Prague 5: Development of trolleybuses until 2024, better bicycle transport
Trolleybuses are to return to Five. In Barrandov, the tram line stretched towards Sliven. Cycle lanes are formed. According to Renáta Zajíčková (ODS), the mayor of Prague 5, ecological modes of transport are in demand, but the desire for them must mature in Prague. “We have to identify with a mode of transport that we do not use yet. Now it’s about education and patience, “I think.
Return to the old trolleys
Some bus lines in Prague 5 are awaiting conversion to trolleybuses. “The lines are busy, they run at short intervals and there is not enough space in the depots to be able to charge a large number of machines there,” describes the situation Michal Andelek, project manager from Dopravní podnik hl. m of Prague. Trolleybuses will be dynamic charging. They will recharge their flashlights when driving on trolleys.
The trolleys will be installed in the places through which it takes the longest wishes. However, this is nothing new, trolleybuses drove through Prague for more than thirty years. The last line on the route Orionka – Strahov Stadium ended on October 15, 1972. Now it is returning to Prague, even to the other bank of the Vltava. They will ride in between Palmovka, Letňany a Čakovicemi.
“We implement trolleys where it is most energy efficient,” adds Michal Andelek. Such places are long “risers”, which are full in Prague 5. Then there are places where you often just drive and wait a lot. However, no more poles will grow on the sides of the roads, the existing public lighting lamps will be used to stretch the contact wires, which will only be replaced. “It’s supposed, that line 137 will be the first. If I am a realist and an optimist, trolleybuses could start in 2024, “ Michal Andělek hopes.
Greener?
Although electric buses run on electricity, there is a fear among citizens that the exhausts of trolleybuses will only move beyond Prague, where they will emit the same amount of emissions from the chimneys of energy factories. “On a purely technical level, it is theoretically better if the fumes are discharged beyond Prague because of its inhabitants,” admits Michal Andělek.
However, the factories are said to be far away better emission capture technology than exhausts. In addition, the city’s quality of life will increase and dust will decrease. Because Prague 5 is located in a hilly terrain, they have trolleybuses versus electric buses. Longer hilly terrain is ideal for them. On the other hand, electric buses are more suitable for flatter terrain.
After Prague by bike?
Another of the ecological variants of transport is cycling. It has its pros and cons. “Bikes belong to the city. However, they are not everywhere at all costs. It must be safe for pedestrians and cars, as well as for the cyclists themselves. “ says the mayor of Prague 5. She is of the opinion that bicycle transport should be separated from car transport – which is not very visible in Prague. The current management of the municipality paints the cycle lanes literally in a big way, even on busy arteries, which rather discourage driving.
At the same time, bicycle transport should be separated from automobile transport, agrees Lucie Rýzlerová from the Girls on a Bike project, which helps women ride in the metropolis and beyond. Girls on bicycles organize sports rides and advise on how to move in city traffic.
Conditions for cyclists in the metropolis are currently not ideal, but are gradually improving. “We want all participants to have a great experience from our rides,” explains Lucie. He enjoys the ever-increasing cycle corridors, which are obvious to both pedestrians and drivers. They advise newcomers by bike in public transport not to ride alone from the beginning. “The beginner should also drive slowly and learn predictably”He adds.
Walking as a basic mode of transport
Each participant also walks at some stage of the journey. Whether it’s only five minutes to the parked car or all the way to work. “We want to point out that walking is the most natural and democratic way to travel around the city, “ says Blanka Klimešová from the Pěšky městem association. The association aims to increase the number of children who will be regularly repaired to school on foot.
In 2021, 83 schools are participating in their Walk to School project. As part of their work, they also adjusted a total of one hundred places for the greater safety of schoolchildren. “Parents don’t realize that every car that comes to school will worsen the traffic situation,” claims Blanka Klimešová. According to her, the main reason is not safety, but the comfort of parents who continue to work after unloading their children at school. while doing so parents walking took full advantage of their children ‘s time, and public transport could continue to work. “We are all in a hurry and we feel we do not have time,” he regrets.
“The most important thing is that they feel comfortable and safe. Until these two factors are taken into account, people will not like to walk, “says Blanka. I also think that the metropolis lacks sufficient pedestrian connections. According to her, some intersections are dangerous for pedestrians. Blanka is also active on the Pedestrians portal. Here it is possible to give specific suggestions for improving the situation of pedestrians.
Five healthy and sustainable Jan Dařílek
From left: Lucie Rýzlerová from Girl on a Bike, Blanka Klimešová from Pěška through the City and Mayor of Prague 5 Renáta Zajíčková
Author: Jan Dařílek