In profile: EU support to 
footpaths and cyclepaths  

As part of its investments in clean urban transport,  EU cohesion policy contributes nearly EUR 2 billion (at 31/12/2020) from the EU budget 2014-2020 to new and renovated cyclepaths and footpaths. Check out below the data on planned finances and progress in delivering this investment over the period (investments to be completed by the end of 2023). 
We also present 4 project examples to give a flavour of the investment already delivered.  

Explore progress with EU Financing over time

Intervention in footpaths and cycle paths are are tracked in terms of the volume of EU investments decided and spend compared to the planned investments with detailed data available annually. 

Using the chart below you can track the investment progress over time and, using the filters or clicking on the bars, see the national investment efforts and programme effort. Overall planned amounts 2014-2020 have been increasing since 2016.   

Explore the latest data by country and programme

The country and programme level investment values can also be explored in the chart below. Change the year using the filters. 

Project examples

EU investments in footpaths and cyclepaths (or lanes) are predominantly made in urban areas (linked to major population centres).  Typically, the renovation of new public transport inter modal hubs involve new footpaths layouts, bicycle parks and access. 
That said, cyclepaths and footpaths may also be built linked to eco tourism initiatives, making rural areas more attractive and safely accessible and to interconnect border regions.
See 4 examples below. 
Kościerzyna benefits from new, integrated transport hub, Poland
This EU-funded project is building a new, state-of-the-art transportation hub in Pomorskie, PL.
More than a bus stop or train station, it is designed to enhance public transportation options by seamlessly integrating them with individual modes of mobility such as bicycles and cars.

Mary Elmes bridge across the River Lee, in Cork, Ireland
The Mary Elmes Bridge in Cork City links the St Patrick' s and Merchants quays, providing easier access to the Victorian quarter, Kent Railway Station and its surrounds for pedestrians and cyclists. About 11 000 people use it daily, reducing traffic congestion and contributing to a cleaner, healthier city. A projected 2.5 million journeys are expected across the bridge annually to save pedestrians and cyclists an average of 1.8 minutes per journey. More information
Freedom cycling bridge, Austria - Slovakia
An Interreg project on the Austria-Slovakia border created a network of bicycle roads and bridges, promoting clean urban transport and linking the two countries. A new bridge connects bicycle tracks on both sides of the border, and also promotes cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism and culture.  More information.
Creating a cycle route in Atlantic Pyrenees region, Spain - France
Through cross-border cooperation, the Circuldouce project created a bicycle route from Bayonne in France to Pamplona in Spain. As a result of the project, a total of 70 km of public road are now accessible exclusively to non-motorised traffic. More information

More information:

Contact

We are REGIO's sustainable growth team. Contact us at: REGIO-G1-HEAD-OF-UNIT@ec.europa.eu 
(European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, Smart and Sustainable Growth Unit