Opportunity
Last spring world-wide lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic brought restrictions to our leisure time activities too. People were locked in their towns and cities, and therefore, were visiting attractive places there more often than ever. One of the places the Ostrava inhabitants were attracted to is the waterfront alongside the Ostravice River where a comfortable terrace sitting was installed as a part of recent reconstruction works. There are many restaurants on the left riverbank, unfortunately, the access is interrupted by a road and a busy cycleway (from Ostrava to the Beskydy mountains). The river with an attractive waterfront, narrow streets and lots of cyclists - all these are reasons why locals call it the Small Copenhagen.
The large number of people carrying their refreshment and crossing the road to reach the waterfront gave rise to the idea of closing the space for motor traffic during the weekends and dedicating it to various cultural events or local markets. There were two large reconstructions planned for the autumn 2020 which would bring long-term restrictions for the traffic anyway, so the traffic closure on the waterfront was decided to be tested during the summer 2020.
Results
During the closure (from Friday evening to Sunday evening), a cultural programme was provided by local association of cultural and catering establishments. The programme included a Saturday market with local food and author design stuff.
The detour for traffic was directed along the other side of the block of buildings, while the cycleway was transformed to a pedestrian path with cyclists permitted. There were no serious complications during the closure, and it has no negative impacts on the public transport, although the motor traffic was driving in a space otherwise dedicated to the PT only.
The weekend transformation of the waterfront into what people call the Small Copenhagen met with a positive public response. The inhabitants appreciated the improved access to the river as well as cultural events. On the other hand, a discussion was held about how much it is legal to use the road for other purpose than it was legally intended as well as the many restrictions which can make the life difficult for the drivers.
More: https://www.citychangers.eu/projekty-detail/11/mala-kodan-oziva