Skip to content

Streetfilms: Sharing Street Space in Paris

Here is another Streetfilm by Elizabeth Press from her trip to Paris last summer. This time she focuses on shared street space in the City of Light, where the understood “street code” dictates that users are responsible for those with lighter vehicles — i.e., cyclists look out for pedestrians, car drivers look out for cyclists, bus drivers look out for cars, etc. This, combined with relatively simple calming devices, makes it possible for bikes, taxis and buses to share lanes safely, and allows for design features that would seem impossible in most cities, like unprotected contra-flow bike lanes.

My takeaway from this vid: It’s amazing to see what is possible when everyone just slows down.

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Read More:

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Lose-Lose? Bay Ridge Pol Celebrates More Parking, Less Housing

October 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Bike Lane Fix Edition

October 15, 2026

Demolition Derby: Cops Crash Their Squad Cars In A High-Speed Chase … In A Park!

October 14, 2026

Poll Shows Huge Support for Apartments Near Transit As Hochul, Blakeman Debate Housing

October 14, 2026

‘Everyone Should Be Furious’: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are Up 41% As Public Fix Stalls

October 14, 2026
See all posts