"Pedaling Towards a Greener Future: The Expansion of the Ter Bicycle Lane in Catalonia"

Introduction

In a significant boost to sustainable mobility, the Department of Territory, Housing, and Ecological Transition has inaugurated a new 2.4-kilometer stretch of the Ter Bicycle Lane between Llanars and Vilallonga de Ter. This addition is part of an ambitious project to extend the Ter cycling route from Sant Joan de les Abadesses to Setcases, enhancing the region’s network for both daily commutes and leisure.

Main Content

New Bicycle Lane: Characteristics and Funding

The new segment of the Ter Bicycle Lane runs parallel to the GIV-5264 road, starting from the exit of Llanars and continuing along the left side of the road. The route involves various engineering solutions such as a ramp adjacent to a new wall to manage elevation, passages over the Gran and Paloma streams with a new footbridge, and a concrete box. Upon reaching Vilallonga de Ter, the lane crosses the GIV-5264 road at a level crossing equipped with new traffic lights for safe urban access. This project required an investment of 1.8 million euros.

Extending the Ter Bicycle Route

The overarching Ter Bicycle Route envisions a continuous path extending the existing Iron and Coal Route from Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadesses to Setcases, totaling 26 kilometers. This extensive development will involve several new segments, with completed sections including Sant Joan de les Abadesses to pont del Reixac; pont de Perella to Sant Pau de Segúries; the path from the camping bridge/Pont de les Rocasses to Camprodon and Camprodon to Llanars. The cumulative investment upon completion is expected to be around 10 million euros.

Ongoing and Future Developments

The Department is also overseeing additional construction projects connecting various segments of the Ter Bicycle Route. This includes connecting Camprodon-Llanars and Llanars-Vilallonga de Ter within Llanars, as well as the segments from Sant Pau de Segúries to pont de la Rovira, and from pont de la Rovira to the camping path. These efforts are coordinated alongside the construction of the new C-38 bridge in Sant Pau de Segúries. In addition to these developments, the Ter Bicycle Route will integrate with the cross-border cycle tourism route, Pirinexus, and the forthcoming connection between Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Olot, which will link to the Carrilet Route.

The Catalan Bicycle Strategy 2025

Aligned with the Catalan Bicycle Strategy 2025, the government aims to expand the network of new cycling paths as part of policies promoting decarbonized and active mobility. This network expansion for cyclists and pedestrians aims to facilitate daily commutes while also catering to recreational needs. Encouraging a switch from motorized to non-motorized forms of transport is key to this strategy, fostering a healthier, greener, and more connected society.

Summary

The addition of the new 2.4-kilometer segment of the Ter Bicycle Lane marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance Catalonia's cycling infrastructure. With a total length of 26 kilometers from Sant Joan de les Abadesses to Setcases upon completion, the route entails a comprehensive plan involving significant investment and multiple interconnected projects. The Ter Bicycle Route will not only integrate with local cycling paths but also form part of broader, cross-border cycling networks. Through the Catalan Bicycle Strategy 2025, the government seeks to advance sustainable mobility, making cycling a viable and attractive option for everyday travel and leisure.

If you want to know other articles similar to "Pedaling Towards a Greener Future: The Expansion of the Ter Bicycle Lane in Catalonia" you can visit the Daily News category.