Image of a section of Bratislava from Visit Bratislava FB for illustration purposes
BRATISLAVA, Oct 30: A new speed limit is being introduced in Slovakia – this time for pedestrians walking on pavements in crowded areas.
Under a transport law amendment passed by parliament in Bratislava on Tuesday, pedestrians strolling on pavements in urban areas must not exceed a speed of six kilometres (km) per hour. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026.
“The main goal is to increase safety on pavements in view of the increasing number of collisions with scooter riders,” said Ľubomír Vážny, the leftist member of parliament and former transport minister who submitted the bill.
Vážny belongs to the left-wing nationalist party Direction – Slovak Social Democracy (Smer-SSD).
The new speed limit applies to pedestrians as well as skaters, scooter riders, e-scooter riders and cyclists, who in Slovakia are also allowed to use sidewalks.
The plan has sparked amusement and disbelief, with one person joking online: “Can I be caught by a speed camera if I’m rushing to catch my bus?”
Supporters, however, argued that drivers may struggle to stop in time if someone suddenly dashes across a pedestrian crossing, adding that pedestrians also share responsibility for many accidents involving scooter riders.
–BERNAMA-dpa