Lyon’s online consultation on rue Grenette in the Presqu’île drew 17,517 respondents, the largest participatory exercise since the city’s platform was created in 2022. It came almost a year after the street’s lane reserved for public transport opened, a lane used by nearly 90,000 people a day. Overall, 72.3% of respondents favour keeping rue Grenette free of car traffic.
Who took part and how they travel
For one month, residents, users and local stakeholders could give their opinion on the changes made on rue Grenette. Nearly 77% of respondents said they live in Lyon and 23% outside the city. The answers confirm a trend seen in recent mobility surveys: the Presqu’île is mainly used by people on foot, by public transport or by bike.
| How respondents reach the Presqu’île | Share |
|---|---|
| Public transport | 33.1% |
| On foot | 29.8% |
| Bike, scooter | 25.8% |
| Car | 11.3% |
Respondents said they mostly come to the Presqu’île to visit shops, walk, eat out and go to cultural venues.
Support by arrondissement
Across all respondents, 72.3% are favourable or very favourable to keeping the street without car traffic, against 27.1% who are unfavourable or very unfavourable. Residents of the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, the most affected by traffic changes, took part in large numbers.
- 1st arrondissement: 76.4% in favour, 22.6% against.
- 2nd arrondissement, where rue Grenette is located: 65.7% in favour, 34% against.
According to the city, a majority of the most directly affected residents support the current layout while also expressing expectations and needs for improvement.
Benefits and problems raised
Respondents first cite a calmer area, with less noise and a more pleasant living environment. They also mention a greater sense of safety for pedestrians and cyclists, better air quality and smoother movement for public transport and active modes. At the same time, they point to difficulties for car traffic in parts of the Presqu’île, traffic shifted to other streets, and accessibility issues for some people with reduced mobility or disabilities. They also call for better coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists and buses. Strong expectations were expressed about the quality of the temporary installations, street furniture, planting, and more shaded and cool areas.
Background
Lyon is the only French city to obtain the top “4 vélos” level of the “Ville à Vélo du Tour de France” label. The organisers highlighted a long-term cycling strategy structured since 2009 and reinforced by the Plan Vélo 2020-2026, as well as the generalisation of zones 30.