Traffic bollards on Riga's Senču Street spark dispute between drivers and pedestrian safety advocates

A driver posted a video criticizing bollards installed on Senču Street in Riga, arguing they obstruct traffic and represent yet another flawed traffic solution by the city. The video sparked an extensive comment section debate with sharply divided opinions.

Drivers' frustration

Several commenters said they travel through the area regularly and have experienced confusing, tense traffic flow because of the bollards. Some suggested a push-button traffic light would be a safer solution than narrowing the road with bollards. Criticism was also directed at the Riga City Council, with some commenters attributing the concept behind such solutions to urban activist Marta Kotello.

Support for pedestrian safety

Other commenters argued the bollards were installed to protect pedestrians rather than to annoy drivers. Several described situations where a car in one lane spots a pedestrian while a car in the adjacent lane fails to see them and continues driving, creating a dangerous scenario. The bollards, they said, prevent drivers from overtaking other vehicles right at the pedestrian crossing.

Expert's warning

Traffic specialist Ēriks Griģis stated that the current traffic setup is dangerous and its funding should be reviewed. According to him, standards allow an unregulated pedestrian crossing only on roads with a single lane in each direction; where there are two lanes, a regulated crossing with traffic lights is required. Griģis suggested that funding may have originally been allocated for a regulated crossing, but by artificially narrowing the road to one lane before the crossing, those responsible could redirect the traffic-light funding elsewhere. He noted the current setup lacks any advance warning signs about the lane ending, which causes congestion, risky lane changes, and danger to pedestrians. His proposed solution is installing traffic lights with a pedestrian-activated button.