Case Study: Green neighbourhoods - Paris, France

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Synopsis

The PDUIF (Plan de Déplacements Urbains de la Région Ile-de-France / Urban Travel Plan for the Ile-de-France Region) defines the organisational principles for passenger and goods transport, traffic and parking. The measures proposed are aimed at improving public transport systems, at promoting "soft" modes of transport such as cycling and walking and at reducing levels of motorised traffic. The PDUIF takes into account, inter alia, the fact that each neighbourhood within the city represents a critical living space, where the quality of life must be maintained and improved by more effective sharing of road space and by giving priority to soft modes of transport such as cycling and walking. This can be achieved by:

• improving cyclists and pedestrians' comfort and safety through the use of specified routes and suitable pavement design,
• reducing the nuisance produced by motorised traffic:
  • by implementing a coherent parking policy,
  • by the introduction of such measures as 30 kph areas and quiet neighbourhoods, which are now integrated into the "Green neighbourhood" concept.

The PDUIF implementation phase (2001-2005) started on 15th December 2000.

The quiet neighbourhood and 30 kph area concepts implemented in Paris were adapted from the PDUIF. In addition to the problems experienced on major arterial roads, there are difficulties presented by many of the streets used by pedestrians and cyclists in Paris. These are: dangerous crossings, cumbersome street furniture, available spaces that are too narrow and inappropriate street surfacing. These are just some of the many elements that must be reviewed when preparing a project at neighbourhood level. The Municipality was driven by the desire to make life in neighbourhoods easier. As recommended under French law, this implies a rethinking of public space at a local level. The Municipality of Paris went even further in 2001 when devising its "Green neighbourhood" concept.

The definition and practical implementation of "Green Neighbourhoods" rely on analysis, improvement and monitoring of the following aspects:

• efficient management of through traffic and the promotion of soft modes,
• re-vegetation of the areas concerned to give a "promenade" appearance to the neighbourhood through tree planting, the design of small squares, the creation of courts in front of facilities and monuments, etc.,
• development of soft modes (walking, cycling, roller skating, route continuity),
• creation of living spaces (developing local life and improvement of shopping facilities),
• re-claiming of public space by local residents.

Target groups: residents - all citizens
Fields: urban planning - integrated approach / urban transport plans

This case study is one of 175 projects from the Smile Project Local Experiences Database listed on this website.

To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Citizens : Cycling : Freight : Local Government : Mobility Management : Planning issues : Public Transport : Regional Government : SMILE Project : Sustainable Communities : Sustainable Transport : Urban Transport : Walking

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Mairie de Paris