2023: Paris, France
The city of Paris, France previously received the STA in 2008, and has continued to be at the forefront of innovation in transport policy, mobility, and urban design. Over the past year, the city continued to refine tactical interventions it adopted during the height of the pandemic to make its streets and transport systems more people-oriented. With strong public and political support, the city has notably taken steps to shift away from car-centered streets in favor of urban spaces that center safety, gender inclusivity, and sustainable mobility.
The city has also created more permeable green spaces, expanded its network of cycle lanes, and developed more pedestrian zones that prioritize access and safety for children, women, persons with disabilities, and older populations. Paris was the first city in France to implement a Low Emission Zone in 2017 and, over the past year, continued to expand its clean air and emissions reduction strategies to serve more residents. As Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games, the city is stepping up its efforts to create more comfortable urban space and connected transport with low-cost measures that can have the greatest positive impact for residents and visitors alike.
Paris’ Key interventions
Converting road spaces around schools into School Streets, which are safe places for movement and recreation for young children
Transforming busy arterial roads into pedestrian streets with limited access to motorized vehicles
Creating more permanent cycle lanes from temporary ones that were developed in response to public needs during the pandemic, and expanding public cycling facilities overall
Reclaiming urban and parking areas to use as public space for pedestrians, tree plantations, and recreational activities throughout the city
Paris will be joined by two honorable mention cities -- Bhubaneswar, India and the State of Jalisco, Mexico. We look forward to celebrating these amazing cities, learning from them, and working with them for MOBILIZE programming throughout the coming months. We’d also like to thank the STA committee and the participation of all who nominated their city.
