Paris has made big leaps forward in transforming its infrastructure for people - cyclists and pedestrians - rather than cars amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Ile-de-France region announced it would be backing temporary and permanent cycle lanes to the tune of €300 million with certain sections to be ready as soon as May.
It is predicted that by 11th May, some boulevards across Paris will have been converted into makeshift bike lanes to provide express routes for key workers.
The region stated that it has decided to rush through funding for the improved cycling infrastructure due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the city.
Politician Valérie Pécresse stated that investment in cycling infrastructure was vital as social distancing measures prevent commuters using public transport.
Pécresse added that without better infrastructure for cyclists, people would be forced into the use of private hire cars, potentially 'paralysing' the city with congestion.
Calls across the world have been made for cities to temporarily transform streets into cycle and walking lanes in order to support essential worked travelling during the coronavirus pandemic.
Measures have been implemented in Canada and New Zealand, and Paris will be the latest city to follow suit albeit with plans to extend the infrastructure beyond the end of the lockdown period.
The money will go towards the RER Velo project which looks to provide nine segregated routes linking 30 districts of Paris.
The €300 million investment will cover around 60% of the construction costs while the remaining 40% will be paid for by local councils and the national bicycle fund.
Calls for similar changes have been made in the UK with CEO of Brompton Will Butler-Adams calling upon government to convert some of London's busiest roads into temporary bike lanes.
In an open letter, Butler-Adams claimed it was imperative for government to encourage journeys by bicycle once lockdown was lifter in order to limit the possibility of a second wave of the virus.
'Post the current lockdown restrictions, a large proportion of the UK population will again be moving around towns and cities, but hesitant to use public transport where there is a greater risk of transmission,' wrote Butler-Adams.
'In order to mitigate against a second wave influx of coronavirus cases, we feel it prudent to plan ahead and implement these temporary measures now for key workers but also to allow the wider population to travel by bicycle or by foot in the short term as lockdown restrictions lift.'