At the opening of the new infrastructure, Mārtiņš Lazdovskis, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian State Roads (LVC), noted that the new section is part of the national micromobility network programme, which is being implemented gradually across the country. This particular project was developed in cooperation with the municipality of Cēsis, which financed the installation of the lighting system. He also praised the collaboration of all parties involved in accommodating project modifications.
He also stated that the new infrastructure section forms part of the national micromobility network programme, which is being implemented in stages across Latvia. This particular project was developed in cooperation with the Municipality of Cēsis, which financed the installation of the lighting infrastructure.
This is certainly one of the most challenging cycle paths, as the steep slopes required additional engineering solutions. It is also one of the most physically demanding cycle routes due to the terrain.
The Cēsis–Jāņmuiža section is interesting both from a visual and an engineering perspective. At the entrance to Cēsis, a traffic-calming measure has been installed that physically encourages drivers to reduce their speed and continue their journey at a slower pace more suited to the urban environment.
Along the regional road P20, a 2.25-metre-wide shared pedestrian and cycling path with an asphalt surface and lighting throughout its entire length has been constructed, connecting to the existing sidewalk network in Cēsis. The path changes sides along the road in order to preserve the row of trees on the left-hand side of the road.
A marked and illuminated traffic-calming island has also been built to encourage drivers entering the city to reduce their speed in a timely manner. Experience shows that a traffic sign alone is not always sufficient. In contrast, a physical traffic-management measure requires drivers to pay greater attention to the road and instinctively slow down.
Traffic islands are a road safety infrastructure element designed to make urban environments safer. Every driver entering a populated area should remember that a city is not merely a transport corridor. It is an environment shared by children, seniors, pedestrians, and cyclists, and therefore safety must remain a priority. Similar solutions are widely used across Europe as an effective traffic-calming measure. Lower vehicle speeds mean greater safety for all road users. When drivers travel more slowly, they have more time to notice pedestrians, cyclists, or other unexpected situations and react appropriately. Reduced speeds also lessen the severity of potential road traffic accidents.
A crossing point has been created on the regional road P20 where pedestrians and cyclists must yield to motor vehicles and cross the roadway only when it is safe to do so. At the Bušugrava railway crossing, a separate crossing facility has been built for pedestrians and cyclists, equipped with protective barriers, light and sound signals, as well as a pedestrian and cyclist counting system. A drainage system has also been installed to ensure proper water runoff. Additionally, the municipality of Cēsis financed the construction of lighting along the entire route.
The construction works were carried out by Valkas Ceļi Ltd. under a contract valued at €1,787,839.57 (including VAT), of which 85% was financed by the EU Cohesion Fund. The project was designed by Projekts 3 Ltd., while construction supervision was provided by Ceļuprojekts JSC.
