We must have vision and courage in transport, says the Hradec Deputy. The East Bohemian metropolis entered the Cykloměsto 2024 Hall of Fame

In mid-January, we went to Hradec Králové to officially induct the city into the Hall of Fame of Cykloměst 2024. Just like last year, the East Bohemian metropolis ranked highest in the survey of cycle-friendly cities, and according to the rules, it is being taken into the Hall of Fame. Mr. Lukáš Řádek, the deputy mayor of Hradec Králové, took over the second plaque from us. Congratulations.

“Our commitment to creating and developing infrastructure for cyclists is constantly growing. I believe that the support of this form of transport is one of the most fundamental steps that city policy can offer,” said deputy Lukáš Řádek at the beginning. One of the biggest tasks now facing Hradec is the “revitalization and humanization” of Velké náměstí, which today serves primarily as a parking lot.

The square is in for a big change

Hradečtí has ​​now prepared a study according to which a shared zone should be created here, and they are preparing tender documents for the selection of a designer. This is not just about traffic engineering measures, but about the complete reconstruction of the square and adjacent streets from the point of view of the surfaces and all the networks below them. “Ideally, construction could start in 2027. I believe that every right initiative will eventually win,” explains the deputy. He also believes that one day we will be able to compare ourselves to Denmark and its progressive approach to urban transport.

At the Hradec railway station you will find bicycles for all weather conditions

Shared bikes rock

Hradec Králové is also the only Czech city that can boast Nextbike shared bikes in a completely new urban visual, and it was on them that we arrived from the station to the municipality building. “I am very satisfied with this cooperation, in contrast to the state of the cycling infrastructure. What will we talk about, it could be better,” says Řádek. According to him, Nextbikes are an important symbol of sustainable mobility, unlike electric cars, which take up valuable space just like cars with combustion engines. “Gočárova třída is an exhibition, but no one has a reason to walk along it, because a four-lane highway leads there. I see a lot of room for improvement there.”

Inspiration from Paris: Where can Hradec be in a few years?

“My dream is to see Hradec as a city where movement is pleasant for everyone – whether you walk, ride a bike, or drive. In some parts of the center, I could imagine lower speed limits, more space for pedestrians, or more generous cycle lanes, which would increase safety and comfort,” explains Lukáš Řádek. At the same time, however, he emphasizes that the path to such changes must be deliberate and gradual. “Our goal is that every measure has a clear meaning, benefits the cit,y and respects the needs of its residents. We have unified the transport agenda under one Mobility Concept and Strategy department, which allows us to plan transport as a whole – not only cars but also cyclists and pedestrians.”

The AutoMat expedition tested shared bikes in city colors

The city as an experiment

Car-Free Day, which is celebrated in Hradec not only formally, but also by actually closing the streets and returning them to people for a few hours, also helps the municipality to change its view of traffic. “It helps to realize that if you subtract the places where pedestrians cannot go in this spacious city, you won’t have much space left,” explains the deputy. For the same purpose, they also use parklets the size of one car, which the city places in public spaces. “It’s very interesting to watch the reactions,” he smiles. According to him, when it comes to transport, bold solutions need to be made, not compromises. And you must not miss the vision.

School Street celebrates success

In September 2024, as part of the School Mobility Plans, the city introduced a school street at the Josef Gočár school in V Lipkách Street. Despite the initial skepticism, the school management is enthusiastic after half a year. Just like parents and children. Based on this success, directors of other schools are also asking for similar solutions. “Where it makes sense in terms of traffic, we will certainly expand the system of school streets,” confirms the deputy. Safer journeys to school will certainly be appreciated by all concerned.

One of the places that, according to Řádek, deserves to be improved

How to change people’s thinking

Another challenge that awaits the municipality is to take measures so that people in cars do not cut their way through pedestrian zones. “Despite the clear road markings, it is not a de facto pedestrian zone, we are regularly visited by vans and courier services who think that the rules do not apply to them,” says Řádek. The city intends to change this unpleasant status quo with the help of an entry system that clearly defines who can and cannot drive through a given place. “Even though I wasn’t a full supporter of it, we finally came to this solution after a long debate. If people’s thinking doesn’t change, we’ll have to try to push it over with a column,” Řádek shrugs.

To be counted among the European leaders

And what does the plaque we brought him mean to him? “We would like to compare ourselves to Copenhagen, Stuttgart and Leipzig. We live in Europe and we would like to be a part of it,” he says with a clear vision. Hradec Králové is working on key projects that bring the city closer to modern European standards.

These include, for example:

• Quick connection of backbone bike paths that will connect strategic parts of the city.
• Introduction of area zones with quiet traffic, including the so-called thirty-something zones and residential streets, which will significantly increase the safety and comfort of movement.
• Comprehensive planning of new infrastructure – not only cycle paths, but also safe transitions, cycle lanes and cycle lanes.

In Hradec, you can also “catch” an electric bike

“These projects are not just transport solutions, but an investment in a healthier and friendlier city,” explains the deputy. “It’s basic infrastructure that should have been done a long time ago. But now we have to proceed smartly so that all solutions make sense and correspond to the needs of the city.”

What about his vision? “My dream is a flat-rate thirty-kilometer speed limit in the city center, more separate bike lanes, and a reduction in inadequately high parking minimums. It’s a way to bring Hradec closer to truly modern European cities,” he says. However, he perceives the award not only as a recognition of the work done so far but also as a commitment. “We have a chance to be an inspiration for other Czech cities and to show that bold steps bring results.” And we in Hradec hope that this drive will last him in the future.

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