Limassol, Cyprus. Bollards installed along a cycle lane in Limassol were removed on Monday after growing public criticism over the implementation of the city’s sustainable urban mobility plan. The municipality said the move on Thekla Lysioti Street outside school premises was intended to help ensure the safe boarding and disembarkation of students.
Municipality seeks changes to projects
Limassol municipal crews removed the bollards following a formal 11-point letter sent by the municipality to the transport ministry. The letter requested corrective interventions to projects being implemented by the public works department under the sustainable urban mobility plan.
Mayor Yiannis Armeftis said the municipality supports the objectives of the mobility plan but wants its implementation reviewed so that projects remain practical and effective.
He said the municipality was seeking the best possible implementation of the plan, without sloppy work, so the city could be as functional and safe as possible for everyone.
Public reaction grows
The controversy began after large numbers of plastic bollards were installed on roads across Limassol to separate bicycle lanes from vehicle traffic.
Residents and motorists raised concerns about aesthetics, accessibility and the impact on traffic movement. Criticism also intensified on social media and local radio programmes.
Incident drew further attention
The issue gained further attention after video footage circulated showing a driver stopping on Thekla Lysioti Street, removing several bollards by hand and throwing them to the side of the road.
Public works department responds
The public works department said it recognised the public reaction and acknowledged that interventions, including plastic bollards and shared space routes, had caused concern among residents.
The department said it understood that some of the recent interventions, such as the installation of plastic bollards to separate bike lanes or the implementation of shared space routes, had generated reactions and concern.