J’lem to triple bike lanes by 2023
In a boost for the capital city’s cyclists, the Jerusalem municipality and the Ministry of Transportation revealed a NIS 150m. plan on Wednesday to pave 80 km. of bike lanes across the capital by 2023, tripling the city’s existing 43 km. network of cycling paths.
Plans envision connecting the new bicycle lanes to existing infrastructure at Jerusalem’s Hamesila (Railway) Park and the route connecting the transportation hubs at Malha and Romema.
“The days of saying that Jerusalem is a city with many inclines that are unsuitable for bicycles are over,” said Mayor Nir Barkat. “The invention of electric bicycles, alongside the many advantages of regular bicycles as a fast, healthy, cheap and eco-friendly tool, have created a reality which requires us to adapt infrastructure to the many cyclists and enable them to ride safely. I have traveled to my office by bicycle many times, and enjoy its many advantages.”
Earlier this month, FSM Ground Services, the company behind the Tel Aviv bicycle rental program Tel-O-Fun, announced that it would be installing 500 bicycles and 50 solar-powered docking stations in Jerusalem next year. The stations will be installed across the city center and at popular tourist attractions.
“The plan to create a network with bicycle lanes across the length and breadth of Jerusalem will enable safer cycling and more enjoyable cycling,” Barkat said. “I wish to thank Minister of Transportation Israel Katz and his ministry for their partnership and for building a budget for the advancement of the program which will benefit the city’s residents and visitors.”
In the first of the project’s four stages, 13 km. of bike lanes will be paved next year in Kiryat Yovel, Ramat Sharett, Rehavia and the German Colony. From there, a path will link the nearby Khan Theater to Mount Scopus. The bicycle lane project is set to be completed by 2023.