Campaign invites cyclists to 'ride smart' and use bike lanes

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On 16 and 17 June, in a campaign 'Brauc ar galvu' (Ride smart), cyclists will be invited to use bike lanes or trails in places where they are available, rather than using the sidewalk or street, the campaign organizers said.

In order to encourage cyclists to use their infrastructure, representatives of the Pilsēta cilvēkiem (City for People) association will address cyclists travelling on the sidewalk of Aleksandra Čaka Street after 16:00 in Riga on June 16 and 17, inviting them to choose the bicycle lane on the street.

“When moving in a city, especially in the capital, where traffic is very intense, each traffic participant must take care of their own and others' safety. The city is constantly developing, and appropriate infrastructure is installed to accommodate the increasing number of cyclists. Only in special cases – in an environment of intense traffic, in difficult or dangerous conditions – can cyclists also use the sidewalk, but it should be borne in mind that pedestrians always have the upper hand on it. So using the bike infrastructure, where it is available, is not only better, but also safer for pedestrians and cyclists themselves,” said Ilze Šipkēvica, Head of the Communications Department at the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD).

The majority of cyclists (82%) highlight the importance of a safe and convenient infrastructure for cycling in order to improve road safety, as reported by the campaign organizers. At the same time, nearly half (41%) of cyclists admit that they are regularly travelling on the street, even if there is a cycling lane or trail. Sightings show that cyclists often prefer going along the sidewalk, despite there being a bike lane.

The campaign is organized by the CSDD in cooperation with the Alliance City for People, the State Police, Rīgas satiksme, the insurance company ERGO and the fuel retailer Circle K.

 

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