Big changes or No changes in Prague?

The whole event was not dissimilar to the moments of tension before the premiere of a long-awaited film or a new iPhone series. There were hints that something was being prepared, but the details were kept secret. There was even a leak of the first images shortly before the event. Moreover, it was spiced up with an action-packed plot, suggesting that everything had already been prepared a long time ago but had remained in drawers, so that the new city representation could identify with it and boast about it.

The presentation was met with positive reactions and boasted about, which in itself is undoubtedly a success in the context of Prague. We received an overview of all the potential plans currently being prepared around the City Hall. Many of them were already known from the past or at least mentioned superficially, so in the end, the most interesting aspect of the whole event was what would be emphasized and what would be completely omitted.

The situation of the Magistrala on the ground was presented by Petr Hlaváček (STAN) as a memo code for future generations. Let’s understand that as a completion of the loops and the introduction of tolls. So, in fact, the process of designing it should slowly begin if someone really meant it seriously and not just as a contribution to a future exhibition of Prague’s curious plans that ultimately never materialized. And the project of a cycling/pedestrian bridge over Masarykovo nádraží along the City Highway, occasionally mentioned in corridors, didn’t appear anywhere at all, so we can consider it dead. Actually, I didn’t mention it either.

The main idea portrayed the Magistrala as a distinct and not particularly attractive object that we inherited from previous generations of wanderers, and that we will gradually revitalize from top to bottom, making it nicer, more pleasant, and more accessible. Since we already have it, let’s make our lives better with it. Some may remember the nearby Negrelli Viaduct, which, even after several years, still failed to become inhabited, but those are just bitter and cynical words.

Despite the slightly bitter tone, I definitely do not want to criticize any of the intentions or take a stance against any presented architectural or urban design. In the context of the entire presentation, I simply wish everyone (I don’t even know whom exactly, maybe all of us) the best of luck so that something actually happens.

And something will happen; there are currently so many projects in progress that essentially doing nothing is not an option. However, how ambitious or meaningful they will be is what matters. In this regard, the viewed presentation was just another showcase of projects that diligent and longtime observers have seen countless times. No deadlines, no final decisions.

Now, it will be discussed in various committees, as was mentioned. Just a few minutes before, Deputy Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) dismissed the outlined stages (1. cycling lane, 2. sidewalk with permitted bike riding, 3. wide sidewalk with bike crossings) as a mere starting point that is not certain in its current form. He envisions progress to be faster, immediately reaching more ambitious goals that are better received by the public, rather than mere changes in signage and painting of underutilized cycling lanes.

All we can do is keep our fingers crossed. But in an environment where the author of this commentary has already seen a detailed project for cycling lanes along the entire length of the Magistrala in the city center (meticulously drawn and completely silenced in discussions), and where the transportation councilor of Prague 1 did not hesitate to ask what purpose a pedestrian crossing in front of the main train station serves (greetings to all who arrived at the main station in the middle of the night with heavy luggage, only to have their bus or taxi stop on the other side of the Magistrala), I am currently refraining from applause.

For me there is little to applaud. When I no longer have to constantly explain that cycling on the Magistrala is indeed legal, I will gladly applaud. I just hope I won’t have to applaud the addition of B8 signs (prohibition of bicycles) to the mix. If that happens within this term, as someone vaguely suggested, I will be pleasantly surprised and only have a positive reaction.