I can confirm that there was very significant progress with cycling infrastructure in Vilnius over the past few years. This also resulted in a textbook case of "build and they will come" aka induced demand. The number of cyclists in Vilnius increased perhaps 10-fold over the last ~10 years based on my personal observations of many years of cycling in this city. Yes, I used to cycle even before those bicycle paths and it sucked. Still there is a lot of space for improvement, especially when it comes to safety features of those new bicycle paths. For example car entrances/exists to nearby carparks or other territories often lack effective safety features or warning signs for drivers which often result in accidents or conflicts. Also there is severe lack of awareness of drivers how to behave in situations where they have to deal with cyclists. Some cyclists, and especially electric scooter drivers, would also benefit from some awareness and knowledge of how to behave on a bicycle path. All in all, very good, but can still be much better.
First bicycle paths were paved in Vilnius in the late 80s. What is more, Vilnius technical university was the leading institution in the USSR of propagating and designing velomobiliai (bicycle "cars"). Somewhere around 2001 there was "Važiuok oranžiniu" experiment and more bike roads were designed. It was only because of the larger city budget these efforts were implemented on a larger scale - what is visible now in such videos.
If they were even a centimeter wider there would have been an idiot revolt. Some loud people were already angry because the city narrowed some streets to accomodate cycle paths.
Other smaller cities also follows similar design. Although, there is still not very safe at junctions and rules are suitable more for motorheads and pedestrians than cyclists.
you haven't seen all the other old, pothole filled streets. Per lithuanian standards Vilnius is probably below average when it comes to streets. Though bicycle infrastructure is good. But yes, Lithuania and Vilnius is nice
Those checkered blocks in sidestreets, do they have the same meaning as the triangles ("shark teeth") we have in the Netherlands? I.o.w. yield to cyclists?
As a Dutch Man i can tell you it looks a lot like the Netherlands. Beautifull..
Looks like the local government in Vilnius watched a lot of Dutch cycling videos 😉
Panevežys invests in cycling infrastructure as well:it's sister city is Goes, Netherlands
I can confirm that there was very significant progress with cycling infrastructure in Vilnius over the past few years. This also resulted in a textbook case of "build and they will come" aka induced demand. The number of cyclists in Vilnius increased perhaps 10-fold over the last ~10 years based on my personal observations of many years of cycling in this city. Yes, I used to cycle even before those bicycle paths and it sucked. Still there is a lot of space for improvement, especially when it comes to safety features of those new bicycle paths. For example car entrances/exists to nearby carparks or other territories often lack effective safety features or warning signs for drivers which often result in accidents or conflicts. Also there is severe lack of awareness of drivers how to behave in situations where they have to deal with cyclists. Some cyclists, and especially electric scooter drivers, would also benefit from some awareness and knowledge of how to behave on a bicycle path. All in all, very good, but can still be much better.
What exactly 20 years of European Union can do to a country :-) this really looks nice !
Other EU countries still look like a$$ though... Credit to Vilnius themselves
It's not EU, but Lithuanians.
First bicycle paths were paved in Vilnius in the late 80s. What is more, Vilnius technical university was the leading institution in the USSR of propagating and designing velomobiliai (bicycle "cars"). Somewhere around 2001 there was "Važiuok oranžiniu" experiment and more bike roads were designed. It was only because of the larger city budget these efforts were implemented on a larger scale - what is visible now in such videos.
Great to see positive progress being made! Thanks!
Some of the bike lanes are indeed a bit narrow, but overal i really complement the effort of Lithuania..
If they were even a centimeter wider there would have been an idiot revolt. Some loud people were already angry because the city narrowed some streets to accomodate cycle paths.
I like that road at the end, with the paver bock center stripe.
Vilnius 🚴🚴🚴
Other smaller cities also follows similar design. Although, there is still not very safe at junctions and rules are suitable more for motorheads and pedestrians than cyclists.
Based on this video at least Vilnius looks great !! I hope I can visit someday !
you haven't seen all the other old, pothole filled streets. Per lithuanian standards Vilnius is probably below average when it comes to streets. Though bicycle infrastructure is good. But yes, Lithuania and Vilnius is nice
Those checkered blocks in sidestreets, do they have the same meaning as the triangles ("shark teeth") we have in the Netherlands? I.o.w. yield to cyclists?
@BicycleDutch Which subreddit should I ask this making cities bikable?, should it be on urban planning or urban design?