With a number of official opening events held across municipalities surrounding Riga, the implementation of a major cycling infrastructure development project in the Riga Metropolitan Area has been completed. As a result, a unified and interconnected cycling network with a total length of 52 kilometres has been established. The project was implemented with €34.5 million in funding from the European Union (EU) Recovery Fund, promoting environmentally friendly mobility, road safety, and greater opportunities for residents to choose cycling for their daily travel needs.
"The creation of a unified cycling infrastructure network is a significant investment in the development of sustainable mobility. The construction of 52 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure demonstrates that, through cooperation between the state, municipalities and the EU, it is possible to deliver large-scale projects that generate long-term benefits for both residents and the environment. This infrastructure not only improves mobility options but also encourages a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle,” emphasizes Andulis Židkovs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport.
The newly developed cycling routes provide more convenient and safer connections between residential areas, educational institutions, workplaces and public transport hubs, while also improving connectivity between Riga and its surrounding territories. Projects involving construction, reconstruction, renovation, enhancement and adaptation of cycling infrastructure were implemented by five municipalities: the city of Riga, Ropaži municipality, Ķekava municipality, Mārupe municipality and Ādaži municipality.
Official cycling infrastructure opening events have already been held in three municipalities, with two further events scheduled in the coming weeks, bringing an important stage of infrastructure development in the Riga Metropolitan Area to a close.
Opening event of Riga- Ķekava cycling route
Recovery Fund investments in cycling infrastructure form part of broader measures aimed at reducing transport-related emissions, strengthening sustainable mobility solutions, and advancing climate-neutrality objectives. The unified cycling network developed through the project also provides a solid foundation for the further expansion of cycling infrastructure across the region.
About the project
The establishment of a unified cycling infrastructure network in the Riga Metropolitan Area was implemented with funding from the Recovery Fund. The project’s total budget amounted to €34.5 million, supporting the construction of 52 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure. The project was designed to develop a safe, continuous and sustainable cycling network, enhancing residents’ mobility, improving road safety, and contributing to the achievement of climate-neutrality goals.
