Paris has undergone a dramatic transformation under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who removed parking spaces and banned cars from entire streets to create a more walkable city. The number of cars in central Paris has been drastically reduced, with traffic jams rising 4% since 2015 while bus use dropped 31% between 2018 and 2024. Pedestrianized streets and hundreds of miles of bike lanes now dominate the urban landscape.

Hidalgo's policies have won international praise, with Paris surpassing London and Madrid in air quality according to a 2024 IQair report. The city was crowned Europe's best cycling city in 2025, and nearly a third of Parisians now cycle more regularly. Parents particularly support the "Streets for Schools" campaign that blocked traffic on 100 streets around public schools, creating extra outdoor space for children in concrete-heavy neighborhoods.

However, the changes have sparked controversy among residents. Traffic congestion has worsened in some areas, with bus networks suffering as public transport became less of a priority. Cyclists and pedestrians report increased dangers, with hospitalizations rising among both groups. While 59% of Parisians feel the city isn't moving in the right direction according to a 2023 IFOP poll, tourists continue to praise the walkable environment. As Hidalgo exits office after 12 years, her legacy remains deeply divided between those who celebrate cleaner air and active mobility and those frustrated by traffic chaos and safety concerns.