The decision by Lyon’s ecologist authorities to implement a High-Level Service Bus (BHNS) project on Félix Faure Avenue, which began two years ago, has turned this once-thriving thoroughfare into what many are now calling a ‘field of ruins.’ This transformation is not merely an inconvenience; it represents a significant blow to the local economy, community safety, and the overall urban fabric of Lyon.
The Cost of ‘Ecological’ Urban Planning
The project, initiated on January 15, 2024, without awaiting the results of a public inquiry, has been met with fierce criticism from the local community. The ‘Collectif de l’avenue Félix Faure’ highlights a profound sense of malaise and a sharp decline in commercial activity. The avenue, once a vital entry point into Lyon, is now characterized by constant noise from construction, hazardous obstacles, and significant traffic disruptions.
Dr. Antoine Dubois, an urban planning expert from the University of Lyon, commented, “This case exemplifies a critical disconnect between ambitious urban planning and its real-world social and economic consequences. While ecological considerations are vital, their implementation must be balanced with the needs of existing communities and businesses.”
A Wave of Closures and Economic Distress
The impact on local businesses has been devastating. Numerous establishments, unable to cope with the prolonged disruption and reduced foot traffic, have been forced to close their doors. Among them are the Seanroyale sofa store, which relocated to the 3rd arrondissement in 2021 only to find itself in the midst of construction, the Archivalt, the urban food outlet Félix Croc’, and the brasserie La Folle Horloge.
Audrey’s bakery, a local institution that once served up to 800 customers daily, also succumbed to the financial strain. The owner of Le Comptoir du 3eme reports a 50% drop in turnover, considering himself fortunate compared to the dozen other businesses that have liquidated, including Monsieur Spray, a paint shop that was nearing its 20th anniversary.
Even larger establishments like the Auchan supermarket are suffering, with access severely hampered by construction, forcing customers to seek alternatives. “It’s a nightmare. Even on foot, it’s a hassle,” lamented a local resident, highlighting the pervasive inconvenience.
Safety Concerns and Tragic Consequences
Beyond the economic fallout, the construction has created significant safety hazards. The avenue has witnessed a surge in accidents, culminating in the tragic deaths of two students, Adil and Sadek, who were riding a scooter on February 14, 2025, in what has been described as a chaotic environment. This incident underscores the critical need for secure construction sites and well-planned urban developments.
Lyon People, a local publication, faced legal action from Grégory Doucet and Bruno Bernard on January 20, 2026, for denouncing these hazardous conditions and the general disarray caused by the works. This legal challenge raises questions about transparency and accountability in local governance.
The BHNS Project: Questionable Benefits
The stated objective of the BHNS project is to reduce travel time on the bus route from 33 minutes to 25 minutes, a mere 8-minute gain. However, this comes at the cost of eliminating service to certain neighborhoods and significantly narrowing the automobile lane, making it barely three meters wide in some sections. Critics argue that the existing bus line 25 already served the area adequately with well-distributed stops.
The reduction of traffic lanes and parking spaces has further isolated businesses that rely on clientele from outside the immediate neighborhood. A client of the Black Fashion hair salon noted, “It used to take me fifteen minutes to get here. Now it takes an hour.” This sentiment is echoed by many, leading to a significant decrease in customer visits.
A Broader Pattern of Urban Decline?
The situation on Félix Faure Avenue is not an isolated incident. The Avenue des Frères Lumière experienced a similar decline due to what is perceived as misguided ecological urban planning. The owner of the flower shop, Le Liseron, who took over the business in 2019, has seen her turnover drop by 50%, and even up to 80% when her storefront was blocked by construction.
The concession By My Car, a frequent target of ecologist policies, has also been forced to lay off commercial staff and close on Saturdays, a traditionally busy day. One manager reported a 70% loss in business, having to contend with constantly blocked access for customers. He also expressed concern over an unsold showroom property, costing him 15,000€ per month.
The collective laments the desolate landscape, pointing to the ongoing works on Place Rouget de l’Isle, where a driving school has lost its two essential parking spaces, severely hindering its operations and posing challenges for student drivers. The adjacent Call Center has also seen a 50% reduction in activity.
“The ‘calmed city’ is far from calm,” quipped a member of the ‘Collectif Avenue Félix Faure’, referring to the increased car break-ins in the area, further deterring visitors.
A Call for Reassessment
The transformation of Félix Faure Avenue serves as a stark warning about the potential pitfalls of urban development when not carefully balanced with economic, social, and safety considerations. While the pursuit of ecological goals is commendable, the methods employed in Lyon have, according to many, resulted in an urban disaster.
The question remains: Can Lyon’s authorities learn from these experiences and adopt a more holistic approach to urban planning that genuinely serves all its citizens and businesses? The current situation on Félix Faure Avenue suggests that a significant reassessment is urgently needed to prevent further decline and restore vitality to Lyon’s once-vibrant urban spaces.
