January 6th is also connected with a festive bike ride through the city. This year cyclists will meet for the tenth time.
Also, thanks to the data from the bicycle counts, they can tell how many are riding in the winter. “The counters were installed in Prešov at the beginning of November 2023, so we can compare the intensity of cyclists travelling along the four measured sections. From the data we can clearly say that the most congested measured section is the part of EuroVela11 on Námestí mládeže. While in November 2023 (6.11.-30.11.) 4687 cyclists passed this section, in November 2024 (1.11.-30.11.) it was up to 7018 cyclists. Also interesting is the data for December 2023 (1.12-31.12.) when the cyclist volume on Youth Square was only 1,934 cyclists, but in less than two weeks in December 2024 (1.12-11.12.2024) that number is already almost at its peak for the entire month of December 2023, with 1,881 cyclists.” says Renáta Kmecová, the organizer of the Cyklométa event.
Over the last 10 years, more and more cyclists can be seen on the streets of Prešov, even during the winter. “While in the winter of 2015 I only met two or three cyclists during my bike ride to work, today it is common to meet a cyclist riding in the snow.” confirmed Renáta Kmecová.
This can also be seen in the event he organizes: “6. January 2025, cyclists will decorate their bicycles with various lights and themed decorations, and we will be reminded of the need for increased safety and visibility of cyclists on the roads as we ride through the city. By riding together in this way, we draw attention not only to the need to be lit and seen, but also to the need for winter maintenance of cycle paths and roads designed for cyclists.”
The data from the bicycle counts also speak clearly to how busy the bikeways are in January and February. “The numbers of cyclists for January and February 2024 show us that using a bicycle, even in these cold months, is not unusual. Although January is a weaker month, there were still 6,453 trips recorded on the counts. In February, the number of rides was much higher, with a total of 17,700 rides recorded at four counters (Bajkalská Street-EV11, Cykloželeznička, Kúpeľná Street- Mlynský náhon cycle path and Námestie mládeže-EV11). According to the data we can also evaluate how many rides were made in winter 23/24, November 6-February 29, 2024, in this period a total of 37,623 rides were recorded on the measured sections. On average, this was approximately 327 passes per day, which is not a low number.”
They also want to draw attention to the fact that cyclists are on the roads all year round. Organizer Renata Kmecová: “We want cycling to be a safe journey for everyone, regardless of the weather, so we are also urging cyclists to use reflective features and lighting as we want to be visible to drivers on bikes.”
They also overcame covid restrictions, heavy frost and rain. “The event has so far taken place under all circumstances. In 2017 we cycled despite the temperature of -17°C, during the covid measures (2021) individual rides were organised or we met in limited numbers (2022). Finally, even the rain did not deter us (2024). But the most beautiful ride is the one in the snow, as evidenced by the number of cyclists who participated in the 2019 and 2020 events.”
On the occasion of the 10th edition of the event, in cooperation with Spojka Roastery and Café, they will prepare a special edition of coffee. “Cyclists and coffee undoubtedly belong together, which is why I'm glad that this collaboration was successful. The location of the café, which is right on the Eurovelo 11 cycle path, also contributes to this, so no cyclist will miss it, and in the end they will also be able to buy cyclo-coffee here."
Prizes from sponsors will be given away again this year. “I am very happy that the idea of year-round cycling is supported by sponsors who support us every year, and thanks to them we can reward cyclists in several categories (youngest participant, oldest participant, most beautifully decorated/lighted bike, most beautiful group mask, etc.). At the finish line there will be an evaluation, refreshments, a music and light show, and a raffle.”
The cyclométa will start from two towns of Prešov. One start will be from the final stop Sídliska III and the second start from the parking lot at Lidl in Sekčov housing estate. Both groups will start at the same time, at approximately 16:45, and meet at Duchnovič Square from where they will go together to the city centre. “In the city centre we will traditionally stop under the Christmas tree, ride through the city centre and finish the Cyclométa ceremonially in the Spojka Roastery café.”
“I want to invite all cyclists, regardless of age, to this peaceful holiday ride again this year. You can be inspired by the photo gallery of events from 2016 on the website www.cyklometa.sk."
