Masarykova Street in Ústí expected to be without bike lanes. Residents have started a petition

The reconstruction will take place over an 800-meter section of Masarykova Street between the city stadium and the municipal parks. The road is set to retain its two to three-lane layout, with parallel or angled parking, and no provisions for cycling traffic. The only improvements include new public transport platforms, pedestrian islands, and additional parking spaces.

The local group Ústí na kole [Ústí by bike – eds.] is calling for a transport solution that reduces the road to two lanes for cars and adds bike lanes. They argue that the street, with its gentle slope and straight path, is already frequently used by cyclists and has even greater potential for cycling traffic. The group also wants the sidewalks, which are in a state of disrepair, to be resurfaced as part of the project. They also question the retention of angled parking spots, which they argue are not suitable for such a busy main thoroughfare, even according to road safety standards.

Members of the Ústí na kole group also criticize that the City’s Architect Office (KAM), the city’s cycling coordinator, and the concerned public were not involved in the reconstruction project. As a result, a petition has been written, calling on the city to revise the plans to ensure safer cycling infrastructure. The petition can be physically signed at six locations in Ústí nad Labem, and people can also print the form themselves.