The streets of these European cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Groningen lead an urban revolution that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over cars, combating pollution and reclaiming public spaces. Experts, urban planners, and citizen movements are promoting models that redefine sustainable mobility.
Groningen: the Dutch model inspiring the world
In the 1970s, Groningen (Netherlands) divided its center into four areas inaccessible for cars, allowing only pedestrian or bicycle traffic. Today, it serves as a model of livability. “The principle of short distances —having essential services within a 15-minute reach— has been applied for 20 years,” explains a local planner. The city is now transforming peripheral neighborhoods, consulting with residents: “Do you want streets for children or for parking?” 70% prefer green and social spaces, according to municipal surveys.
Barcelona and superblocks: freeing public space
Barcelona converted 1 million m² of asphalt into squares and pedestrian zones through superblocks: clusters of blocks closed to through traffic. “We freed up 70% of public space by reducing cars by only 15%,” highlights Janet Sands, urbanism manager. The project includes Bike Buses, bicycle school routes that block cars on Fridays. Although merchants like Olga criticize the increased travel times, 60% of neighbors approve of the changes, according to municipal surveys.
Paris and the 15-minute city: a new climate paradigm
Mayor Anne Hidalgo has been promoting since 2014 the transformation of Paris into a “15-minute city,” where everything essential is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Urbanist Carlos Moreno, a project member, explains: “We reduce CO2 emissions and give streets back to people.” Examples include Rue de Rivoli —previously congested— now with exclusive lanes for cyclists, and plans to green the Champs-Élysées, currently “a noisy highway avoided by Parisians,” according to climate expert Rosan Mentzel.
Challenges and resistance to change in European cities
Transformations create tensions. In Barcelona, Nuria from the tourism sector warns: “We cannot choose between ecology and economy.” In Paris, reducing cars along the Seine River led to political conflicts. Mobility expert Marco te Brommelstroet acknowledges: “Some lose privileges, but children have been deprived of freedom on dangerous streets for decades.” The key, according to him, is “giving a voice to the silent majority that wants livable cities.”
Science vs. ideology: the future of European cities
Urbanists insist on basing changes on data. In Paris, the “urban heat island effect” —temperatures up to 10°C higher than in rural areas— is combated with more greenery and less asphalt. “We don’t ban cars out of ideology, but based on scientific evidence,” says Mentzel. While Groningen projects its model to 2050, Barcelona is moving towards 2030 with clear goals: more public transportation, pedestrian axes, and non-polluting vehicles.
The reconquest of the streets is already bearing fruit: squares replacing former traffic areas, children cycling safely, reconnected communities. But the road ahead is long. As te Brommelstroet summarizes: “The best opportunity was yesterday; the second is today.” The 21st century demands cities where clean air and shared space are rights, not luxuries.
