Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians warned of major road change in Nice

Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Nice are being warned of upcoming changes to a major road in the city, after France’s administrative court of appeals ruled on the matter. 

The Quai des États-Unis, which runs along the beachfront between Nice’s port and the Promenade des Anglais, was converted into a one-way road in 2020, with traffic only flowing westbound onto the Promenade. 

However, France’s administrative court ruled in 2024 that two-way traffic should be reinstated but the mayor refused and lodged an appeal against the decision. His request was rejected this month.

Nice mayor Christian Estrosi said local authorities would now undertake works to return the road to a two-way system, allowing traffic to flow eastbound past the Rauba-Capeù war memorial and into the port directly from the Promenade des Anglais. 

“This decision stems from the state's refusal to reclassify the Promenade des Anglais from its special status as a road designated for the passage of very large, oversized vehicles,” he said on social media following the decision. 

Those backing the reinstatement of two-way traffic say it will ease congestion but opponents say it will make it more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

Works to take place

Works are expected to be intensive as the road has undergone several changes in the five years since the transition to a one-way system. 

The former road heading towards the port was transformed into a wide cycle lane – removing cyclists from the busy start of the Promenade – but it is likely this will need to be at least partially re-converted for vehicle usage.

Local authorities are holding discussions with residents and nearby business owners to identify the best system. 

“This measure will require cyclists to use the sidewalk. It is not technically simple to implement,” deputy mayor Anthony Borré told France3.

“We will look at the technical aspects of how to ensure safe use; what is fundamental is that everyone can move around safely using their chosen mode of transport,” including cyclists and pedestrians, he added. 

While cycle paths along the beachfront are likely to remain, or be moved safely onto the pedestrian section, further along the road – around the memorial and leading into the port – local cyclist associations are worried the changes will force cyclists back onto pavements, endangering both themselves and pedestrians. 

They are calling for more protection for cyclists and pedestrians, including barriers between footpaths and cycle lanes along the Promenade.

Mixed reaction to decision

The decision has been met with both praise and criticism across the political spectrum. 

“The return to two-way traffic will ease congestion… without creating any additional problems. This road was always congested before. I have never understood the municipality's obstinacy in blocking this thoroughfare that leads to the port of Nice,” said Nice MP Eric Ciotti, a rival of Mr Estrosi, to France3. 

The local Communist Party also backed the court decision. 

“This ruling on the Quai des États-Unis is clear: no one is above the law. Urban development cannot be decided unilaterally, without consultation, and outside the legal framework. Nice cannot be managed as a private fiefdom,” said delegate Julien Picot.

The party is running on a joint ticket for the upcoming 2026 municipal elections with the Green Party, whose members criticised the court’s decision and sided with the mayor..

“We deeply regret that the state refuses to adapt the status of the Promenade des Anglais to allow for developments consistent with the imperatives of active mobility and public health… [it is] a major setback for the ecological transition and the safety of travel in Nice” said member Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux.