Even on bike rides, strict hygiene rules must be observed
As Radio Prague notes, there are few entertainments during quarantine, so everyone who can has gotten on a bike. Among the popular, though not the busiest, is bike trail No. 5061, starting in the town of Žďár nad Sázavou and running along the Pilská Reservoir.
"Last year we installed a counter on it. It turned out that from July to September, 90,000 cyclists passed through. That's comparable to trails in South Moravia laid through wine-growing regions," notes Deputy Mayor of Žďár nad Sázavou Josef Klement. Since the trail is popular, it's worth investing in a good thing.
"We plan to further expand and lengthen our bike trails. Construction of a safe multi-level intersection is currently being prepared. A bike rental will appear a little later. Every year we add something, which spurs growth in the number of users of our trails," rejoices the municipal representative.
Bike trails in the Czech Republic are very popular among the population. However, there are problems – traffic is growing too much. Besides cyclists, on the trails you will definitely see inline skaters and also hikers.
The more popular the trail, the less pleasant the ride can be. For example, the Prague bike route A2, passing through the capital's districts of Podolí, Braník, and Zbraslav. Before the pandemic, it was sometimes so crowded that the police took an interest. In summer, 6 to 8 thousand cyclists use the aforementioned A2 daily.
"When several interested groups collide on the trail, for example, cyclists and inline skaters, caution and consideration are especially necessary. City police patrols are already conducting regular checks on A2, but we also plan to carry out special raids. Most likely, random checks of mandatory bicycle equipment will be conducted, as well as alcohol testing," warns Prague police spokesman Jan Čihák.
The arrival of the coronavirus epidemic has not reduced the total number of cyclists on special trails laid in Czech regions, both in cities and beyond. Especially since outdoor activities, including sports, were not banned provided hygiene precautions – universal wearing of protective masks and maintaining a two-meter distance from each other – were observed.