Bishkek's "Broadway"
In the spring of 2023, the city administration announced the implementation of a pedestrian "Broadway" as part of the presidential program "Zhashyl Muras".The project was overseen by Ruslan Sharshenbay uulu, a deputy of the Bishkek city council, who emphasized that the plan includes not only the creation of a pedestrian zone but also the development of infrastructure to support the growth of small businesses. The project's funding amounted to 28 million soms, but exact expenditure details are unknown.
In 2025, a pedestrian zone was introduced on Aitmatov Avenue at night (from Masalieva Street to Semeteya Street), but local residents did not appreciate the innovation. They complained about difficulties accessing their homes after 10 PM and the noise and disorder associated with people walking around (there are still not enough trash bins along the renovated avenue).
Moreover, Bishkek faces a problem of insufficient parking spaces, which could exacerbate the situation.
Kyivskaya Street, in particular, is significantly congested during peak hours, as it is one of the main transport arteries of the city and serves a large number of residents.
According to the new master plan, the section of Kyivskaya Street from the area of the old Osh market to Jusup Abdrahmanov Street is to become pedestrian-friendly. Plans also include the launch of electric buses and trams.
It is worth noting that in 2019, the city administration already intended to make Kyivskaya Street pedestrian-friendly from Manas Avenue to Ibraimov Street, but the idea remained unrealized. Nevertheless, there is hope that the city administration will take into account all the risks associated with creating a new pedestrian zone, drawing on both international experience and existing local practices.
