Paris is leading the way by putting down 65km of cycle lanes throughout the city from 11 May when France enters phase two of lockdown. It's part of an existing scheme known as Plan Velo, introduced by Mayor Anne Hidalgo before the coronavirus crisis, to make the French capital more bike-friendly by 2024. But with social distancing set to be the norm for the foreseeable and cycling now the preferred mode of transport for many, the plan was accelerated. Work on improving and widening cycle lanes is already underway.

 

Under the €20m ($27m) cyclists are encouraged to switch from private cars to bikes with all sorts of incentives. For example, they can join a "bicycle repair boost" programme which treats them to €50 worth of bike repairs through registered mechanics in the city.  And employers can reclaim up to €400 of travel costs a year for staff who cycle to work.

 

Paris is also banning cars from Rue de Rivoli, one of the city's most famous thoroughfares, reserving it for bikes, public transport and emergency vehicles. 

 

Berlin is also taking similar strides by implementing "pop-up" bicycle lanes to help people maintain social distancing while out on the streets. Removable red-and-white tape and temporary signs have been laid out to mark the widened lanes and can be removed when lockdown restrictions are lifted.