
Network of cross-border bike routes in the Pons Danubii region

About this good practice
The bike routes were under-developed in Central Europe due to historical legacy. The borders between Hungary and Slovakia were strictly closed during communism until 1989. The joining of Hungary and Slovakia to the Schengen area provided further stimulus to the development of bike routes along the river Danube and along river Váh and the lakes around Tata in Hungary.
Preparation:
The Interreg IV Hungary –Slovakia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme provided financial support for the building of bike routes in the Pons Danubii area. Building plans and permits were prepared from cross-border projects.
Project objectives and purposes:
- Establishing a network of bike routes along the river Danube (Eurovelo 6 route) and along the river Váh in Slovakia
- Developing the Eurovelo 6 bike routes in Hungary in the Komárno region and around Tata lakes
Project beneficiaries:
- local inhabitants
- commuters to work places
- tourists using the Eurovelo 6 international path
Project activities:
- Building of bike route Komárom-Komárno – Kolárovo 25 km
- Building of Eurovelo 6 bike route from Komárno to Kravany 33 km
- Building of Bike routes around the Fortress Monostror 2 km
- Building bike routes from Tatabánya to Tata and Dunaalmás 15 km
- Building of bike route between Oroszlány and Tata 19 km
- Providing services for bikers, information systems
- Bike sharing system KOMBI (130 bikes) in 9 municipalities in Slovakia and Hungary
Expert opinion
This is an inspiring example of cooperation between municipalities in a cross-border area in promoting sustainable mobility, green ways and eco-tourism by establishing and developing a network of bike routes along two rivers. The network is part of an international bike route. The initiative proved to be successful which is demonstrated by the increasing number of bikers using the bike routes. It contributed to the creation of green jobs and can serve as a positive example for other cross-border regions in promoting sustainable mobility.
This is also a great example of infrastructure development benefitting both visitors and local communities. As such the good practice is well aligned with the EU Transition Pathway for Tourism.
Resources needed
Management: Pons Danubii EGTC, Municipalities of Komárno, Patince, Iza, Radvany, Moca and Kravany in Slovakia
Municipality of Komárom and Tata in Hungary
Evidence of success
Success factors: The project was aimed at the reconstruction & further improvement of the existing bicycle paths because low quality of the routes had been hindering dynamic tourism development in the region. The beauty of the nature along the Váh & Danube rivers provides a unique cycling experience for all.
Potential for learning or transfer
- The management of a regional network of bike routes (in our case cross-border region), different legislation, financing
Transferability:
- The management of the cross-border network can be used in a local, regional dimension as well
It can be used as a good practice because:
- It enhances the mobility of an international bike route
- It creates green jobs
- Management of bike routes could be combined with blue mobility on rivers and lakes
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Pons Danubii EGTC
