The reconstruction of Dukelských hrdinů in Prague 7: What will it look like?

From June 2024 to December 2025, a one-kilometer section of Dukelských hrdinů and U Výstaviště streets will be reconstructed, specifically between Strossmayerové Square and Bubenská Street. The transformation aims to enhance this commercial avenue, particularly by widening sidewalks, establishing barrier-free stops, adjusting pedestrian crossings, and adding street furniture. There will also be underground containers for sorted waste and better spaces for restaurant terraces.

In terms of cycling infrastructure, an advisory bike lane will be added along the entire length. Larger vehicles will be able to encroach on this lane. It will not be separated by height, color, or space and will partially run alongside parked cars. At the new barrier-free tram stop on Strossmayerové Square, cyclists will share the lane with cars. Compared to the current state, the new smooth surface on U Výstaviště Street will be a significant improvement.

The only more separated piece of cycling infrastructure will be at the Dukelských hrdinů – U Výstaviště intersection (the tram loop), where a separated crossing will allow for an indirect left turn towards Stromovka.

A missed opportunity?

Dukelských hrdinů Street will be another Prague street where only an advisory bike lane will be created after reconstruction. Unlike the original visualizations, it will not be colored, and at the tram stop, it will merge with car traffic. The comfort of the bike lane will also be compromised as it will run alongside parked cars for about half its length. This includes U Výstaviště Street, which is wide enough and previously had no parking bays. In part of Dukelských hrdinů Street, the bike lanes will be downgraded from dedicated bike lanes to advisory bike lanes.

The city will thus miss another opportunity to build safe, separated infrastructure for cycling. Councilor Pavel Zelenka (Praha sobě) stated that a bike lane could not fit into the street spatially, as its creation would mean narrowing the sidewalks or reducing parking. (Note: P. Zelenka’s statement was previously incorrectly reported, as the bike lane could only be created by reducing parking.)

The only way to „save“ this current solution would be to color the bike lanes, at least at intersections. This would visually narrow the street, contributing to calming traffic and improving the perceived safety for cyclists.

You can find the entire coordination plan for the reconstructed section here.