Several local and international media outlets, including POLITICO, previously reported that the law — which sets a speed limit at six kilometers per hour — would also apply to pedestrians.
“I need to explain that [ograniczenie prędkości dla pieszych] this is not true,” police vice-president Rastislav Polakovic told Slovak media. “This rule applies to people using roller skates, scooters, skateboards, skis or similar sports equipment, as well as cyclists up to 10 years old, including people accompanying them. Measurements should focus on these groups,” he added.
The initial announcement sparked a wave of jokes and confusion on social media, with some netizens wondering whether running to catch a bus could result in a fine. The legislation that has been updated by the new amendment covers different users of sidewalks.
The measure, which will come into force on January 1, 2026, was introduced to avoid collisions on sidewalks.
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What speed limit is introduced on sidewalks in Slovakia?
Who is covered by the new speed rules on sidewalks?
When will the new sidewalk regulations come into force?
What were the reactions to the new regulations in Slovakia?
— The main goal is to increase safety on sidewalks due to the increasing number of collisions with scooter users, said the author of the amendment, Lubomir Vazny from the left-populist Smer party of Prime Minister Robert Fico, which is part of the ruling coalition.
The change was met with a sharp reaction from the opposition, non-governmental organizations and political scientists.
— In the Czech Republic, this problem was solved by banning scooters and electric bikes on sidewalks, while the Slovak approach led to a rather strange piece of legislation — political scientist Lubomir Kopecek from Masaryk University in Brno told POLITICO.
Cyclists' support group Cyklokoalicia (Cycling Coalition) said the rules were problematic because they forced children under 10 – who can currently ride bikes on sidewalks – to ride on the road.
