cars and relentless traffic? In the gripping thriller "The Bourne Identity," we saw Matt Damon's character navigate this urban jungle, evading cops in a city dominated by vehicles. But fast forward to today, and the Parisian landscape has transformed dramatically.

A Visionary Transformation Under Anne Hidalgo

During a recent visit, I was amazed to see cyclists whizzing through dedicated bike lanes and pedestrians enjoying leisurely strolls on streets now free of motor vehicles. The air felt fresher, filled with the melodic sounds of birds rather than roaring engines. This radical shift didn’t happen by chance; it was a deliberate strategy by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has been in office since 2014.

Under her leadership, Paris has decisively pushed back against car dominance. The city has implemented hundreds of kilometers of bike lanes, expanded its bike-share program, and removed thousands of parking spots. A lowered speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour and vehicle restrictions around schools have further solidified this change, effectively waging a ‘war on cars’—a move that stands as a remarkable triumph for urban living in Paris.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Recent studies reveal that cycling trips in central Paris have surged to 11.2%, surpassing car trips at a mere 4.3%. Walking now constitutes half of all trips, while a growing 30% rely on the stellar public transit options, which continue to flourish. Other cities are taking note: Amsterdam and Copenhagen have transformed into cycling hubs, London has imposed congestion taxes, and New York is now charging a fee for driving in congested areas. The outcome? Reduced accidents, diminished noise, and enhanced public transport efficiency.

Doug Ford’s Counter-Revolution?

Unfortunately, Doug Ford seems oblivious to these successes. Rather than adopting Parisian principles, the Ontario Premier is pursuing a counter-revolution by dismantling bike lanes in Toronto, with three already targeted and two more added in the recent provincial budget. His plans also include removing tolls on Highway 407, making gas tax cuts permanent, and pledging billions for highway expansions, with the term 'highway' appearing 156 times in the latest budget.

Hope for a More Parisian Toronto?

Yet all is not lost for Toronto. Despite Ford's resistance, the city is making strides towards a more bike-friendly environment, with lowered speed limits and more safety zones around schools aiming to curb traffic casualties. However, the initiative is encountering significant pushback from frustrated drivers, even leading to vandalism of speed cameras.

Lessons from Paris' Persistence

Paris, too, faced adversity during its transformation. The permanent closure of a highway along the Seine sparked outrage amongst drivers and politicians alike. Yet Hidalgo remains steadfast, cutting down vehicle lanes in favor of serene pedestrian spaces. Just recently, citizens voted to convert an additional 500 streets into pedestrian zones.

With an unwavering commitment to combating pollution and prioritizing public spaces, Hidalgo declared that Paris will not revert to the harmful reign of cars. It’s a lesson worth noting for Doug Ford and city planners worldwide.