The Limassol authorities have decided to review one of the most widely discussed projects of recent months. Some of the plastic bollards installed along the new cycle lanes will be removed and replaced with other traffic management measures.
The announcement was made by Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades. According to him, Limassol Municipality and the Public Works Department have managed to reach a compromise that will preserve road safety while also taking residents’ concerns into account.
Some bollards will be replaced with other safety measures
The Public Works Department has already prepared an updated proposal and submitted it to Limassol Municipal Council for consideration. Under the plan, plastic bollards will be removed from several sections and other engineering solutions will be used to protect cyclists. The exact measures will be announced once the project is approved.
The minister said that he had personally instructed senior engineers to visit the affected areas, assess the situation on site and identify the most suitable alternatives. Work will begin without delay once the municipal council grants its approval.
Why the project caused so much controversy
The new plastic bollards appeared at the beginning of summer on Theklas Lysioti, Emmanouil Roidi and Nikou Pattichi streets, as well as near the court buildings. They were installed as part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, which provides for the development of cycling infrastructure and improved road safety.
However, the project received a mixed response. Many residents and shop owners said that the bollards spoil the appearance of the streets, make parking more difficult and create inconvenience for motorists. In June, municipal workers even temporarily removed some of the barriers near schools so that parents could safely drop off their children. Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis supported the development of cycling infrastructure but described the installed plastic structures as an unsuccessful solution from the perspective of urban aesthetics.
Authorities admit shortcomings in communication with residents
According to Vafeades, consultations on the project were held repeatedly, but many residents did not understand exactly what changes would be introduced near their homes. He acknowledged that public information had been insufficient.
At the same time, the minister stressed that safety requirements are developed jointly with the police and must be followed. However, specific engineering solutions may be adjusted provided that this does not reduce the level of safety. In future, the authorities intend to involve residents more actively in discussions of similar projects before construction work begins.
Cycle lanes will remain part of Limassol’s development strategy
Despite the changes, the authorities do not intend to abandon the development of cycling infrastructure. Limassol continues to implement projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion, promoting environmentally friendly transport and improving the quality of the urban environment. Such initiatives are in line with the European policy on sustainable mobility and are funded with the support of national and European programmes.
According to the minister, the goal is not only to build new cycle lanes, but also to find solutions that are convenient for cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and local businesses alike.
We are creating a city for future generations. But this must be done gradually, through dialogue with residents and with respect for their everyday lives, Vafeades stressed.
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Photos: dialogos.com.cy
