Three new regional cycling routes completed around Riga, totaling 17.4 kilometers
Riga and its surrounding municipalities have completed three new regional cycling routes this summer, connecting the capital with Ulbroka, Babīte/Piņķi and Ķekava. The project's total budget exceeded 25.6 million euros, mostly funded by the EU Recovery Fund.
Construction of three new regional cycling routes around Riga has concluded this summer, adding 17.4 kilometers of cycling infrastructure. The project was carried out with European Union support, in cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and municipalities in the Riga region (Pierīga).
Three new routes
The Riga–Babīte–Piņķi route is about 7.3 kilometers long, connecting the Nameja embankment near the Zunda canal with the intersection of Slokas Street and Kurzemes Avenue, passing through several city streets. The route is already in active use.
The Riga–Ulbroka route spans approximately 5.9 kilometers, built mainly along the Augusta Deglava Street corridor, linking the city center with Ulbroka and Sauriesi, with cyclists separated from car traffic by green buffer zones.
The Riga–Ķekava route covers about 4.2 kilometers within Riga's city limits, extending to more than 8.5 kilometers when combined with the section in Ķekava municipality.
Benefits for neighborhoods
The new infrastructure has affected several Riga neighborhoods, including Purvciems, Pļavnieki, Dreliņi, Imanta, Zasulauks, Dzirciems, Ziepniekkalns and Bišumuiža, where intersections were upgraded, sidewalks illuminated, and public spaces improved alongside the cycling paths. A roundabout was also built in Imanta.
At the opening event, Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs said the city intends to keep expanding such infrastructure. Marta Kotello, chair of the council's Public Space and Mobility Committee, noted that the main cycling "backbones" have now been built, with local connections planned next. Elīna Šimiņa-Neverovska, representing the Ministry of Transport, said the project forms part of a green transformation reform for the Riga metropolitan area's transport system.
Future plans and funding
Riga plans to continue developing cycling infrastructure toward Ķengarags, Rumbula and Dārziņi, as well as in the Šķirotava, Granīta and Grostonas street areas. New bike lanes are also planned on Dzirnavu, Šarlotes, Marijas and Lāčplēša streets.
The total project budget was 25,633,523 euros, of which 21,184,730 euros came from the Recovery Fund, while 4,448,793 euros was municipal funding covered by a loan from the State Treasury.
