Athens is set to see a significant transformation in urban mobility with the planned implementation of a 17.3km cycling network across its neighborhoods by 2026. This initiative, spearheaded by the Municipality of Athens, aims to provide safer and more accessible routes for cyclists, encouraging a shift towards eco-friendly transportation.
Funding Secured, Implementation Nearing
According to Nikos Chrysogelos, Deputy Mayor for Climate Governance and Social Economy, the Municipality has already received the necessary studies and secured funding through the Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) program. This marks a crucial step, bringing the project closer to realization than ever before.
Mr. Chrysogelos explained to News 24/7 that this is the first time plans for cycling infrastructure have reached such a mature stage. The next steps involve consultations with municipal communities, which are expected to commence shortly, followed by securing the necessary approvals from the decentralized administration. These consultations will ensure that the project aligns with the needs and concerns of local residents.
Neighborhoods to Benefit from the New Cycling Network
The proposed network will primarily focus on creating local cycling routes within specific Athenian neighborhoods. Mr. Chrysogelos, himself a cyclist, highlighted the current lack of safety for bicycle commuters. “There are already many people who commute by bicycle in Athens, but what we perceive – and I am a cyclist myself – is that we do not feel safe taking our bicycles out. So, in the first phase, we are trying to solve this problem and enable citizens to commute at a neighborhood level,” he stated.
The planned cycling lanes will traverse key streets in various districts:
- Sepolia: Antigonis, Filippoupoleos, Agiou Meletiou
- Kypseli: Sporadon, Zakynthou, Argostoliou, Evelpidon
- Gkyzi: Valtinon, Moustoxydi, Koumanoudi, Lytra, Momferatou, Lombardou
- Exarcheia: Ippokratous, Char. Trikoupi, Arachovis, Themistokleous, Dervenion, Stournari
- Near Victoria: Makedonias, Mich. Voda
- City Center: Solonos, Massalias Pedestrian Street, Sekeri, Kanari, Filikis Etaireias Square, Koumpari, Irodou Attikou, Vas. Georgiou B’
- Petralona: Akamantos, Troon, Dimodontos, Dorieon, Alopis, Alkminis
The primary objective, as explained by the Deputy Mayor, is to establish a continuous cycling network that allows citizens to reach essential destinations such as schools, Metro stations, squares, and parks safely and efficiently.
Future Plans: The Northern Cycling Axis and Holistic Regeneration
While the initial network focuses on specific neighborhoods, it is acknowledged that larger central roads and entire municipal units are not yet included. These areas are expected to be covered by the Metropolitan Cycling Network, specifically the “Northern Axis,” which is anticipated to be developed in the future.
Discussions around a large inter-municipal cycling path connecting Kifissia with Faliro through the historic center of Athens date back to 2009. The Southern Axis, extending from Gazi to Faliro, was completed in 2015. However, the Northern Axis, which would link Gazi with Kifissia, has yet to materialize, 16 years after its initial announcement. The Attica Region is currently in the study phase for this project, indicating that its implementation may soon be underway.
Beyond the cycling lanes, the studies also include provisions for 112 parking spots for 2,000 bicycles. The Municipality is exploring incentives to encourage car owners to utilize alternative parking solutions, thereby freeing up road space.
Furthermore, these projects are expected to contribute to a broader regeneration of the neighborhoods through which the cycling paths will pass. This includes addressing potholes, improving sidewalks, and increasing shaded areas by planting trees, enhancing the overall urban environment.
“We hear from citizens that many who do not have other means of transport would like to commute by bicycle but are afraid to go out on the streets and risk their lives,” said Mr. Chrysogelos. He emphasized that the initiative is not solely aimed at existing cyclists but seeks to create a network that encourages car users to switch to bicycles, promoting a healthier and more sustainable urban lifestyle.
Source: https://www.news247.gr/magazine/reportage/erxontai-podilatodromoi-stin-athina-poies-geitonies-tha-allaxoun/
