Paris cycling numbers double in one year thanks to massive investment and it’s not stopping

In the heart of Paris, amidst the historic boulevards and bustling streets, a revolution is taking place—one fueled not by engines, but by pedals. A report from French newspaper Le Monde paints a vivid portrait of the city’s evolving cycling culture, revealing a surge in two-wheeled activity that has captured the attention of cyclists and urban enthusiasts alike.

The article dives deep into the data, uncovering a remarkable doubling in bicycle usage on Parisian streets between October 2022 and October 2023. But this is more than just a statistic—it’s a reflection of a broader societal shift towards sustainable mobility and urban renewal.

As Deputy Mayor David Belliard of Europe Ecologie-Les Verts (EELV) aptly notes, cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new attendance records and reshaping the urban landscape in the process.

“We already knew that the use of bicycles had gone far beyond the simple fashion effect. (…) While the weather has deteriorated in Paris in recent weeks, we have still recorded attendance records,” said Belliard.

Rue de Rivoli in Paris, circa 2020

“In mobility more than elsewhere, the central issue is supply rather than demand,” says the elected official, who assures that the municipality has “massively amplified the supply in infrastructure.”

But it’s not just about numbers, the report delves into the nuances of Parisian cycling culture, exploring the vibrant community of riders who navigate the city’s streets with grace and determination. From leisurely rides along the Seine to daily commutes through bustling boulevards, cycling has become an integral part of Parisian life.

It’s not surprising, as the success has come after significant investment in cycling infrastructure dating back to 2015 when Mayor Anne Hidalgo first started advancing Paris’s cycling plan with 150 million euros invested to double the number of cycling lanes and create a critical mass of infrastructure. This, followed by even greater investment to fill in the gaps and make Paris a “100 percent cycling city.”

And it is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. It more likely to spread throughout France. It was just a year ago that Momentum reported a huge $2 billion investment to promote cycling throughout the country over the next four years.

And as the city continues to invest in cycling infrastructure, with expanded bike lanes and innovative public bike-sharing programs, the future of cycling in one of the world’s most iconic cities looks brighter than ever.