Improving cycling infrastructure
When it comes to sustainability, it doesn’t take long to find solutions, after all, the bicycle has already been invented!
Cycling and other micromobility in the city not only helps to reduce air pollution, climate change emissions and traffic congestion, but also improves the health of the residents of the city, and gives them the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and in green spaces.
Recognising the importance of sustainable mobility both in fighting against climate change and in promoting physical activity in the city, Vilnius is striving to become a paradise for cycling enthusiasts and is rapidly expanding the cycle path infrastructure of the city.
Vilnius is the home of cyclists
The capital aims to increase the number of cycling trips by as much as 5 times by 2030. This is a very ambitious goal, but with a lot of hard work and motivation from the population, we are confident that it will be achieved.
We can be pleased to see that in 2017 only 1.5% of all trips in the city were made by bicycle, and this figure will rise to 4.3% in 2024, and this is definitely not the end.
What are we doing to make the vision a reality?
- By 2027, we are planning to build 15-20 km of new cycle paths every year to expand the network from the current 160 km to over 200 km. The aim is to ensure that cycle lanes are within 250 m of 90% of Vilnius residents’ homes. These plans will allow Vilnius residents and visitors to cycle comfortably and safely throughout the city.
- We are developing cycle routes that will connect educational institutions, jobs and services in residential areas. This will make cycling a part of everyday mobility, not just recreation.
- Together with private initiatives, up to 30 bicycle repair stations have been installed and are now operational in the city.
- We are developing cycling routes for fitness and sightseeing tourism, which will allow you to get to know the city better and spend quality time in nature.
Streets where bicycles prevail
- Vileišio Street is the first real bicycle street in Lithuania, where cyclists are provided with fully safe movement conditions. The street is marked with a bicycle street sign, has a complete infrastructure and meets the requirements for this type of street, and is perfectly adapted for cyclists.
Vilnius has a growing number of similar bicycle streets. Cyclists have priority on them. M.K. Čiurlionio, Z. Sierakausko, Klimo and Krokuvos streets have special bicycle street signs that allow cyclists to ride across the entire width of the street. The signs prohibit car drivers from overtaking cyclists when pulling out into the oncoming lane, and prohibit speeds above 30 km/h.
Quieter, safer and more comfortable streets
In the capital, you can increasingly find streets with slower cars, narrower lanes, more greenery and more space for pedestrians, where cyclists are just as much owners of the road as cars. These are quiet traffic streets, which aim to provide a safer, cleaner and quieter environment for all residents and visitors. It is planned that by 2030, the majority of streets used for access to homes and institutions will be redesigned according to quiet traffic principles.
Multifunctional storage facilities available to everyone
To further facilitate the use of sustainable vehicles, 18 multifunctional bicycle storage facilities have been installed in the city. These are places where you can safely leave your two-wheeled vehicles, charge them, and fix minor faults with the available tools. These storage facilities are particularly convenient for those who love cycling but do not have the possibility to store their vehicle at home.
The new municipal buildings are also being equipped with new infrastructure such as bicycle racks, changing rooms and showers. This encourages people to travel to work sustainably.
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to promote health, maintain a sustainable lifestyle and contribute to the growth of a green capital. See you on the road!
What can you do?
Want to promote sustainable mobility? We invite to choose public transport, plan a bike ride and try out the footpaths! And don’t forget that you can combine different modes of transport – take a scooter to the bus stop and then continue your journey by public transport. This not only saves time and improves your health, but also reduces air pollution and noise in the city.