This year, only half way through the works, the network of bicycle tracks in the capital has been completed by almost 8 km, and by the end of the year it will increase to 15 km. This year, the main network of bicycle routes will be filled with various new infrastructure: bicycle paths, bicycle streets, shared pedestrian-bicycle paths. Vilnius has become even more convenient for cyclists thanks to newly appeared bicycle storage facilities, bicycle racks, and directional links.
It is estimated that the total investment in the improvement of cycling and part of pedestrian infrastructure this year will reach about 15 million. euros.
"This year, Vilnius is not slowing down in the development of bicycle infrastructure and is building another 15 km of bicycle tracks. Despite the ever-expanding network of bicycle paths, there are still about 70 km of paths missing in the main, densely populated areas. It is these sections, which will ensure particularly convenient cycling, that are the number one priority. Another task is bicycle infrastructure: bicycle storage, bicycle racks, development of directional bicycle links," says JUDU mobility expert Jonas Simutis.
New bicycle tracks have already appeared on Ateitis, Baltupia, Fermenti, VA Graičiūnas, Galvė, Stasylų, Vinkšų, Liepkalnis, Eigulų and P. Vileišios streets. The installation of new tracks is being completed on Sluški, Žygimantai, Gulbinai and Žaliyų ežerai streets, and part of the sections are awaiting the start of the contract work.
Smart solutions on Vilnius bike paths
This year's innovation is traffic control sensors capable of working efficiently in various weather conditions and at any time of day.
"Thermal cameras integrated in the sensors record the heat emitted by road users, and artificial intelligence algorithms analyze the obtained thermographic images. Thus, these sensors can recognize and distinguish different road users - pedestrians, motorcycles, cars and cyclists - with great accuracy. This tool will help to more effectively monitor the flow of different road users, taking into account the specific time, traffic and weather conditions. Later, the data recorded with the help of sensors will be able to be analyzed and compared when evaluating the travel habits of Vilnius residents", says the JUDU expert.
Currently, the new sensors are operating at 11 intersections in the city: Architektų–Erfurt St., Tuskulėnai–Rinktinės–Žalgirio St., Laisvės–Justiniškių St., Laisvės–Rygos St., Nemenčinės–Saulėtekio St., Žalgirio–Linkmenų St., Rinktinės St. – Šeimyniškių st., L. Asanavičiūtės st., Kareivius–Verkių st., Ukmergės–Geležinio Vilko st. and Kareivių–Žirmūnų st. Cycle paths belonging to the main or inter-regional network of cycle paths run through these intersections. By the end of this year, it is planned to purchase another 20 sensors of the new generation, which will be installed at other intersections that are heavily crossed by bicycles and micromobility devices.
Directional marking of routes
Directional marking of bicycle routes is an auxiliary tool for bicycle infrastructure. Bright orange signs with a bicycle symbol are installed near the intersections and forks of the main network of bicycle routes. Directional signs are intended for more convenient and clearer orientation of cyclists on bicycle paths. They indicate the directions to the nearest and further districts, attractions, as well as the distance and time that the cyclist will take to reach them. More than 25 km of bicycle routes have already been marked with these directional signs, and from this year it is planned to mark up to 10 km of new sections every year.
Look for directions for bicycles on the routes: Šnipiškės - Center, Žirmūnas - Center, Pilaitte - Center, Wolffoot - Old town, Center - Trakai Vokė, Hazelnuts - Center, Karoliniškės - Center, Pashilaičiai - Center.
The increase in the number of cyclists in the city is encouraging
The most popular cycling routes in the capital connect densely populated areas with the city center. For example, Pilaitė - Center, Žirmūnai - Center, Pašilaičiai, Justiniškės, Viršuliškės - Center. Also Olimpiečių, A. Goštauto, Upės streets. In the center, it is popular to roll on Gedimina Ave., Algirdo St. and along the paths popular with cyclists along the Neris and bicycle paths - P. Vileišios street.
in 2023 according to research data - 4,3% of Vilnius city residents choose bicycles for daily trips, which is almost 3% more compared to 2016. when was the systematic development of the bicycle path network infrastructure started. The steadily growing traffic of bicycles in Vilnius is predicted to continue to grow, and by 2030 according to the plan of sustainable mobility in the city of Vilnius, bicycle trips should make up 7,5% of all trips in the city.
"It is nice to see that the cycling infrastructure has been consistently developed for 8 years and its evaluation is reflected in the surveys. Vilnius residents increasingly choose a bicycle or a micromobility device for their daily trips. Another positive trend is that in the cold season, more and more people decide to travel by bicycle. Also, cargo bikes are increasingly seen on the trails of Vilnius, which are extremely popular in Western European cities.
A cargo bike is a relatively expensive vehicle, ranging in price from around a thousand to several thousand euros, so in many cases this type of bike is an alternative to a car. It is likely that we will see these bikes even more often in the capital", J. Simutis shares his insights.
