A new law to improve safety on sidewalks in Slovakia has prompted mockery and criticism, with claims that fast walkers could be cited for speeding. The Slovak government set a maximum speed limit of 3.7 mph for those who use sidewalks, from pedestrians to cyclists, skaters and scooter riders. Those who exceed the speed limit could be fined up to €100 ($115.66), although it’s not yet clear how police will enforce the law when it takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Needless to say, social media exploded with mocking and a rash of memes. Dan Kollar, President of Cyklokoalicia — a group that advocates walking and cycling — criticized the law as “nonsensical,” saying the changes are not justified in any way. “At such a low speed, it’s hard to maintain balance, and even 3-to-4-year-old children on bikes routinely exceed it,” said Kollar. Another group, Concerned Mothers, has also asked Prime Minister Robert Fico not to sign the law. Last year, 67 pedestrians and 22 cyclists died in accidents, but police don’t record sidewalk accidents.
