Cyclists’ day in Athens but roads will not close
Athens traffic police will proffer escort duties to daring cyclists who respond to a government appeal to descend on the center of town today under a Europe-wide campaign to discourage the use of private motorized transport in cities. But following Monday’s chaos when cars were banned from downtown Athens during the morning rush hour, no roads will be fully closed to traffic. From 5-8 p.m., the Environment Ministry has invited cyclists to ride round the city center, using the pedestrian streets of Dionysiou Areopagitou, Apostolou Pavlou and Ermou, as well as sections of busy Filellinon and Amalias streets – in which most lanes will be reserved for motorized traffic. At 5 p.m., traffic police officers will escort cyclists to the city center from meeting points at Amerikis Square, Profitis Ilias Square and Ilissou Street. Only private cars with Greek plates ending in an even number can circulate in central Athens before 8 p.m. today.
