By Emma Dezsӧ, Bianca Tănase and Kornelia Tomaszewicz
Cycling safety in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova is a constant concern, as Romania reported a cyclist fatality every two days in 2022 and Bulgaria had the highest road accident fatality rate in Europe in 2023. The situation is not better in Moldova, where the ongoing cycling safety crisis came into the spotlight only after a 12-year-old junior cycling champion lost his life while biking in 2023.
In these countries, the lack of protective measures and safe infrastructure not only endangers cyclists but also raises serious concerns about the care and safety of the most vulnerable road users, especially children and young people.
Moldova’s mysterious bike monument
In Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, at the intersection between Pushkin and August 31st Street sits a small, white bicycle, which no local has seen move since its sudden appearance in March 2023. The sign stuck to its back wheel reads “In memory of the cyclists that have lost their lives in road accidents”, and it bears a photo of a young boy riding a sportbike.
This is a “ghost bike”—a memorial left by the side of the road in the wake of a cyclist who has died or been seriously injured, usually at the hands of the driver of a motor vehicle.
This particular bike was placed in honor of Valerian Railean, a junior cycling champion killed whilst biking in a suburb of the city, training for a competition. His tragic death in February 2023 led to protests in the city, urging authorities to take the topic of bike safety more seriously.
“We arranged the ghost bike there, even if the accident happened in [the suburbs] because it’s a symbolic place for cyclists, they always gather there. So it’s an impactful, important place for the cycling community in Chișinău,” says Ana Popa, the co-founder of the Bicycle Alliance of Chișinău.
Valerian’s case is not unique, however: the most recent case of a cyclist hit by a car was reported on October 18th, when a 70-year-old woman was struck and killed by a 29-year-old driver whilst riding her bicycle.
A new bike lane, but there is still work to be done
Chișinău is a city designed to be accessible by bus, car, and tram line. Bike-friendly architecture has only come into focus within recent years, as people began noticing the need to accommodate a growing community of people who cycle for transportation.
The newly added bike lane which begins right by Valerian’s monument on August 31st Street has made a significant impact on bicycle infrastructure in the capital. However, Ana says, it still needs to be worked on and expanded:
“It will be fully functional when it will be connected to a bike lane which connects all the main streets of Chișinău, all the sectors. Because you can’t say that a bike lane is perfectly functional when it starts and ends in the centre. You have to connect it with all the sectors. I’m not saying to create bike infrastructure in the whole city, but if they take what they did on August 31st Street and continue this idea of connecting this road with Botanica, with Buiucani, with Rîșcani, with all the sectors of the city, on their main street, I think this will create considerably better bike infrastructure. After this, when you see that it works, you can expand the network. But this would be a very necessary first step.”
Although a good bike infrastructure does not necessarily guarantee bike safety, in the greenest city in Romania, according to Green Community, Brașov, cyclists are still plagued by feelings of anxiety.
“Green City” with risky roads for cyclists
Dana Munteanu is a passionate biker strongly involved with the cyclist community of Brașov. One day, she had an accident that occurred at a roundabout near the outskirts of the city, a moment that could have ended far worse than it did. “I was fully prepared,” Dana recalled, “signaled my entry into the roundabout, and then, out of nowhere, a van with right-hand drive appeared from the opposite direction.” The driver claimed he hadn’t seen her and lightly clipped the back wheel of her bike, sending Dana flying nearly 10 meters. “Luckily, I landed on the grassy area of the roundabout instead of the road. My injuries could have been much worse if I had hit the pavement that day.”
It’s been about two years since then. Dana adds that she has only ridden her bike on the street a couple of times since, as she prefers using the sidewalk, even if it means risking a fine. The traffic is usually way too heavy to guarantee her own safety. This type of violation is categorized by the Romanian Traffic Code as a third-class sanction, and it may cost civilians up to €170 in fines.
Whilst it is a known fact that the cyclist community in Brașov is ever-growing, City Hall does not take action towards building bike-friendly infrastructure. Adults are bound by the law to use this means of transportation only on the streets, alongside cars and other motor vehicles. The kids and teens who bike are not being accounted for in any legislation at this moment in time.
