Cars once dominated this very spot but now pedestrians and cyclists enjoy it. We are standing on the Voie Georges Pompidou. This 13-kilometer route stretches across Paris. It follows the right bank of the Seine.
The Voie Georges Pompidou is named after former French President Georges Pompidou. He initiated the motorway plan for Paris. He inaugurated it in 1967 when he was Prime Minister.
Imagine this area in 1966. Georges Pompidou believed the French loved their cars. He wanted a freeway to replace the Seine’s grassy banks. He connected existing roadways along the Seine. This created a continuous expressway.
Fortunately, there was only room for a two-lane expressway. Pompidou wanted to cover the Seine with concrete. This would have created room for a wider expressway. The environmental movement stopped him.
Until 2016, the Voie Georges Pompidou bustled with traffic. Forty-three thousand cars used this road daily. Today, it is hard to believe.
Let’s jump ahead to 2002. Part of the highway transformed into a beach in summer. It became known as Paris-Plages. Four million people visited annually.
The city banned cars on the left bank of the Seine in 2013. Cars were banned on the right bank in 2017. This happened after several years of experiments. Mayor Anne Hidalgo called it a reconquest of the city for its residents. This change reflects a global trend. Cities are discouraging cars.
Some people protested against the removal of cars. But most Parisians supported it.
Think about the sounds here before 2016. The incessant stream of traffic created noise pollution. It likely affected mental and physical health. Noxious emissions polluted the atmosphere.
Now, listen closely. What do you hear? You can hear children’s voices. You can hear footsteps and bicycles. The sounds create a different sonic environment.
Georges Pompidou’s expressway left a legacy. It sparked debate about cars in Paris. Today, the pedestrianized Voie Georges Pompidou offers a different experience. It allows residents and tourists to enjoy the Seine.
Consider the impact of this transformation. The Voie Georges Pompidou is more than just a road. It represents a shift in urban planning. It highlights the changing priorities of Paris. It shows the city’s commitment to its residents. It shows its dedication to a greener future.