She transformed Paris for tourists - and divided the city
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Paris has undergone significant transformation under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, shifting from a car-dominated city to one prioritizing pedestrianized streets and extensive cycling infrastructure, improving air quality and walkability for tourists and many residents.
- Hidalgo's policies, including removing parking spaces and banning cars from key areas, have been praised internationally and welcomed by tourists, parents, and cyclists, with Paris now recognized as a leading city for urban planning and cycling.
- However, many Parisians express dissatisfaction, citing increased traffic congestion on remaining roads, a decline in bus usage, and safety concerns due to the surge in cyclists sharing limited space with pedestrians and vehicles.
- Opinion polls indicate a growing divide among residents, with 59% feeling the city is not moving
