Full statement by the Cyclists Union, published by Index on December 2, 2016:
“On December 1st the reconstructed Gajeva street was opened. A novelty here that follows in the trend of European towns, and was not expected, is another cycling benchmark for Zagreb. For the first time in this city new traffic regulation was introduced which, along with a speed recommendation of 30 km/h, allows for the road to be completely equally shared by motor vehicles and cyclists! Also, cyclists now have a marked stopping area at the stoplight, which places them ahead of automobiles and enables faster and safer passage through the intersection.
We did not expect this, especially since we were told it is not in the plan of reconstruction. Instead of a white line in the middle of the east sidewalk, which would again take away spaces from pedestrians, something we’ve been fighting for five years, cyclists were enabled to move in equality with automobiles.
Once everyone is accustomed to this new and currently unique situation in Zagreb, traffic in Gajeva should be quite pleasant and safe for cyclists. We are very pleased with this positive novelty. We hope this practice will soon spread to the rest of the Lower Town and then on to all of Zagreb.”
The Cyclists Union mentions this type of traffic regulation is possible under the Ordnance on Cycling Infrastructure, active from the spring of this year, with cities allowed two years for adaptation.
“After being actively involved in the formation of the Ordnance, we are glad it is coming alive in the field with two new traffic solutions implemented in Gajeva street: the marked stopping area at the stoplight and the marking known as sharrow that signals to motor vehicles that a cyclist can occupy the lane and has priority.”
It sees Zagreb does have room for cycling infrastructure. What follows is education of all traffic participants on how to behave in these new situations, while the Cyclists Union has announced they will work on just that with the police.
