The city of Varaždin made a plan, within the project, to combine several urban mobility actions which would improve walkability and cycling within the city centre and also reduce motor vehicles influence in that area. Several sites which would be suitable for pilot actions were located, but during the implementation (according to project official analysis and confirmation made by the city police department) 3 sites/routes were endorsed as crucial. One street and one route have been modified for improved walkability, and regarding the cycling one ‘grey area’ for parking, was marked for placement of equipment and works.

‘Vrazova’ street in the city centre is one of the most ‘busiest’ streets which includes pedestrians (especially primary and secondary school pupils, students), cyclists and motor vehicles. It is also included in route ‘WalkCity’. The main problem in ‘Vrazova’ are crosswalks and their low visibility during the daylight and furthermore during the night. So, to make paths more visible to motor vehicles and to secure pedestrians and cyclists during the crossing, LED lighting markers were placed on the whole length.  

The second action was modifying motor vehicle ‘grey area’ parking spaces into slots for cyclists. In several parts of the city, there are small pedestrian and non-parking zones which have been turned (by owners of the motor vehicles and residents of that areas) into a parking area for cars and motorcycles.  Regarding the fact that most of these areas need an extension of parking places for bicycles, City of Varaždin (in cooperation with city police) placed parking slots on 3 locations around the city marketplace, so the stakeholders could easily move around and park their bicycles. 

Small pedestrian and non-parking zones which have been turned into a parking area for cars and motorcycles

Small pedestrian and non-parking zones which have been turned into a parking area for cars and motorcycles

Modifying motor vehicle ‘grey area’ parking spaces into slots for cyclists

Modifying motor vehicle ‘grey area’ parking spaces into slots for cyclists

Third action (which is currently in progress) is marking the city centre streets into a route for local/regional citizens and tourists who want to meet the city on foot (pedestrians especially). The name of the route is called ‘WalkCity’ and the tasks are to show stakeholders what is the best way to see the city on foot, how long (in meters and minutes) must they walk to each city attraction and promote walking as the healthiest and eco-friendly action in the urban mobility area.