Paris is implementing pedestrian-friendly programs and encouraging the growth of car-free spaces as a result of the protracted lockdowns and safety concerns linked with COVID-19.

When the initial COVID wave rendered indoor gatherings in the majority of countries impossible, a number of cities quickly recreated what life would be like outside. Some built pedestrian-only streets, turned parking spaces into pop-up restaurants, and added more bike lanes to turn previously car-heavy neighborhoods into hotspots for walking and cycling. Before the pandemic, Paris had already started to become more pedestrian-friendly. Late in 2016, the lower quays along the Seine river became entirely pedestrianized. The modification became permanent in 2018. This was carried out as a component of a citywide effort to decrease the number of cars. More bike lanes have been constructed in order to reduce the amount of traffic caused by automobiles. The city wants to provide 180,000 new bike parking spots and 180 kilometers of additional bike lanes by 2026. While bike lanes have been enlarged to three motor lanes, major thoroughfares, including the Rue de Rivoli in the center of Paris, have been reduced to one lane.

Locals have generally embraced the many changes and anticipate more. Because there are fewer cars and a more relaxed ambiance, locals like it.