Munich inaugurates a major section of its bicycle highway network
A modern infrastructure promoting bicycle commuting
Munich has launched a first segment of a bicycle highway connecting the city center to its distant suburbs over a distance of up to 25 km. Inaugurated in June 2024, this section aims to reduce the travel time by electric bike to one hour.
An ambitious project for Munich
The city of Munich plans a network of 14 cycling corridors ranging from 11 to 25 km. Work began last summer on line 3, and the first segment “Abschnitt 4.1 Süd” of 3 km was recently opened in Garching. During the inauguration, local officials were present to celebrate this important milestone.
The next phase of this project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Ultimately, this cycling network will allow the connection between the city of Munich and the suburb of Unterschleißheim in less than an hour at an average speed of 20 km/h, or in 45 minutes on an electric bike at 25 km/h.
Similar initiatives in France
Although France is behind Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark in terms of bicycle infrastructure, notable projects are developing in the hexagon. Paris and its surroundings have initiated the RER V, renamed Réseau Vélo Île-de-France (VIF), comprising 11 major cycling routes totaling 750 km. However, its completion is expected between the end of 2025 and 2030.
Moreover, the Voies Lyonnaises project is progressing well. This network will connect 49 communities in the Lyon metropolitan area through 13 lines covering 350 km by the end of the decade. The first line, VL1, could be operational by the end of the summer, coinciding with the start of the school year.
