Lithuanian cities will be able to introduce cycle streets from June 1. The special streets, marked with a new road sign, will be dedicated to mixed traffic of bicycles and cars.
“The opening of cycle streets is a new step in promoting sustainable mobility in cities. These are streets where cyclists will be able to ride freely, not necessarily on the right-hand edge of the road, while cars will have to adapt to their speed,” Julius Skackauskas, Deputy Transport and Communications Minister, said in a press release.
Cycle streets will be available on quiet, slow traffic streets where there is no possibility to install bike lanes. The aim of such streets is to address the lack of cycling infrastructure in Lithuania and make cycling as safe as possible, according to the ministry’s press release.
On cycle streets, all road users will be allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Cyclists will be able to ride freely on such roads, not necessarily on the right-hand edge as on regular roads.
Overtaking in the oncoming lane will not be allowed on cycle streets, except to pass a vehicle parked in the same lane.
It will be up to the city councils to decide where to introduce such streets that will be marked with a new “cycle street” road sign.
It is expected that cycle streets will encourage more people to choose an environmentally friendly and healthier mode of transportation. Cycling currently accounts for around 7% of all journeys in Lithuanian cities. The aim is to increase this figure to 12% until 2030. (LRT/Business World Magazine)