Beginning 1 January 2026, pedestrians in Slovakia will have to adjust their pace: a newly passed amendment to the national traffic law introduces a maximum speed of 6 km/h on sidewalks in populated areas. The rule applies not only to people on foot, but also to skateboarders, scooter riders, e-scooter users, and cyclists who use pedestrian pathways.
The legislation was adopted by the Slovak parliament in Bratislava on Tuesday and is part of a wider debate on safety in crowded urban spaces.
Safety first: fewer collisions with e-scooters
The law’s backers argue that the growing use of electric scooters and other small vehicles has made sidewalks more dangerous. Lubomir Vážny, a former transport minister and now a member of parliament, emphasized that the measure aims to reduce injuries and protect vulnerable road users.
Authorities say the speed limit will give drivers more time to react whenever someone steps off the sidewalk into traffic — and prevent risky interactions between pedestrians and faster moving devices like e-scooters.
Enforcement remains unclear
Critics, however, question how the rule could be enforced in real life. Monitoring walking speeds would require tools such as handheld radar devices or fixed sensors, and it remains unclear which authority would be responsible for enforcement — local police, traffic officers, or a new agency.
For many, the idea of receiving a speeding ticket for walking briskly has prompted a wave of jokes on social media. But supporters argue that without clear regulations, sidewalks risk becoming unsafe as mobility trends evolve rapidly.
Public reaction mixed — from support to satire
The proposed penalties have not yet been finalized, yet the reaction has already been strong. Some Slovaks view the step as bureaucracy taken too far, while others see it as a practical response to modern urban challenges.
Lawmakers acknowledge the controversy, but insist the rule reflects changing behavior in public spaces. As scooters move faster and crowds grow thicker, “the sidewalk is no longer only for walking,” one government representative noted.
What comes next?
Slovakia’s move could serve as a test case for other European cities grappling with the rapid rise of micromobility. If the law succeeds in reducing injuries, similar pedestrian-speed rules may soon appear in other EU countries.
For now, Slovaks — especially those running to catch a bus — will soon need to slow down or risk a fine.
