Mariánské Lázně removes contraflow bike lane in the city center

Mariánské Lázně introduced the contraflow bike lane on Hlavní Street in 2019, between the Cristal Palace Hotel and the Pacifik Hotel. The measure created a contraflow lane on a sufficiently wide road, allowing for a better traffic flow for cyclists in the spa town. This enabled cyclists to reach their destinations more quickly, without unnecessary detours and avoiding high-speed roads. The speed limit on Hlavní Street is 30 km/h.

This year, the City Council decided to remove this contraflow bike lane. City spokesperson Václava Simeonová told Městem na Kole that the decision was made based on frequent complaints from locals. The traffic and urban planning and architecture commissions also evaluated the measure as unsuitable. The main complaint was about the limited visibility for drivers leaving parking spaces or delivering goods to businesses. Without a passenger to assist, drivers found it difficult to see cyclists in the contraflow bike lane.

However, some citizens criticize the removal of the cycling measure. „A European rarity. We are removing bike lanes,“ one citizen commented on the city’s Facebook page. „Functional bike paths are being built all over Europe, and alternative transportation options to cars are being supported in cities. In Mariánské Lázně, it seems we’re going against the trend,“ wrote Monika.

No replacement yet

Currently, bike routes 2136, 2140, and 2254 run in both directions on the street. For example, due to the removal of the contraflow bike lane, Mariánské Lázně theoretically reroutes bike route 2254 southbound onto Pramenská and Ruská streets, which are busier and not in a 30 km/h zone. Routes 2136 and 2140 are extended by about 500 meters, and cyclists now have to pass through more intersections.

The city plans to rectify the bike route signage in the future, with a complete revision of the navigation system.

An alternative solution?

The city council does not see the removal of the bike lane as a final solution. According to the spokesperson, the city, together with advisory bodies, is seeking a more suitable alternative. One possibility under consideration is the legalization of cycling on the right sidewalk (when looking uphill on Hlavní Street).

Plans for the future

The city does not currently plan to remove any additional cycling measures. On the contrary, Mariánské Lázně is now constructing a 200-meter section of the bike route at the point where cycling route L604 crosses the city bypass, allowing cyclists to avoid riding on this high-speed road. Cyclists will only need to cross the road itself.

Additionally, a pedestrian and cycling path is planned in the Hamrníky district, for which the city has already obtained a building permit. The city has also commissioned a study for a bike path from Penny to Skláře along Plzeňská Street. Work on the project documentation is currently underway, with implementation planned for 2026.