A Mandate for Green Spaces: Parisian Voters Support Further Pedestrianization

Parisian residents have signaled their approval for the continued expansion of the city’s “Streets to Schools” program,a project focused on pedestrianizing streets and increasing green spaces,particularly around educational institutions. The recent vote, while exhibiting modest turnout, has been interpreted as a validation of the city’s ongoing efforts to prioritize pedestrian-pleasant infrastructure and urban greening.

Voter Turnout and Context

Approximately 54,489 voters participated in the referendum across 218 polling stations in the capital. This represents roughly 3.9% of registered voters. While seemingly low, this participation rate is double that of previous referendums on similar urban planning issues. Such as, votes concerning the tripling of SUV parking fees in 2024 and the ban on self-service electric scooters the year before saw only around 8% voter mobilization.This suggests a growing, albeit still moderate, engagement with local environmental initiatives.

The relatively low turnout could be attributed to the perceived consensus surrounding the issue. As Nelly Garnier,a member of the municipal opposition from the 11th arrondissement,sarcastically noted,Who is against the vegetation of the streets? No one.

“Streets to Schools”: A Closer Look

The “Streets to Schools” initiative, launched in 2020 following the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, aims to transform streets near schools into safer, greener, and more pedestrian-friendly zones.To date, over 200 streets serving schools have been partially or fully closed to vehicular traffic, accompanied by extensive planting and landscaping efforts. This initiative aligns with broader global trends in urban planning, which increasingly prioritize walkability, cycling infrastructure, and green spaces to improve quality of life and reduce carbon emissions. According to a 2024 report by the European Environment Agency, cities with robust pedestrian infrastructure experience lower levels of air pollution and increased physical activity among residents.

Cities with robust pedestrian infrastructure experience lower levels of air pollution and increased physical activity among residents.

European Environment Agency, 2024

Future Expansion and Investment

The city plans to identify an additional 500 streets for inclusion in the “Streets to Schools” program.These streets will be selected from each of the capital’s 20 arrondissements, with implementation scheduled over the next four years. The estimated cost per street ranges from €300,000 to €800,000, representing a significant investment in urban infrastructure and environmental sustainability. This investment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly environments in creating livable and lasting cities.

Opposition Voices and Perspectives

Despite the overall support for the initiative, some members of the municipal opposition have criticized what they perceive as excessive promotion of a widely accepted idea. They argue that the resources allocated to promoting the “Streets to Schools” program could be better utilized in addressing other pressing urban challenges. However, proponents of the initiative maintain that public engagement and awareness campaigns are crucial for ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of urban greening projects.