A new elementary school in Šeberov has a bike path and bike shed, but lacks connection to the village

The modern new school has a capacity of approximately 500 students, accommodates both primary and secondary levels, and includes a large sports hall. The project also took into account sustainable mobility infrastructure, with the preservation and enhancement of the pedestrian and cycling path along K Hrnčířům Street in front of the school. A wide raised crosswalk ensures safe access to the new public transport stops.

Chip-operated lockers and bike shed

Students who ride their bikes to school can park them in a covered bike shed located to the right of the main entrance. The parking area for bicycles and scooters has a capacity of 32 bikes. The mayor of Šeberov, Petra Venturová (Pro lepší obec and STAN), told Městem na kole that the area is monitored by cameras, which are already installed and visible. She added that the district also plans to expand the caged bike shelters. These will be accessible with individual chips, while the currently open shelter will be used, for example, by parents who accompany their children to school and wish to continue their journey by public transport.

How is the elementary school connected to the network of cycling paths? The school is connected to non-motorized infrastructure by a path along K Hrnčířům Street. This path has been in place for more than 10 years, and now its surface has been partially improved, with shared crossings added at the new driveways to the school.

The catch is that at neither end of the path along K Hrnčířům Street is there a proper and safe connection to the village. North of the school, towards Šeberov, the path ends after 100 meters. At this point, cyclists are supposed to continue on the road, as the only option between the street and the Jordánek pond is a narrow asphalt sidewalk, where cycling is not legally allowed.

Mayor Petra Venturová cited property rights as the reason for the disconnection near Jordánek pond: “Currently, the dam of Jordánek pond is privately owned, and due to regulations on what an official pedestrian and cycling path should look like, it is practically impossible to route an official cycling path over the dam.” Regarding the possibility of introducing a sidewalk with legal bike access, she responded: “We will discuss traffic signage and any potential additions with the road administration department, the transport department of Prague 11, and the Czech state police.”

The Prague 11 office rejected the request to legalize cycling on the narrow path, stating that it cannot be resolved due to the current width limitations. In 2022, they added that cycling infrastructure will be addressed comprehensively in the future, along with connections to surrounding districts.

On the Hrnčíře side, the path also does not connect to the village. As a safe alternative, the mayor recommends using the gravel path along the construction site at Hrnčířské meadows, which can be reached by crossing K Hrnčířům Street. After the path ends, it’s necessary to cross K Labeškám Street and continue along streets or paths parallel to the main road. A longer option is to take the path towards Rozkoš and then return a bit along the path into Hrnčíře “from behind.”

“Alternatively, some people choose to ride in traffic on the main road,” adds the mayor. According to traffic counts from 2023, up to 6,000 vehicles pass along K Hrnčířům Street daily.

Mayor Petra Venturová concluded by noting that in the future, this problem may be solved by a planned expansion project for the elementary school, which will include a high school. These will be connected to Šeberov by the back road K Rozkoši, allowing students to reach the school by bike or on foot, completely avoiding the main road.

In summary, the new elementary school between Šeberov and Hrnčíře is not doing too badly in terms of cycling options. The new building includes a covered bike shelter, with lockable compartments planned. A proper cycling path, separated from car traffic, leads to the school, making it safe for both children and adults. The major issue, however, is the lack of connections: students either have to face the heavy and dangerous traffic on K Hrnčířům Street in the morning or break traffic rules by riding on the sidewalk from an early age. It is encouraging that the municipality is aware of these shortcomings and plans to address them in the future.

Investing in safe cycling infrastructure pays off.

Comparing the new Šeberov school with the Elektra school in Prague 9, which opened last year, feels like night and day. The key is to ensure that children have the option to get to school „on their own,“ whether on foot, by scooter, or by bike. This gives children, parents, and teachers independence, provides the necessary regular exercise, and avoids traffic jams that even public transport often gets stuck in. Natural movement „built into“ everyday life promotes the health of the younger generation, which is increasingly facing obesity and other health issues associated with a lack of physical activity. Investment in safe cycling and pedestrian infrastructure simply pays off for society.