Parisians say yes to more green and pedestrian friendly streets
March 24, 2025
Nearly two-thirds of voters in Paris approved plans to pedestrianise and green 500 additional streets across the city.
Last night, nearly two-thirds of voters in Paris approved plans to pedestrianise and green 500 additional streets across the city. [1] According to Clean Cities, Europe’s largest network advocating for clean urban transport, the result sends a clear signal across Europe and beyond.
“Paris is once again setting the standard for the cities of tomorrow. This vote sends a powerful message: Parisians want bold action for a liveable and healthy capital. Just as the metro shaped mobility in the 20th century, this decision is an era-defining step towards a more liveable city where every resident, regardless of their neighbourhood, can enjoy cleaner air and better public spaces,” said Clément Drognat Landré, coordinator of the Clean Cities campaign in France.
Clément Drognat Landré added: “Paris is building on the success of its school streets as a model for transformation. With 218 school streets already in place —70 of them featuring new green spaces—the city is leading the way. An overwhelming 81% of Parisians support this approach, and expanding it will ensure that all residents enjoy quieter, healthier, and more inviting public spaces.” [2]
Example of a school street in Paris before and after its transformation (in Rue de la Brèche-aux-Loups, 12th district, Paris. Photo credit: Christophe Belin/Ville de Paris)
Yesterday’s vote was the third local referendum organised by Paris City Hall, following a 2023 vote on shared e-scooters and the approval of higher parking fees for heavy SUVs in early 2024.
As a next step, the city said it would work with district mayors to identify the streets to be pedestrianised and greened.
Press contact
Clément Drognat (Clean Cities) – clement.drognat@cleancitiescampaign.org
Notes to Editors
[1] 56,000 Parisians took place in the vote organised by the City of Paris. The question of the referendum read: “For or against greening and pedestrianising 500 new streets in Paris, spread across all neighbourhoods?. 65.96% voted in favour of the proposed changes.
[2] ‘School streets’ are streets that create walking and cycling zones in front of schools, at least during drop-off and pick-up times, by regulating access for motorised traffic. Details can be found in this factsheet.
