Prague 1 Introduced the “Dream” Contraflow Bike Lane on Jungmannova Street

The first new contraflow lane since 2022

The last time a contraflow lane was added in Prague 1 was in 2022—five of them were created that year. Since then, the district had not approved any new sections, often due to objections from officials or the police. Jungmannova is thus the first new contraflow bike lane in more than three years.

According to 2019 City Hall data, an average of about 200 people on bikes traveled daily toward Národní, with another 60 riding in the opposite direction. Legalizing contraflow cycling therefore reflects the actual use of Jungmannova Street and provides a safer, legal connection southward toward Karlovo náměstí, the Prague 1 town hall, and Vodičkova Street.

The measure was pushed through by transport councilor Vojtěch Ryvola (GEN, formerly ANO), who said he himself commutes to work along this route by bike. The AutoMat association also contributed, preparing a draft traffic signage plan in the spring that was used as the basis for the final design.

Connection to older sections

The new contraflow bike lane connects to the one between Palackého and Charvátova Streets, created in 2018. At that time, it was introduced as an accompanying measure to restrictions on cycling in pedestrian zones in the city center—rules that no longer apply today. Now, the two sections are linked, giving cyclists a continuous route from the pedestrian zones at Můstek and from Národní toward the southern part of New Town.

Parking changes and safer passage

The project also included adjustments to parking—angled spaces were converted into parallel ones, which freed up room for the contraflow lane while also improving the appearance and overall accessibility of the street.

The contraflow is marked as a protected bike lane along the entire stretch. Thanks to the smooth asphalt surface and clear layout, a new alternative has been created to Vodičkova or Spálená Streets, where cycling is made difficult by cobblestones and heavy tram traffic.

Perlová Street and the stretch toward City Hall remain unchanged

Originally, a contraflow bike lane was also considered for Perlová Street, which would have connected Jungmannova to Uhelný trh. However, the district council did not approve the proposal, as it would have required reducing parking spaces in Perlová—something Prague 1 does not want to do.

The southern continuation of Jungmannova toward Prague 1 City Hall on Vodičkova Street also remains unchanged. Introducing a contraflow lane there would again require a significant reduction in parking, which the council has so far rejected. At present, the contraflow lane only covers the section between Národní and Palackého.