Parking Woes in Minsk to be Alleviated by New Chatbot Solution
In the heart of Belarus, Minsk is making strides towards a greener and more active city. The use of e-scooters and bicycles has contributed significantly to a decrease in carbon emissions from transportation, as these environmentally-friendly modes of travel gain popularity.
To accommodate this growing trend, Minsk's city authorities are planning to install more bike racks and charging stations for e-scooters. This move is part of a comprehensive plan to integrate these personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as electric scooters, segways, and monowheels into the city's overall transportation system.
From September 1, 2025, these devices will be allowed to ride on bike paths at speeds up to 25 km/h and on sidewalks at speeds no higher than 10 km/h. Devices weighing more than 35 kg will not be permitted on sidewalks. Cyclists and PMD users will also be required to dismount when crossing roadways to reduce accidents, a measure necessitated by the approximately 900 incidents involving bikes and scooters reported in the last two years.
These updates aim to improve safety for all road users, as Minsk and Belarus as a whole focus on active travel and tourism promotion. The city is part of an expanding network of over 300 active tourism routes, including many cycling routes, catering to a growing national and international interest in active tourism and outdoor recreation.
However, specific details about route changes or traffic flow adjustments within Minsk city itself were not provided in the available sources.
The growing popularity of e-scooters and bikes in Minsk has led to concerns about traffic congestion and safety. In response, Minsk's city authorities are considering introducing regulations to ensure safety. The number of traffic accidents involving e-scooter and bike riders in Minsk in 2023, as revealed by Minsk's GIAI, has underscored the need for such regulations.
Despite these challenges, the total distance covered by e-scooters and bikes in Minsk within two years is approximately 9 million km, while within a year, personal mobility devices, specifically e-scooters and bikes, have covered 4.5 million km. The number of e-scooter and bike riders in Minsk has significantly grown within a year, reflecting a significant push to develop cycling as a recreational and tourism activity.
As Minsk continues to evolve, its commitment to active travel and sustainability is clear. The city's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure for e-scooters and bikes are a testament to this commitment, ensuring that Minsk remains a vibrant and sustainable city for all its residents and visitors.
- To support the rising popularity of e-scooters and bicycles, finance will be required for the installation of additional bike racks and charging stations in Minsk, as part of an industry-led plan to integrate personal mobility devices into the city's transportation system.
- The growing technology of e-scooters and bicycles not only promotes a greener and more active city, but also contributes to the finance and transportation sector by facilitating the development of active tourism and outdoor recreation in Minsk.
