Notes from Prague’s Cycling Commission before the holidays

The main focus of the last pre-holiday meeting was the space in front of Výstaviště in Prague 7, which will soon be transformed by the new railway viaduct. Discussions also included the planned changes during the tram reconstruction on Seifertova Street. The meeting also addressed the main train station, where the planned development would impact the superior cycling route A5. Various other topics were also discussed.

Cycling solutions in the Výstaviště area

To start, the commission revisited an issue that began in a previous meeting but was not completed. This discussion focused on the layout of the area following the construction of the new railway viaduct in front of the Výstaviště grounds in Prague 7. The public had already been introduced to this topic during a presentation of the conceptual study of the area earlier in February.

According to the Prague cycling master plan, the primary cycling route A6 will pass through this intersection, crossing with routes leading to Stromovka and Strossmayerové Square. The commission first addressed this issue in November 2023 and now reaffirmed its previous stance. The main question discussed was how the cycling route would be implemented, the materials to be used, and how pedestrian interactions would be managed.

The commission strongly recommends that the citywide superior cycling route A6 (Kladno Railway Path) be routed between Bubenská Street and the space in front of Stromovka and Výstaviště along Strojnická Street, between the roadway (in a 30km/h zone) and the railway viaduct (with planned built-ins), in full accordance with the citywide cycling route system, active mobility standards, and the Kladno Railway Path feasibility study. The basic form of the linear section of the route should ideally meet the standard of the road in Stromovka (e.g., between Výstaviště and Ovenecká Street with a 5.5 m wide asphalt strip, including 1-2 continuous rows of trees with a total corridor width of at least 12.50 m), but at a minimum, it should be a 4.0 m wide asphalt strip with lateral safety margins of at least 0.5 m and sufficiently wide adjoining paved areas mainly for walking and recreational activities (at a minimum, as is the case for example on route A2 on Rohanský Island near the Vltava Residence, where the space from the facade of the active parterre of the buildings to the outer edge of route A2 is at least 11.50 m).

November 2023 resolution of the Cycling Commission

What new resolutions were adopted in this pre-holiday meeting?

Proposal No. 13.2: The Cycling Commission (KCD) acknowledges the value of the study for public space and simultaneously emphasizes the future importance of the superior cycling route A6 for cycling transportation.

Voting (8-0-1), the resolution was adopted.

Proposal No. 13.3: The KCD maintains its requirements for the solution of Strojnická Street as per its resolution dated November 5, 2023.

Voting (8-0-1), the resolution was adopted.

Proposal No. 13.4: Along Strojnická Street, the KCD recommends a clear separation of the space for cycling transportation along the green belt.

Voting (8-0-1), the resolution was adopted.

Proposal No. 13.5: In front of Výstaviště, the commission disagrees with the use of split paving stones and strongly recommends a material solution that allows safe and comfortable passage on a smooth, flat surface.

Voting (7-0-2), the resolution was adopted.

Opening of the citywide cycling route network

In this section, the commission primarily addressed a range of measures that, primarily through changes in traffic signage, would enable the opening of several sections of the proposed citywide cycling routes. The list is extensive and can be found in the official meeting minutes.

Proposal No. 13.6: The KCD requests that the Prague Transport Department (ODO MHMP) starts projects to eliminate one-way or two-way blockages of routes within the citywide cycling route system wherever possible without major construction work. The KCD requests the removal of obstacles, especially but not exclusively, in the sections listed in Appendix No. 1. The KCD also requests the ODO MHMP to inform the KCD about the status of this task every three months.

Voting (10-0-0), the resolution was adopted.

Parking reform

The commission also discussed the proposed parking reform and the parking system where it affects possible cycling routes. Two resolutions were voted on, one was adopted, and one was not.

Proposal No. 13.7: The KCD notes that one of the most significant barriers to building safe sections of the citywide cycling route system is the lack of space in the street area, partly due to street parking. Some of the problems arise because vehicle owners who have not secured parking privately outside the public space are significantly favored over those who have taken responsibility for securing their own parking. The KCD therefore recommends that the Council reform the city’s parking policy so that:

• a) In the corridors of superior, backbone, and main cycling routes, in the event of a conflict of interest, in accordance with ČSN 73 6110 (Czech State Standard), it prioritizes the safe and smooth passage of pedestrian and cycling traffic over the maximization of parking spaces.
• b) When resolving parking lanes in conflict with cycling traffic, it makes more use of the option of creating pull-offs in accordance with ČSN 73 6110.

Voting (10-0-0), the resolution was adopted.

Proposal No. 13.8:

• c) The price of parking should reflect the real value of occupying public space as much as possible and should level the playing field with vehicle owners who have secured parking spaces outside the public space, thereby supporting the economically viable establishment or construction of parking capacities outside the public space (e.g., parking garages).

Voting (6-0-4), the resolution was not adopted.

Seifertova Street from Bulhar to Italská

The commission was presented with the current state of work on the reconstruction of the Seifertova tram line and related projects.

Proposal No. 13.9: The KCD notes the insufficient solution for cycling routes in the submitted document and requests that the Technical Road Administration (TSK) and the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) present and discuss it at the next commission meetings. The commission recommends adhering to active mobility standards with priority on superior routes and emphasizing the logical connection with the Vítkov railway path, including the entrance at the main station.

Voting (10-0-0), the resolution was adopted.

Accessibility of the main train station area

In response to the controversial proposal and discussions regarding changes to the zoning plan affecting potential construction over the main train station tracks, the cycling commission also discussed this topic. The commission primarily addressed the fact that the city plans to route major cycling paths through the proposed development area, aiming to connect Vršovice, the Main Train Station, Žižkov, and Libeň. There is a risk that the planned development might not consider the cycling route A5.

According to the plans, route A5 should connect to the Vítkov railway trail and continue through a tunnel behind the main train station, linking the cycling path along the railway tunnels to the Vršovice railway promenade. However, this is only a prospective plan without concrete steps for near-term implementation.

Proposal No. 13.10: The KCD notes that based on publicly available information and actions by representatives of the private investor and Prague 2 District, steps are being taken that could lead to intensive urbanization of the area over part of the main train station tracks and its immediate surroundings. The commission reminds that this area is a junction of key citywide routes (especially the A4 in the SJM [North-South Highway – the Magistral] corridor and A5 between the Vítkov railway trail and Vršovice, with a connection to A24 – Vinohradská Street and the Muzejní oáza). The KCD demands transparent discussions on the development of the entire area around the Main Train Station and the ensurance of comprehensive solutions for citywide significant routes and connections as an integral part of any transport or urban plan from the initial feasibility studies.

Voting (10-0-0), the resolution was adopted.

Proposal No. 13.11: The commission also reminds of the nearby transformation area to the north („Florenc 21“), where the appropriate standard for three citywide cycling routes was hindered by other construction and spatial regulations.

Voting (8-0-2), the resolution was adopted.

Other matters

In conclusion, the cycling commission was informed that the city council is analyzing the possibilities of implementing specific support measures for cargo bikes with subsidies from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Additionally, the case of Pod Kaštany Street was presented, where Prague 6 plans traffic changes. The changes mainly include additional parking and bike lanes. However, the overall solution for bikes raises concerns, especially in the context of the previously considered promenade to Stromovka. The city council is dissatisfied with the proposed solution and would like the project to be revised.