The Safest Cities for Cyclists and Pedestrians: Inspiration for the Czech Republic and the Future of Mobility

According to the World Health Organization, traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Every day, more than 3,700 people are killed on the roads, with pedestrians and cyclists making up 26% of all fatalities. In Europe, nearly 140,000 traffic accidents occurred in 2019 alone, with approximately 25,000 involving pedestrians and cyclists. However, in countries that have chosen to reclaim public space for people and prioritize safety, these numbers have been steadily declining. The key to success lies in investing in infrastructure, reducing speed limits, and limiting car traffic—which in the last century had completely taken over our cities. So which European cities are leading the way in this movement to return cities to the people?

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen has long been considered a cyclist’s paradise. Nearly half of the city’s residents commute to work by bike every day. The city boasts more than 390 km of separated bike lanes, all designed with safety in mind. In addition to cycling, great attention is paid to pedestrians—urban planning prioritizes pedestrian zones and traffic-calming measures. The Danish capital has also introduced a “green wave” for cyclists: if you ride at a steady speed of around 20 km/h, you can pass through several traffic lights without stopping.

An example of separated infrastructure in Copenhagen

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is, without exaggeration, synonymous with cycling. Over 60% of all trips in the city are made by bicycle. Thanks to a comprehensive network of bike paths, bicycle streets, and strict separation of cyclists from motor traffic, the city is exceptionally safe for getting around on two wheels. Safety measures such as low-speed zones, traffic lights specifically for cyclists, and consistent public awareness campaigns contribute to a low accident rate.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna prides itself on being a city for people. It has excellent pedestrian infrastructure, and its cycling network expands every year. In 2022, Vienna was named one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The city regularly calms traffic in residential areas and creates “shared zones” where pedestrians have priority. In 2020, Vienna recorded only 3 cyclist fatalities and continues to improve its cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.

Utrecht, Netherlands

Although smaller than Amsterdam, Utrecht ranks among Europe’s top cycling cities. It is home to the world’s largest bicycle parking facility, and nearly all major roads feature safe bike lanes. As a result, getting around the city is fast, convenient, and safe.

Dutch cycling infrastructure is essentially the street design standard

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is an example of a city that has dramatically changed its transport policy in recent years. Since 2019, it has banned most car traffic in the city center and invested heavily in safe streets for pedestrians and cyclists. The result is not only increased safety but also a significant reduction in emissions.

Vision Zero: Zero Tolerance for Fatal Traffic Accidents

The Vision Zero concept originated in Sweden in 1997, with a goal that is simple yet ambitious: no fatal or serious traffic accidents. But it’s not just about traffic regulations. At its core, it’s a shift in mindset — adapting infrastructure to people, not cars.

Key principles of Vision Zero:

• People make mistakes, but those mistakes should not cost them their lives.
• Safety must be the top priority when designing streets and intersections.
• Responsibility is shared — between planners, policymakers, and the public.

Cities like Oslo and Helsinki are shining examples of successful implementation — in 2019, not a single pedestrian or cyclist died in Oslo. Cities such as Stockholm and New York are introducing stricter speed limits, improving pedestrian crossings, and investing in separated cycling infrastructure.

Czech Cities: Where Do We Stand and Where Should We Be Heading?

Prague
Prague has an extensive network of pedestrian routes, but cyclist safety remains a weak point. The city is investing in the development of cycling infrastructure (such as the Vltava route), but in heavy traffic, getting around remains challenging — especially for less experienced cyclists. To reach the standards of Western European capitals, Prague needs to place greater emphasis on separating cyclists from cars, calming traffic in the city center, and expanding pedestrian zones.

Brno
Brno is working to support both cycling and walking, but its infrastructure is still fragmented. In recent years, the city has added more bike lanes, but many end abruptly or run alongside heavy traffic. A positive example is the revitalization of the city center with a focus on pedestrian movement (e.g., Dominikánské Square).

Olomouc, Pardubice, Hradec Králové
Smaller cities often have greater potential to become cycle-friendly due to their compact size and lower traffic volumes. For instance, Pardubice has been promoting cycling for years and has a relatively dense network of bike paths. Hradec Králové is known for balancing different modes of transport and emphasizes safe pedestrian crossings as well.

Streets designed for safe movement are the key to our children’s future

Recommendations for Czech Cities

Consistent implementation of the Vision Zero strategy – adopt measures based on proven international models.
Traffic calming in city centers – reduce speed limits to 30 km/h in residential areas and introduce car-free zones.
Safe and separated cycling infrastructure – cyclists should not have to share space with cars on busy roads.
High-quality urban furniture and public spaces – benches, trees, drinking fountains, and well-lit sidewalks increase both comfort and safety.
Education and awareness – invest in campaigns that promote mutual respect among drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Safety as a Priority for Sustainable Mobility

The path to safer cities isn’t easy — but it’s achievable. The key is having the courage to shift priorities: from cars to people. Cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Utrecht show that safe urban environments — where cyclists and pedestrians are prioritized — can significantly reduce traffic injuries and improve quality of life. Czech cities still have a long way to go to join the ranks of modern European urban centers of the 21st century, where people don’t have to fear for their lives when stepping into the street.

Whether it’s your hometown or any city where you walk or cycle, you can nominate it for the title Cycling City of the “Bike to Work 2025 challenge — until June 30. It’s a great way to let city officials know that safe and sustainable mobility matters to you, and that you value their efforts in building better infrastructure. Let’s go — we look forward to your inspiring nominations from across the Czech Republic!

Sign the Call Zero for Safe Infrastructure for people on foot and on bikes. Demand change. Demand safer, healthier cities — for everyone.

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