As temperatures and sunshine hours rise, more and more people are taking to their bicycles, which have been in storage until now, and using them daily as a means of transport. Cycling means reducing emissions to zero, travelling fast and living a healthier life in body and mind. In Debrecen, the number and total length of cycle paths has multiplied in recent years; by the end of the year, the city’s cycle path network will reach 108 kilometres. It is planned to cycle as far as Hortobágy.
As well as being an increasingly important issue worldwide, environmental awareness is now almost a necessity. In Hungary, too, more and more attention is being paid to alternative solutions, such as the development of cycle path infrastructure, and initiatives and events aimed at promoting a cycling lifestyle are receiving a lot of attention. Almost 30% of the population use bicycles most of the year, and many people choose this mode of transport almost every day, regardless of the weather, to get to work, school and shops.
On 27th March, hundreds of cyclists unveiled Debrecen’s newest section of cycle path, which will take cycling enthusiasts from the city centre through the Biczó István Garden to the Bánki Arboretum.
In the eastern part of the city, more than 8 km of cycle paths have been opened. Speaking at a press conference on 26th March, László Pósán, Member of Parliament, said: “A large-scale, unique bicycle construction project has been and is currently underway in Debrecen. In the eastern part of the city, more than 8 kilometres of cycle paths have been and are being built, divided into four sections. Three sections have been completed, including the section between Wesselényi út and Vágóhíd utca, while the area in Vágóhíd utca is still under construction, but the section from Diószegi utca to Panoráma utca is finished.
Further development of the cycle path network in the eastern part of the city started in 2021, at a gross cost of HUF 759.5 million.
With the development of the cycle paths in the eastern part of the city, we have taken a big step forward in the interests of safe transport,” said Mayor László Papp. He said that the city has made serious efforts in recent years to launch meaningful cycle path developments in all directions.
In addition to the eastern part of the city, the western part of the city is also undergoing improvements to its cycle path network. Between Debrecen and Kismacs, then as part of the 33 project along road 33 to the North-Western Economic Belt, and from there, in cooperation with the county, we would like to continue the cycle route towards Hortobágy using TOP+ funds. In addition, works are being carried out in parallel with the reconstruction of the Kishegyesi road,” the mayor said.
Within a year or two, the city’s cycle path network will reach 108 kilometres, and 130 kilometres by the end of the decade.
