The controversial project to modernise Limassol's street network will undergo a number of changes. Cyprus' Department of Public Works has reviewed proposals submitted by the municipality and local residents, agreeing to introduce several adjustments. However, the authorities stressed that a major redesign of the project is impossible, as the reconstruction must be completed by 21 July 2026. Otherwise, European Union funding could be put at risk.
The debate surrounding the project has continued for several weeks. The main source of public criticism has been the installation of hundreds of plastic bollards separating cycling lanes from motor vehicle traffic.
Why the Project Has Sparked So Much Debate
The reconstruction is being carried out under the SUMP (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan), which aims to make Limassol more accessible for cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users while reducing the number of cars on the roads and easing traffic congestion.
The project includes the construction of a continuous cycling route approximately 5 km long, linking several parts of the city. It is funded through the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility, making the completion deadline critically important.
After the protective bollards were installed, many residents complained that the roads had become narrower, parking spaces had been reduced, and access to homes and businesses had become more difficult. In some neighbourhoods, frustrated residents removed some of the bollards themselves, but road maintenance crews reinstalled them, explaining that they are necessary to prevent illegal parking on pavements and cycle lanes.
What Changes Have Been Approved
The most significant changes will affect Emmanouil Roidi Street and Theklas Lysioti Street. Following consultations with the municipality and local residents, officials decided to relocate a substantial section of the cycle lane into the adjacent linear park. This solution will allow for a more convenient traffic layout while reducing the impact on residential neighbourhoods.
As a result of the revised design, some parking spaces will need to be relocated. On Theklas Lysioti Street, particular attention will be given to the area near schools, where short-term stopping for dropping off and picking up children will be maintained. Parking arrangements on Emmanouil Roidi Street will also be adjusted to better meet residents' needs. The remainder of the cycling route will largely remain unchanged.
What Will Happen to the Plastic Bollards
One of the residents' main demands was the removal of the plastic bollards, which have become the symbol of the controversy surrounding the project. The authorities do not intend to remove them completely, but their number will be significantly reduced on most residential streets. Initially, only a small number of bollards will remain at the beginning and end of each section.
The Department of Public Works explained that physical separation of cycling infrastructure is required under current road safety standards. The protective elements can only be removed entirely if the police issue the appropriate approval.
At the same time, experts are considering gradually introducing the shared space concept on some residential streets, where motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians share the same roadway under lower speed limits and with increased awareness from all road users. This approach has already been successfully adopted in many European cities and is considered an effective way to reduce traffic conflicts.
Why the Deadline Cannot Be Changed
The Department emphasises that completing the project by 21 July 2026 is a mandatory condition for receiving European funding. Any major modifications could delay the works and jeopardise financial support from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Once the reconstruction is completed, special bicycle traffic counters will be installed along the route. These devices will measure cycling activity and help assess the effectiveness of the new transport scheme. The collected data will serve as the basis for future improvements to the city's transport infrastructure.
Political Disagreements Continue Within the Municipality
The project has also become the subject of political disagreements within Limassol Municipality. Some members of the Municipal Council claim they were not properly informed about numerous working meetings held with representatives of the Department of Public Works.
Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis has rejected these accusations, stating that the meetings covered not only the SUMP project but also several other infrastructure initiatives. According to him, issues related to the city's transport system have repeatedly been discussed by the relevant municipal committee, where most decisions received support from representatives of different political groups.
Despite the ongoing debate, the authorities have confirmed that the development of environmentally friendly transport and modern urban mobility will remain one of Limassol's key priorities in the coming years.
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