-
France’s top literary prize 2024 awarded to author Kamel Daoud
The Prix Goncourt is widely seen as France’s version of the Nobel prize for literature
-
MAP: Offshore sites identified for new wind farms in France
President Macron has made the expansion of wind generated energy a priority
-
Important changes for drivers in central Paris from November 4
A 5.5 km2 zone in the centre will now have traffic limitations in place
New mayor plans to make Bordeaux car-free
The new mayor of Bordeaux (Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), Pierre Hurmic, is moving “towards a ban” on cars in the city, he has said.
Mr Hurmic, a member of green party Europe Écologie Les Verts, was recently elected mayor of the city.
In an interview with news source 20 Minuteshe said: “I don’t want to ban cars [in the city]…even if, in time I think we are moving towards a ban.”
Justifying his position, he added: “In city planning, 70% of roads are dedicated to cars, but car journeys only represent 29% of journeys in Bordeaux.”
Read more: Greens surge to victory in French local elections
Read more: Best towns in France for families revealed
Measures to reduce car-use
However, he added, making the city car-free would be something that happened “gently”, beginning with measures to incentivise other forms of transport.
He envisaged prioritising walking and cycling in the city centre (secteur intra-boulevard), to progressively dissuade cars from entering the area.
The mayor also plans to increase the number of cycle lanes in Bordeaux by conserving those put in place during the Covid-19 crisis.
He said: “On the boulevards, I suggest cycle lanes that run the whole length rather than shorter sections. We need cycle lanes that are continuous and secure.”
Related stories
Drivers in France still drive dangerously – but a bit better
France invests €20m in a post-Covid bike revolution
France tempts people back on to bikes after lockdown
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France