A study of the evolution of the city's public policies from the perspective of the mobility of residents in priority neighbourhoods

Abstract

Mobility inequalities in French priority neighbourhoods, or Quartiers Prioritaires de la Politique de la Ville (QPVs), have historically been addressed through transport infrastructure and urban regeneration policies. However, these approaches do not explain the mobility difficulties experienced by residents, which also stem from social, economic and educational inequalities. This paper examines how French public policies addressing mobility in priority neighbourhoods have evolved from an infrastructure-centred approach towards a broader conception of inclusive mobility. It asks to what extent this shift reflects a transformation in the understanding of mobility inequalities. The article combines a historical and policy analysis of urban and transport legislation with a review of academic literature and institutional reports (INSEE, CEREMA, ANRU, ANCT, SYTRAL). It also includes a thematic analysis of French press coverage of priority neighbourhoods using Europresse to identify changes in public debate over time. The analysis shows that mobility remained largely secondary within successive urban policies, which primarily focused on housing renewal, social mix and urban regeneration. Since the 2000s, and particularly following the 2019 Mobility Orientation Act (LOM), public action has progressively incorporated the notion of inclusive mobility through personalised support measures such as mobility advice, social driving schools, cycling schools and community-based initiatives. These innovations recognise that access to transport alone is insufficient without developing residents' mobility capabilities. The paper argues that mobility policies are gradually shifting from an infrastructure-based model towards a capability-oriented approach, although investment in personalised mobility support remains marginal compared with expenditure on transport infrastructure.