Secretariat, Taipei City Government

On the third day of his Paris trip (June 22, 2025), Taipei Mayor Wan-An Chiang led his delegation to explore the Vanves flea market, the Vélib shared bicycle system near Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall), and a low-traffic zone in the Marais district, aiming to gain deeper insights into the city’s progress in promoting sustainable urban development and human-centered transportation. Mayor Chiang remarked that Paris has made impressive progress over the years in creating a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly transport environment. He expressed his intention to bring this valuable experience back to Taipei, making it a livable and sustainable city.

Mayor Chiang began the day at the Vanves flea market, where he paused to appreciate a variety of paintings, utensils, furniture, and vintage toys. He was particularly intrigued by a collection of yellow French postal van models and Michelin Guide editions published from 1934 to 1935. He commented that these vintage items bear the imprint of time, having likely passed through various countries and generations before finding renewed value at the market—now cherished by artists and travelers alike. Mayor Chiang praised Paris for its “culture of cherishing objects,” noting its alignment with the sustainability ethos emphasized in the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement. He also mentioned that Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection has, in recent years, promoted recycled furniture showrooms, which not only reduce the amount of waste generated but also embody the principle of resource reuse. Looking ahead, he expressed hope for the emergence of more vintage markets in Taipei, offering citizens opportunities to reconnect with everyday objects and rediscover warmth and memory in their lives.

Next, Mayor Chiang visited the area in front of Hôtel de Ville to experience the local Vélib shared bicycle system. He noted that the bicycles are similar to Taipei’s YouBike, featuring adjustable seats and gear mechanisms. However, he was particularly impressed by Paris’s clearly marked bike lanes and median strips separating two-way traffic—measures that considerably enhance rider safety and comfort. He also commended Vélib’s incentive program during peak hours, which encourages users to return bicycles to designated docking stations, thereby improving vehicle distribution and system efficiency. He mentioned that this approach warrants consideration by Taipei’s Department of Transportation. Mayor Chiang further shared that since the beginning of his administration, Taipei has implemented a “first 30 minutes free” policy for YouBike users, which has encouraged approximately 25% of all residents to use public transportation instead of private vehicles. He plans to present this achievement at the upcoming Summit of Mayors in Paris.

Finally, Mayor Chiang and his delegation visited a low-traffic zone in the Marais district, where they observed local police enforcing traffic regulations onsite. He noted that access restrictions have been in place since November 2023, effectively balancing residents’ convenience with environmental sustainability goals. He especially commended Paris’s traffic signage, which uses clear, concise icons instead of lengthy text, enabling drivers to recognize changes early and reroute accordingly. This approach not only improves traffic efficiency but also enhances the urban aesthetic. Mayor Chiang emphasized that Taipei, in its efforts to promote human-centered transportation and revitalize historic neighborhoods, can draw valuable lessons from Paris as it continues working toward becoming a walkable and livable city.