Avenue Marie-Thérèse pop-up cycle path dismantled “overnight”: ProVelo criticizes Luxembourg City

The pop-up cycle path on Avenue Marie-Thérèse, which was provisionally set up in April 2024, was dismantled “overnight”. This measure, which took place in mid-November without prior notice, has now sparked criticism, as the cycling association ProVelo.lu announced in an open letter on Thursday. The association welcomed the temporary infrastructure as it offered cyclists a safe and conflict-free route from the city to the west.

The city of Luxembourg plans to make the cycle path permanent – but would suggest using areas of the adjacent park. ProVelo rejects this and instead calls for a redesign of the existing road surface. “The entire intersection needs to be rethought and divided,” the organization writes.

Mobility alderman Patrick Goldschmidt justified the dismantling with an “extreme backlog” that also blocked the tram. ProVelo doubts this justification and calls for transparency. For this reason, the association has created a questionnaire:

– Based on what numbers was this decision made?
– At what times were there backups beyond Avenue Marie-Thérèse?
– How often was the tram blocked by traffic jams?
– At what point does one speak of an “extreme” backlog?
– Were different traffic light circuits tested during the eight-month test phase?
– Will the plans for the construction of the new cycle path be made public?
– What suggestions does the city have to solve the problem of traffic jams at the park exit without causing conflict for pedestrians and cyclists?

“We have asked the city’s Board of Aldermen to disclose the documents that led to this decision,” the letter continues. The association also calls for “a political rethink for more space for green spaces without noise, where our children can play again, and for safe use of bicycles and footpaths for everyone.”