Czech Ports Loses Battle over Cycle Lanes in Holešovice: Court Rules in Favor of Prague 7

The case was first reported by the news site Česká justice. The dispute concerned modifications on Jankovcova Street, where Prague 7 marked out 200-meter-long „protective“ cycle lanes last year. The goal was to improve cycling conditions while calming traffic in the residential neighborhood. The local authority was also reacting to the growing number of people cycling in Holešovice. As part of the measures, designated parking spaces and a pedestrian corridor were also added.

In its official objection, České přístavy a.s. argued that this is the only access route connecting the port to the D8 motorway. The company claimed that the narrowed driving lanes complicate the passage of freight trucks, including oversized cargo or vessels being transported during floods. Prague 7 dismissed the objections, stating: „Given its width, a heavy goods vehicle cannot drive side-by-side with a cyclist. Therefore, they must drive behind one another, just as they did before.“

Following this response, the company decided to take the matter to court.

Court rejects the appeal

However, the court rejected České přístavy’s appeal and arguments. The Supreme Administrative Court stated that a „protective“ cycle lane (defined by law as a cycle lane) is not an impassable barrier, and that the law allows truck drivers to enter it in justified cases. According to the court, the obligation to respect cyclists and overtake them safely existed even before the cycle lanes were painted.

According to Česká justice, the ruling confirms that courts will not interfere with the transport policies of municipal districts, provided the measures are properly justified and comply with the law. In its judgment, the Supreme Administrative Court noted, among other things, that its role is not to find the „single ideal solution,“ but to assess the legality of the measures adopted.

České přístavy and cycling infrastructure

The company České přístavy a.s. has repeatedly opposed projects aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists in the past. In Prague 5, for instance, it opposed a proposed footbridge that would have provided a better connection between Smíchov and Císařská louka island on the primary A1 cycle route. A similar dispute took place regarding the A2 cycle route in Libeň.