Rongankatu looks very different than it did before the renovation. A two-way cycle track of red asphalt runs down the middle of the street. There is a car lane on either side, and wide sidewalks run along the edge of the street. The cycle path and pavements are lined with rows of trees and planting, with benches in between.
There are also city bicycle stations, as well as bike and electric scooter parks. Car parking is available along the street and in tree-lined areas, and there are four service pockets for delivery vehicles.
The aim is not only to make traffic flow more smoothly, but also to make Rongankatu an attractive area to stay and linger, making it more attractive to businesses.
There are separate traffic lights for cyclists at the railway end. For pedestrians, there are separate lights at the crossings.
Knowing the traffic rules is all you need also on Rongankatu
Despite its unusual appearance, the Rongankatu cycle lane does not require users to learn new rules. It is enough to know the traffic rules and remember that all users use their own clearly marked and separated lanes: cyclists and skaters use the red centre lane, cars use their own lanes and pedestrians use the pavements.
At the intersection of Rongankatu, Hämpin Park and Pellavatehtaankatu, cars turning into the car park from the east from Rautatienkatu direction follow the normal give way rules. In other words, they give way to all traffic travelling straight (including cyclists travelling in the same direction!) and to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk.
Cyclists entering from the south along Pellavatehtaankatu must give way to other traffic and cyclists on Rongankatu give way to cars crossing the southern carriageway.
The Rongankatu cycle lane is intended to promote barrier-free movement between Tammela and the city centre and, more generally, is part of the main regional cycle route.