site.btaSofia Initiative for More Pedestrian Areas in Summer Gets High Approval in Survey

A Sofia initiative for more pedestrian areas in summer gets high approval in an opinion poll, said Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev Thursday. More than 90% of respondents approved Sofia’s Summer on the Cobblestones initiative, he said. All four weekends of August, the pilot project turned a section of Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard in the city centre into a pedestrian area, offering more space for walks, meetings, cultural events and urban activities.

Of 97 on-site interviews, 90.7% supported closing the boulevard for cars, while 80.4% said the initiative had a positive effect on central Sofia. Respondents highlighted more space for pedestrians, cleaner air and a quieter environment as the main benefits, with 80.4% emphasizing that the initiative should be maintained, developed and even expanded.

Sofia Municipality stressed that the survey was conducted among visitors to the pedestrian zone and is not representative of all Sofia residents, adding that they are continuing to collect public feedback through an online survey. It also noted that it had monitored air quality and traffic on alternative routes during the closures.