The Luxembourg government has vowed to expand the country's cycling infrastructure, aiming for close to 1,000km of cycling paths in the coming years as accelerated procedures are hoped to help overcome administrative roadblocks.
Though certainly well developed already, Luxembourg's cycling infrastructure still has a number of issues, notably the classic case of paths suddenly ending without connecting to another one. The government vowed to tackle this problem after assuming power at the end of 2023, with the goal even inscribed in the formal coalition agreement between the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party (DP).
As part of the climate-friendly mobility transition, the government intends to construct 200 additional kilometres of cycling paths across the Grand Duchy.
In conversation with RTL, Minister for Mobility and Public Works Yuriko Backes acknowledged that there is still a significant disparity between wishful thinking and reality. "I think more people will be motivated to cycle short distances if the paths are there, secure, and attractive. We have to actively work on this", she said at the inauguration of a new cycling path in Eppeldorf on World Bicycle Day last Monday.
The municipality of the Ernz Valley has sought an extension to the local PC5 for close to 20 years, which is now expected to kick off in September, according to Mayor Bob Bintz, who said that administrative challenges tended to get into the way of progress.
Despite such setbacks, aspirations are high, explains Bintz: "We want the Alzette Valley, the Ernz Valley, and the Sûre Valley to be connected. This would also be an ideal solution for public transport, as our people would be able to access the Cruchten train station directly and safely to take the train to the capital or towards the north."
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Accelerating procedures
Minister Backes vowed to accelerate administrative procedures: "Environment Minister Serge Wilmes has agreed to sit down and evaluate those projects that are in a gridlock so that we can find concrete solutions to move things ahead. Communication is key."
Luxembourg's current cycling network expands over 770 kilometres, with 950km being the next goal. Red surfaces are hoped to increase visibility and thereby improve people's sense of safety. Preparations with the Bridges and Roads Authority are already underway.
'Bicycle Summer'
2024 will see the fifth edition of the 'Bicycle Summer' initiative. 67 municipalities will thus close certain roads from 27 July to 25 August to allow cyclists to freely move around on 13 different circuits.
Last year, 24,000 people made use of the initiative.
