The coronavirus pandemic has forced European cities to go the extra mile in facilitating cycling – from expansion and modernisation of cycling infrastructure to giving a boost to bike-sharing to free bikes. Making cycling safer is another important aspect of this goal and it is precisely the focus of the latest initiative by Krakow City Hall.
As the second-largest Polish city announced on Monday, it will be offering free bicycle inspections throughout the season. This initiative was inspired by its German partner city of Munich and is part of a larger European project called “Handshake”.
Have your bike tested for free
Checks can be done at mobile inspection points in Krakow on several dates from August to October. Residents who visit the mobile inspection points can expect to have a bicycle technical condition check performed by qualified technicians.
The Municipality explained that bicycle inspection is not regarded as a service, so the owner of the bicycle will only be informed about defects – repairs on the spot may be possible only in the case of really minor issues. These may include brake or saddle adjustments, chain lubrication and tire inflation.
It is possible to have your bike inspected in Krakow on the following dates:
- Saturday, 29 August – Napoleon’s Great Army square (in front of the Tourist Service Centre at Wawel) – between 9:00 and 14:00;
- Friday, 4 September – Rynek Podgórski – between 11:00 and 19:00;
- Thursday, 10 September – Aleja Róż – between 11:00 and 19:00;
- Wednesday, 16 September – Napoleon’s Great Army square – between 11:00 and 19:00
- Saturday, 19 September – Mogilskie roundabout – between 9:00 and 14:00;
- Tuesday, 29 September – Rynek Podgórski – between 11:00 and 19:00 and
- Friday, 9 October – Aleja Róż – between 11:00 and 19:00.
Bicycle inspections are organized as part of the European project “Handshake”, which brings together 13 of Europe’s top cycling cities to share best practices and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. According to the project website, the local authorities will be working on 60 measures and 23 different types of solutions, all designed to enhance the attractiveness of cycling as a form of daily transport.
Source: TheMayor.EU
