April 19, 2012

Bikes in Moscow


While I was in Berlin this winter, I was amazed by the conditions created for cyclists. Bicycle in Berlin is a very good alternative to car, and most people use it. Bike lanes almost on every street, bike parkings and rent of bikes. To overcome a large distance, bike can be transported by public transport: there is special space in U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains and elevators almost on every station.

The situation in Moscow is quite different. Bike lanes is rare in Moscow. Where there are bike lanes, they are ignored by drivers and pedestrians.
Police car parked on the bike lane

Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobianin on the opening of bike lane in the park
Little remark: Sergey Sobianin never used a bicycle to trevel to his office. In contrast of London mayor Boris Johnson:
Mayor of London Boris Johnson
There is no conditions to use bike as a primary transport in Moscow. Also it is very difficult to use bike even for fun and health. Bike lanes opened in parks are used by pedestrians, runners or even parents with prams what makes it hard to pass with a bike.