Cycle lane will not be built to Balti Jaam due to safety, bus concerns
Although the lines on Toompuiestee tänav, near Tallinn's railway station, have been marked for cyclists, the city said they are no plans to create a bike lane there due to concerns about public transport flow and cyclist safety.
Andrei Novikov, deputy mayor of Tallinn, confirmed to ERR the city of Tallinn planned to create a cycleway on the road to Toompuiestee between Suurtüki and Tehnika intersection.
But the plan has been abandoned for the safety of cyclists and the smooth flow of public transport.
Novikov explained: "We considered this option for a very long time because we did not have an idea of whether it is still safe for the cyclists or not. In addition to that, there is a public transport hub – both bus and trolley lines are located there. From the point of view of the cyclist, there would be many dangerous factors which would endanger the bike riders."
Novikov remarked that in addition to that, the junction between Tehnika tänav and Toompuiestee would have needed traffic lights installed and changing the cycle of the lights which would have interrupted the public transportation.
The initial plan looked beautiful and suitable but after the trial marking situation, it was revealed that a number of solutions on paper were not adequate in actual traffic.
Cyclists will not be allowed on the road. Instead, they can ride on the sidewalk.
The idea of cycle paths has not been completely scrapped. According to Novikov, the idea will be put back on the table when the surroundings of the Balti Jaam are rebuilt.
He said: "We have had the opportunity to consider and analyze this. If major reconstruction works and traffic management changes take place in connection with the reconstruction of the surroundings of the Balti jaam and the creation of Vana-Kalamaja tänav, I believe we will discuss the cycle path again."
The reconstruction project around Balti Jaam is currently in the works and a construction procurement will be announced next year.
Based on Novikov's information, the reconstruction works also concern the county lines' bus stops next to the railway station as it is not clear how the bus stops will be rebuilt. It is certain that the county line bus station will remain at the Balti jaam.
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Editor: Katriin Eikin Sein
