Zagreb Political Rivals Clash Over Cycling Paths in Gornja Dubrava

A political dispute is escalating in Zagreb's Gornja Dubrava district, with the latest battleground being the provision of cycling infrastructure. Representatives from the HDZ party, including city assembly member Marko Periša and colleague Neven Mikša, released a video highlighting the deficiency of dedicated bike lanes in the eastern Zagreb district.

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Cyclists without safe cycling paths are forced to choose between the road and the sidewalk, which is not a solution for cyclists or other road users.

Periša argued that residents need a connected network of safe cycling paths for daily commutes. He stated, "Cyclists without safe cycling paths are forced to choose between the road and the sidewalk, which is not a solution for cyclists or other road users." He emphasized that investing in public bikes is pointless without the fundamental infrastructure to support their safe use, declaring, "First cycling paths. Then public bikes. Only then does the system make sense."

The local branch of the Možemo party quickly responded, accusing the HDZ of hypocrisy. They pointed to a situation three months prior where HDZ councilors supported a proposal to convert a planned bike lane on Klin street into a parking area. "We are, of course, against it," the Možemo statement read. "We don't know where that proposal came from, but it usually comes from local restaurateurs and service providers who think they have the right to free parking in front of their establishment for themselves and their guests."

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First cycling paths. Then public bikes. Only then does the system make sense.

Možemo also cited a similar issue in Vinodolska street, where for years the entire council had pushed for clear pedestrian access on a designated path, only to face issues with cars parked in front of cafes blocking the way. This ongoing conflict underscores the broader challenges in urban planning and political cooperation within the district.

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HDZ councilors supported a proposal to convert a planned bike lane on Klin street into a parking area.