#bike-infrastructure

#bike-infrastructure

The story of the legacy mobility improvements was non-linear and required vision, tenacity, and coordinated implementation. Initial plans for Paris 2024 focused exclusively on bus- and rail-based public transportation. Just two years before the opening ceremony, existing bike routes to the venues were unmarked and dangerous. Local cycling advocacy groups urged Olympic organizers to integrate active transportation into their mobility plans, warning that public transit alone would not be able to handle the anticipated 15 million visitors.

We're talking about the so-called "protected bike intersection," or as a few outraged drivers have memorably called it, an "anti-car labyrinth," a "borderline anti-human" street treatment, and an "eco-fascist" "acid trip" of roadway infrastructure. So we especially love how Oh the Urbanity breaks down not just why those reactions are wrong, but why bike intersections are "the number one type of bike infrastructure that most cities are lacking."

Few things bring the Condé Nast Traveller team much joy as discovering a new city. We're happiest when dipping in and out of Madrid's world-class galleries, ambling along Budapest 's riverside and sampling the wares of Bruges' chocolate shops - and that's just us getting started. While you'll find most of us taking to the streets - via bakeries, bars and attractions, of course - on foot, putting our favourite pair of worn-out trainers to good use.