“Fast as lightning”: Zagreb cyclist sparks debate over traffic rules

A video of a cyclist riding along the roadway on Zagreb’s Zeleni val has turned into a debate over what rules apply to electric vehicles that look like bicycles but can reach higher speeds.

The footage appeared on the Facebook page Prometne zgode i nezgode with the comment, “Perhaps the bicycle lane isn’t for electric bikes,” accompanied by a doubtful emoji. One commenter called the rider “fast as lightning,” while another argued that a vehicle traveling above 25 km/h should be classified as a moped and “definitely not a bicycle.”

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Perhaps the bicycle lane isn’t for electric bikes.

Others considered the reaction excessive. One user said the cyclist was not holding up traffic, while another wrote, “In reality, they neither bother nor slow traffic. In fact, in the city center they are faster than average.” Safety concerns also emerged. A commenter pointed to the lack of protection, signals and reflective elements and described the rider as a potential hospital expense. Another simply asked, “Where is the helmet?”

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Fast as lightning.

The debate also turned on the specific characteristics of the vehicle and its motor. One commenter said regulations exist, but disagreements arise in practice over whether someone using electric power must take a bicycle lane or may continue riding on the road as a cyclist.

Users raised other possible violations visible in the video. One said the cyclist appeared not to signal a lane change, although they looked back before moving, and may have crossed a solid line. The same commenter criticized Zagreb’s bicycle infrastructure, saying lanes sometimes appear or end without clear warning, making sudden changes difficult.

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In reality, they neither bother nor slow traffic. In fact, in the city center they are faster than average.

A user who identified as a cyclist said they sometimes knowingly disregard rules when following them literally could put their safety at risk. “I look after myself, others and property. I ride so I can stop at any moment,” the commenter wrote. The message ended with an appeal: “Slow down a little, smile at one another, compete in kindness and tolerate each other. Focus less on other people’s violations and more on riding properly yourself. Everyone will be better off.”

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Slow down a little, smile at one another, compete in kindness and tolerate each other. Focus less on other people’s violations and more on riding properly yourself. Everyone will be better off.