When one thinks of a “bicycle city,” Paris is certainly not the first to come to mind. Despite ongoing efforts to become more bike-friendly, the French capital is usually remembered for its efficient metro system and walkable streets. Since 2015, however, Paris has been tackling its latest challenge: becoming the “capital of urban cycling” by 2020.

Paris is known for its efficient public transit network, which connects different modes—such as trains, subways, buses, and even bike-sharing programs—to facilitate urban mobility. Most of the population relies on public transit as their primary mode of transportation: nearly 60% of all trips in the city are made by train, subway, and bus. Yet, despite this diverse range of transit options, private vehicle use remains a persistent challenge, dominating the streets of the French capital.