The world-famous city of love, Paris, has pledged to become "100 per cent cyclable" by 2026 and is on track to reach that goal thanks to the determined work of city planners and a population that was ready for change. Officials plan to consult the city’s two million residents this year to decide on streets that will be car-free and pedestrianised. 

In a recent referendum, over 66 per cent of Parisians voted in favour of expanding car-free zones in the French capital and replacing miles of asphalt with greenery such as plants and trees. Since 2020, Paris has already removed 10,000 parking spaces and with this new measure, an additional 10,000 will be eliminated.  

This is part of Paris’ larger effort to promote cycling, with 84 km of new bike lanes created since 2020 and a 71 per cent increase in bike usage since the pandemic ended in 2023.   

Other cities across Europe are also adopting approaches to reduce transport related emissions. Amsterdam is pushing toward having all e-boats operate on its canals and its Clean Air action plan aims to ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. The Dutch capital, along with 13 other cities, have already implemented zero-emission zones to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and encourage the uptake of EVs.  

In Spain, low-emissions zones were introduced in 2023 in all 149 towns and cities, affecting over 25 million residents. These zones help cut down on car traffic, encourage sustainable transportation habits and meet Europe’s broader carbon reduction goals. 

This growing trend of car-free cities represents a major shift in urban planning, with European governments increasingly committed to lowering carbon emissions to prioritise the environment and health of residents over the convenience of cars.