Slovakia took an unprecedented step in the world to prevent accidents on pavements. As of January 1, 2026, on sidewalks in the city. Walking, sliding or riding faster than 6 kilometers per hour will be banned.
ACCEPTED BY PARLIAMENT
According to Politico, according to the new traffic law amendment adopted by the Slovak Parliament on Tuesday, pedestrians, cyclists, skaters and electric scooter users It will no longer be able to exceed 6 km/h. The aim of the decision is to reduce scooter accidents, which have increased especially recently.
Prime Minister who prepared the bill Robert Fico‘nun led by Smer PartyMember of Parliament from Lubomir Vaznysummarized the purpose of the regulation by saying, “We want to increase safety on sidewalks. This law will make it easier to objectively determine whether a person exceeds the appropriate speed limit.” Although the law will come into force in early 2026 how to inspect The government has not yet made a clear statement on this issue.
‘MANY PEOPLE MAY VIOLATE’
According to experts, the average walking speed is around 4 to 5 km/h. However British Heart Foundationstates that 6.4 km/h is a “medium-paced walk for a well-conditioned person.” This means that the new law could turn many fast walkers into potential “rule violators”.
‘Will we be penalized if we run to the bus?’
The law quickly became the subject of ridicule on social media. Among the users, “What will happen if we run to catch the bus?”, “Will the police install radar?” While jokes like these were shared, some described the regulation as “the most absurd law in Europe”.
The opposition and some state institutions also harshly criticized the decision. Ministry of the Interiorinstead of imposing a general speed limit banning electric scooters from sidewalks altogether He argued that it would make more sense.
‘BICYCLE ROAD SHOULD BE BUILT’
Progressive Party of Slovakia Deputy Martin Pekar reacted to the law by saying, “Pedestrians are in danger because of cars, not because of scooters or cyclists. This law penalizes sustainable transportation. Moreover, it is almost impossible for a cyclist to maintain his balance at 6 km speed.” Pekar, the way to reduce accidents “absurd laws” not, building more safe bike lanes He emphasized that he passed.
