The 15 million people expected to swarm Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics will visit a city far different than it was a decade ago. That’s because a campaign to make Paris greener, primarily by reducing its dependence on cars, has transformed it into a shining example of what many environmental activists, city planners and transit advocates say ought to be the future of cities worldwide.
“There’s been opposition from climate-skeptical people, the automotive lobby, and drivers in particular,” Moreno said. “But this is no longer the time for cars, and we need to fight against them for a low-carbon future.” That fight has made it to the U.S., but without much success. While some cities have embraced bike lanes and strengthened public transportation infrastructure, cars have shown few signs of releasing their grip on U.S. transportation.