Where Pandemic Bike Improvements Won Out

While some cities are reverting back to pre-pandemic street configurations, others are taking advantage of the momentum for bike and pedestrian infrastructure to make pandemic-era projects permanent.

2 minute read

January 29, 2023, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


People on bikes on crowded Rue de Rivoli in Paris in 2020

People on bikes crowd the Rue de Rivoli in October 2020. | Oliverouge 3 / Rue de Rivoli, Paris

Writing in Momentum Magazine, Ron Johnson highlights three cities where pandemic-era bike infrastructure projects have become permanent. 

In Toronto, Yonge Street, a busy north-south corridor, received separated bike lanes. “After 18 months of installation, the data demonstrates increases (ranging between 57 percent and 250 percent) in cycling trips and increases in pedestrian trips (ranging between 59 percent and 145 percent) on the corridor, as well as support for local business including an increase from 10 CaféTO patios in 2020 to 21 patios on the corridor in 2022.” City staff is recommending making the lanes permanent and did so for two other pandemic bike projects in the city. 

In San Francisco, thanks to consistent lobbying from bike activists, Golden Gate Park’s John F. Kennedy Drive has had intermittent closures for decades. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition executive director Janelle Wong says “the emergency order shutting it down, I think for the first time allowed people to see what seven days a week, 24 hours a day of closing that street looks like and what it feels like,” making it easier to gain support for permanently implementing the change.

Across the Atlantic, Paris has been pouring massive effort into building bike infrastructure and creating more multimodal and car-free streets. The transformation of the city’s famous Rue de Rivoli into a bike and pedestrian road during the pandemic signaled a turning point for the French capital. “In 2021, one lane of traffic for transit, emergency vehicles and the like was added back and the new configuration is now permanent.”

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 in Momentum Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

6 hours ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

7 hours ago - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM