We observed Mánes Bridge: cycling measures are feasible and do not cause tram delays

Reconstruction of Prague’s Mánes Bridge and the adjacent Jan Palach Square — a key hub for pedestrians and cyclists in the city center — is underway. However, according to available information, the project threatens to bring no improvements for cyclists or pedestrians. The City Hall was reportedly deterred by claims from the Public Transport Company that modifications would allegedly slow down trams, and therefore, so far, no cycling measures or expansions of the inadequate sidewalks and tram stop islands are being planned.

However, our observations indicate that protected bike lanes and the expansion of the tram island would not delay trams. In collaboration with volunteers, we conducted traffic observations on-site—specifically on May 6 and 27, 2025, during afternoon rush hours at three locations. We focused on traffic on Mánes Bridge, its approaches, and at the Staroměstská tram stop. The results are clear: implementing protected bike lanes or widening the tram island would not hold up the trams. The concerns of the Public Transport Company were unfounded, and Prague now has the opportunity to make Mánes Bridge a safe space for cyclists and pedestrians alike. It is up to the city to seize this chance.

Our colleague Dan White also observed

Co jsme zjistili

Mánesův most je důležitou spojnicí páteřních cyklotras A1 a A2. Denně tu projede přes 1000 cyklistů a po předpolích mostu projde více než 4000 chodců. Na Alšově nábřeží se navíc pohybuje kolem 2000 cyklistů denně, a to i přes nevyhovující podmínky. Tramvajovou zastávku Staroměstská kříží mimo přechod denně dalších 2000 až 3000 osob.

Pozorování potvrdilo, že tramvaje se na mostě jen výjimečně pohybují rychleji než kolona, protože se vedle ní zpravidla nevejdou. Na Křižovnické nejsou samotné kolony před signalizací tak dlouhé, aby tramvaje zdržovaly, provoz jim komplikují spíš auta odbočující vlevo z Veleslavínovy.

Co navrhujeme

Na základě pozorování jsme připravili několik konkrétních návrhů, které by šlo zavést rychle, levně a bez stavebních zásahů:

• Zřídit chráněné cyklopruhy na Mánesově mostě oddělené sloupky – bez zásahu do tramvajových kolejí.
• Rozšířit tramvajový ostrůvek Staroměstská ve směru z centra tak, jak už ho Praha měla připravený – pro větší bezpečnost cestujících.
• Zvýšit bezpečnost křížení v oblasti Klárova:

– Namalovat žluté zkřížené čáry (V 12b) na výjezdu z Alšova a Kosárkova nábřeží kvůli zachování volného průjezdu.

– Upravit řadící pruhy do minimální šířky, aby se vozidla držela u obrubníků a neblokovala tramvaje.

– Zřídit cykloobousměrku na výjezdu z Alšova nábřeží.

What We Found

Mánes Bridge is an important connection between the main cycling routes A1 and A2. Over 1,000 cyclists cross it daily, and more than 4,000 pedestrians pass through the bridge’s approaches. Additionally, around 2,000 cyclists use Alšovo Embankment every day, despite the inadequate conditions. The Staroměstská tram stop is crossed daily by another 2,000 to 3,000 people outside of crosswalks.

Our observations confirmed that trams on the bridge rarely move faster than a queue of traffic because there usually isn’t enough space beside them. On Křižovnická Street, queues in front of the traffic signal aren’t long enough to delay trams; rather, cars turning left from Veleslavínova Street complicate their passage.

What We Propose

Based on our observations, we have prepared several specific proposals that could be implemented quickly, inexpensively, and without construction work:

• Establish protected bike lanes on Mánes Bridge separated by posts—without affecting tram tracks.
• Widen the Staroměstská tram island in the direction out of the city center, as Prague had previously planned—for greater passenger safety.
• Improve safety at the Klárov intersection by:

– Painting yellow crossed lines (V 12b) at the exit of Alšovo and Kosárkovo Embankments to keep the passage clear.
– Narrowing the merging lanes to the minimum width so vehicles stay close to the curbs and do not block trams.
– Creating a two-way bike lane at the exit from Alšovo Embankment.

Fig.: Concept of cycling measures on Mánes Bridge: protected bike lanes with flexible posts

Variants of Cycling Route Alignments

At the same time, we have prepared a spatial analysis of possible cycling routes across Mánes Bridge—either as cycling lanes on the bridge using Danish-style separated bike lanes (or conventional bike lanes), or as a two-way cycle path.

For both types of cycling routes on the bridge, we present several variants of traffic organization on both approaches to the bridge. The variants take into account preserving the existing merging lanes and connections to surrounding intersections, while also enabling a safe and clear connection between cycling routes A2 and A15.

The proposed solutions demonstrate that safe cycling can be ensured without major, costly reconstructions, while significantly improving safety and clarity of the space for everyone.

Alšovo embankment

Next Steps

We have sent the report to the City Hall, the Institute of Planning and Development, and the relevant city districts. We have also already met with Vojtěch Ryvola, the transportation councilor for Prague 1, who expressed his support for the proposals. We plan to present them further to the Prague City Council’s cycling commission.

The observations and proposals were prepared thanks to grant support and with the help of volunteers. We thank everyone who contributed.

The proposed measures would contribute to increasing the safety of the most vulnerable road users—cyclists and pedestrians. The need for safe infrastructure for everyone is also highlighted by Call for Zero, an initiative created in cooperation between the AutoMat association and the independent Initiative Zero. Join us by adding your signature and demand safe streets for all. Thank you.