Tucked away in the bustling city of Lyon, Allée des Enfants is more than just a street. It’s a testament to a city’s commitment to its youngest citizens. Allée des Enfants translates to “Children’s Alley.” It represents a vision of urban spaces designed with children in mind. The city of Lyon launched an initiative to transform areas around schools and vulnerable populations into calming and safe havens. These “Children’s Streets,” like Allée des Enfants, prioritize pedestrians and play.
Allée des Enfants is a product of Lyon’s “A City at the Height of a Child” project. This initiative, running from 2020 to 2026, focuses on creating child-friendly spaces throughout the city. The project aims to reclaim public spaces, improve pedestrian and cycle paths, and create areas specifically for children. The city has implemented over 40 such developments around schools between 2020 and 2024. They aim to create around 15 to 20 more of these spaces annually. Each Allée des Enfants undergoes a transformation. This includes pedestrianization, the creation of calming zones with added greenery, and improved safety measures like removing car parking and widening sidewalks.
The creation of Allée des Enfants involved the children themselves. The city collaborated with students and teachers in the design process, particularly for the artistic murals that adorn the streets. Imagine the vibrant colors and imaginative designs, brought to life by the very children who would benefit from this space. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the community. Allée des Enfants becomes a canvas for their creativity and a symbol of their importance within the city. The project also seeks to address broader urban issues like traffic calming and air quality. By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, these “Children’s Streets” contribute to a healthier urban environment for everyone. The project aims to secure the surroundings of these spaces and transform them into areas for discussion and strolling. It helps children reclaim the public space and contribute to the overall improvement of the urban landscape.