What are the city districts planning: Prague 8

Do you have plans to construct new bike paths, mark cycling lanes, or legalize cycling routes in your district in the coming years? If so, where?

In June 2023, we opened the second section of an expanded and newly renovated pedestrian and cycling path, added public lighting, and connected it to the new Štvanická footbridge. We also plan to request the marking of a shared pedestrian crossing and a crossing for cyclists leading from Karlín Šaldova Street over Rohanské Embankment to Breitfeldova Street to improve access to the new A2 cycling route. We have already made a similar request in the Thámova-U Mlýnského kanálu area, which we are currently discussing with the City of Prague.

After the reconstruction of U Českých loděnic Street and the completion of the asphalt work in Karlín, the weakest link in the A2 route will be the section alongside Povltavská Street. The construction of the new path was originally planned to begin in 2021. What is the current schedule?

Regarding the new A2 bike path along Povltavská Street (directly along the river), there was a reconsideration of the final design, width, and surface of the path in agreement with the City of Prague and the Institute of Planning and Development of the City of Prague (IPR). We aim to preserve the natural character of this location, so after numerous discussions, the project was changed to reflect its historical appearance, including the surface, which will not be asphalt but rather a combination of cobblestone and stone paving. This path will be more suitable for leisurely use, such as walking, slow cycling, and spending free time by the river. The first phase of reconstruction, from Libeňský zámeček to Povltavská Street, has already been completed, and the current discussion about the change in construction is taking place at the building authority. Implementation is expected next year. Additionally, the Technical Administration of Roadways (TSK) is already planning significant improvements to the cycling connection on the upper part of Povltavská Street, including widening the sidewalk to 3.5 meters and adding traffic signage for pedestrians and cyclists. This will finally give the A2 cycling route a dignified and relatively high-capacity form, even in the challenging section along Povltavská Street.

Prague 8 is a large district with many housing estates served by streets with heavy traffic. Will the district be preparing bike paths along streets like Střelničná, Čimická, K Pazderkám, and others?

Adjustments to traffic signage are being prepared along Střelničná and K Pazderkám streets to allow cycling on the sidewalks in these sections.

The dispute over contraflow bike lanes in Karlín has been resolved. Is the district considering establishing additional contraflow bike lanes to help people on bikes avoid busy streets? If so, where?

We continuously consider suggestions from citizens. We can establish contraflow bike lanes after discussions with the traffic department and traffic police. Generally, we don’t object to it if there is demand for it in certain sections. In fact, we introduced contraflow bike lanes in Karlín on a widespread basis back in 2012, as one of the first districts in Prague to do so. The subsequent dispute, primarily involving state authorities, was not pleasant, and we, in cooperation with colleagues, initiated a series of negotiations that ultimately contributed to its resolution.

Is the district planning to improve conditions for cycling from the city center to uphill housing estates through the legalization of bike paths or changes to the traffic regime, such as in Trojská Street?

The reconstruction of Trojská Street is currently being prepared by TSK, and it will consider cyclists as well.

Are there plans to add more bike racks in the streets?

We regularly request bike racks based on citizen feedback, although in some streets, it’s challenging to install them due to the number of utilities. Recently, we had bike racks installed by TSK on nám. Dr. Václava Holého and on Pernerova Street (near the Thámova intersection), and our traffic department is also looking into additional locations.

What are your plans regarding bike-sharing? Are you striving to create a denser network of bike-sharing parking and/or to expand it?

Since last year, we have been continuously marking parking spaces for bikes, scooters, and motorcycles on the road, mostly in traffic shadows or instead of yellow lines in front of crosswalks. Currently, we have about 30 such parking locations in Karlín, approximately 7 near Palmovka (+ 5 new locations on the sidewalk directly at metro entrances, designated for bikes and scooters only), and about 10 around Ládví.

Additional locations for Karlín and Libeň are in preparation. These spaces can naturally be used for bike-sharing services, and we always negotiate with operators to allow their users to park at these locations.

How else do you plan to improve cycling conditions in your district?

Our goal is to build separate infrastructure for all modes of transportation. It must no longer happen that during reconstructions, various modes of transportation are merged into a single traffic lane, as occurred in 2018 during the reconstruction of Zenklova Street. This created a significant problem, especially for public transportation, and currently, this street is the worst in terms of public transportation delays in all of Prague. This, of course, does not benefit the flow of cycling traffic.

In this current term, which construction or change will have the most positive impact on pedestrian and cycling transportation in your district?

Primarily, it will be the adjustment of Povltavská Street (see point 2). The inappropriate white lane on the sidewalk will be removed, and unpleasant obstacles like lampposts for public lighting will be eliminated, creating a dedicated corridor for cycling.

Which foreign city serves as an inspiration for you in the field of transportation?

Everywhere where they manage to separate various modes of transportation, it benefits all participants in traffic.

Do you ever use a bicycle to get around the city? Why or why not?

I am more of a recreational cyclist, so I enjoy riding with my family outside the city.

Do you follow our magazine?

Yes.

Thank you for the interview!