As a result of the very little action that the Municipality takes, citizens have had to take action into their own hands.
“We have some possible opportunities and potential funding from the European Union and other entities that are willing to invest in bicycle infrastructure projects,” said Maximilian Munteanu on behalf of Biciclește Omenește (Cycle Kindly in English), an initiative that aims for Brașov to become a biker-safe city.
The significant lack of cyclists on the streets of Brașov is a direct effect of the dangers involved. Families are obligated to ride bikes on the sidewalks due to the risk of collision, while pedestrians need to watch out for them. This creates a vicious cycle where neither group feels safe, further discouraging cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.
Maximilian Munteanu explained the hypothetical plans that aim to provide more efficient access for pedestrians and cyclists: “It was my idea to have a backbone-type structure, a main artery that connects the two farthest ends of the city, and from there to branch off various alternative routes. That’s what seemed logical to me.”
Although the alternative routes would be safer, less congested, and reduce pressure on the city’s main roads while promoting eco-friendly transportation alternatives, the idea remains just a pending project.
If an “eco-friendly” city cannot ensure fellow bikers’ safety while also ensuring adequate infrastructure and protection for road users, then can this mean that a family destination will cater to families who want to enjoy cycling together?
Family-friendly or family risk?
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria’s notorious playground for wild nightlife and long beaches, has once again been crowned Europe’s “Best-value Family Destination” for 2024. Yet beneath the glittering surface emerges a darker concern about the rising safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians.
“The roads need improving because there are a lot of manholes, ditches, and bumps that can cause serious trouble for cyclists,” says Robert Nawrocki, a 24-year-old Polish seasonal worker in Sunny Beach. “Designated cycling lanes should be created and marked accordingly because there are areas next to the sidewalk that look like bike lanes, but without any stripes or signs, no one knows for sure. If you’re someone who cycles out of necessity, like for work, there needs to be investment to make it safer.”
The lack of proper bike lanes has become a major issue for both locals and visitors, forcing cyclists to share the road with cars and pedestrians. Nawrocki recounts a near-miss while cycling: “I was riding in an area that didn’t have a cycling lane, so I had to ride on the road. As I was taking a turn, a car sped towards me. We both had to brake sharply—an accident could’ve easily happened.”
These issues are more than just inconveniences; they’re serious safety risks. Nawrocki adds, “So many scooterists have had fatalities, and many tragic accidents have happened this year. Just last month, there was a tragic accident involving a scooterist who was hit by a car. If it can happen to a scooterist, it can just as easily happen to a cyclist. “
The danger extends to pedestrians as well, with numerous recent incidents involving people hit by cars, compounding the risks on already chaotic streets. Nawrocki explains, “I’ve seen people almost get run over by cyclists and cars on a daily basis.”
Sunny Beach’s streets are notoriously cramped. Cars park wherever they can, taking up valuable space, while sidewalks are so overcrowded that pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads. “It gets ridiculously busy,” Nawrocki says. “You’ve got parked cars on one side, but the sidewalk is packed, so everyone ends up on the road. There are cars trying to get through, and everyone’s making way for cyclists and motorcyclists. It’s chaotic.”
The roads, barely wide enough for one-way traffic, are used by vehicles and pedestrians in both directions, creating a dangerous environment. “It’s essentially the size of a one-way road,” Nawrocki explains, “but people are going in both directions. It’s crazy. There’s too many people passing, all at the same time. “
Pedestrians are not safe either. “You almost get run over three or four times a day by cyclists riding on the sidewalks or the road,” Nawrocki continues. The lack of clear divisions between sidewalks and cycling lanes means that pedestrians end up sharing space with fast-moving vehicles. “People are walking on the road everywhere, especially in the city center. It needs to be more organized so everyone can pass through safely and effectively”.
Despite these growing concerns, local authorities seem more focused on building new complexes and improving tourist areas than addressing the safety issues on the streets. Recently, Sunny Beach JSC completed a major renovation project in the Eastern Zone of Sunny Beach, including upgrades to Central Alley with new pavement, improved green spaces, and modern lighting. Cuban Alley also underwent substantial repairs, such as new drainage systems and updated communications infrastructure. While these improvements have enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of the area.
