The end of cycling absurdities? Finally, the paths are supposed to create continuity

Roads intended for cyclists are to be separated and connected into a coherent, integrated system – according to the draft act on bicycle routes prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the assumptions of which were published in the government's list of works.

The authors emphasized that the main purpose of the bill is to enable the creation of a safe and functional infrastructure of bicycle routes in Poland. The new regulations are intended to ensure the development of local, regional and national bicycle paths in a “coherent and coordinated manner throughout the country”.

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The project assumes acceleration of the process of implementing investments in bicycle paths, as well as the integration of the Polish system with the European EuroVelo network.

“The essence of the proposed regulations is separation bicycle routes as coherent lines of infrastructure intended for bicycle traffic, regardless of the legal status of their individual sectionswhich may run on public roads, bicycle paths or other internal roads. This allows for a departure from the current, fragmentary approach to bicycle infrastructure and enables the planning and management of bicycle routes in a continuous and functional manner,” the project's assumptions stated.

A national system of bicycle routes will be created

The Ministry of Infrastructure noted that the project also specifies the competences of local government bodies regarding the designation of bicycle routes, cooperation with other units, public road managers and owners or managers of areas where bicycle infrastructure is located.

“The draft act strengthens the role of the voivodeship government as an entity coordinating the development of regional networks of bicycle routes through introducing the obligation to develop strategies and plans, keep electronic registers of routes and agreements, assign route numbers and markings, and collect data on bicycle traffic” – indicated in the assumptions.

The proposed amendment also includes a delegation for the minister responsible for transport to issue a regulation specifying the corridors of national bicycle routes and the method of marking and numbering bicycle routes. (PAP)

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