Slovak police announced Thursday that a new traffic law amendment setting a maximum speed limit on sidewalks in urban areas does not include pedestrians. Earlier reports by media such as POLITICO suggested the 6 kilometers per hour limit would apply to pedestrians too.
“This is incorrect,” clarified police Vice President Rastislav Polakovič to Slovak media. “The speed restriction targets users of roller skates, scooters, skateboards, skis, or similar sports equipment, as well as cyclists under 10 years old, and their escorts. Measurements will focus on these groups.”
The announcement led to amusement and confusion on social media, with users joking about whether rushing for a bus could incur fines. The updated legislation, effective January 1, 2026, aims to minimize collisions on sidewalks.
“The primary objective is to enhance safety on sidewalks amid a rise in collisions involving scooter riders,” explained Ľubomír Vážny of the Smer party within the ruling coalition.
The amendment has faced criticism from the opposition, NGOs, and political analysts.
“In the Czech Republic, a ban on scooters and e-bikes addresses this matter, while Slovakia’s approach resulted in an unusual law,” commented Lubomír Kopeček, a political scientist at Masaryk University.
The cyclist advocacy group Cyklokoalícia expressed concerns that the legislation forces children under 10, who currently cycle on pavements, onto the roads.
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