Let’s make Sunny Beach bike-friendly!
Although improvements for cyclists have remained largely stagnant, there are many concepts proposed by urbanists and those promoting alternative methods of transportation.
Specialized cycling lanes are not just a luxury but a crucial element for safety. Clearly marked lanes will provide cyclists with a safe path, preventing conflicts with pedestrians and drivers. It is not enough to focus solely on urban development when such a basic issue remains unsolved.
Wider sidewalks and clearly designated pedestrian areas are not mere conveniences; they are essential for ensuring safe passage and comfort. The lack of organization and clarity creates chaos and risks that could be avoided with a little effort by urban planners and local governments.
Investing in these improvements is about more than aesthetics; it represents fundamental needs for the protection of residents and visitors. Sunny Beach can continue to be a successful and secure choice for years to come, provided these key aspects of infrastructure development are addressed.
From equipment to lanes: Brașov’s push for safer cycling
Similarly, in Brașov, ensuring biker safety involves not only enhancing infrastructure but also implementing prudent safety measures.
Chief Agent Daniel Zontea from the Brașov Traffic Police Department emphasized, “The first thing we should consider after acquiring a bicycle is to focus on equipping it properly. Make sure to have a white light at the front and a red light at the back.”
He also touches on the fact that the Traffic Code specifies only obligations regarding the bicycle’s lighting system, braking system, and also the use of a horn. Although it might seem like a burden to many bikers, he emphasizes the importance of these requirements for ensuring safety on the road. Proper lighting and functioning brakes are crucial for visibility and control, while a horn can help alert others to your presence, reducing the risk of accidents.
In parallel with these individual safety measures, efforts are underway to enhance the broader infrastructure for biking in Brașov.
“We are continuing projects to develop the necessary infrastructure for environmentally friendly transportation systems. We have started the procurement procedures for two of the bike lanes that Brasov will have in the coming years that will profoundly transform our city in terms of mobility,” stated Brașov’s mayor Allen Coliban.
The City Hall has initiated two procurement procedures for the design and construction of a bike lane that will connect the Valea Cetății neighborhood to the civic center, as well as another lane linking the Făget area with Griviței Boulevard and Mihai Viteazu Street, and from there, via another bike lane, to the intersection at Ceasu’ Rău.
Brașov’s biking community isn’t just hopeful about upcoming changes—they’ve been actively demanding better infrastructure for years. With this in mind, it’s certainly a significant milestone that their persistent advocacy is starting to bear fruit.
How community sustains cyclists
Similarly, the vitality of a biking community in fostering safer streets and encouraging broader participation is evident in Chișinău as well. The presence of a community centered around alternative methods of transport is vital to keeping roads safe and encouraging people to join the movement.
Critical Mass is a type of direct action where participants ride bicycles in a group at a predetermined place and time. Inspired by the proverb “there’s safety in numbers”, the concept is for individuals to band together to make their streets safer places for one another to cycle. The Bicycle Alliance of Chișinău has begun organizing such an event on the streets of the capital once a month to raise awareness of the difficulties cyclists face in Moldova and advocate for alternative methods of transportation. About their achievements with Critical Mass, co-founder Ana Popa says:
“For me, it’s a big achievement when I see people I don’t know at Critical Mass. This means that new people come and new people find out about it and they support the cause. It’s an achievement when, at our events at the Bicycle Alliance, we see people we don’t know. This means that the community is growing, and we look out for each other.”
Efforts to improve cycling safety are slowly emerging across Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria, but much work remains. In Moldova, the recent installation of bike lanes in Chișinău marks a step forward, yet the infrastructure is still limited to central areas and needs expansion across the city’s districts. Romania has initiated plans for new bike lanes in cities like Brașov, but the persistent cyclist fatalities highlight the urgency for more comprehensive and enforced safety measures. In Bulgaria, where road fatalities remain the highest in Europe, the focus has been more on urban development for tourists rather than on securing safe roads for cyclists and pedestrians.
To truly protect cyclists and promote safer, eco-friendly transportation, all three countries must not only invest in better infrastructure but also enforce strict regulations, educate drivers, and create environments where vulnerable road users are prioritized over cars.
