Greenways: Corridors of Sustainable Development

The Greenways program has been established in a number of central and eastern European countries to create a network of linked cycling and pedestrian corridors across the region. Assistance has also been provided to develop tourist infrastructure, enabling local communities to derive additional income while protecting the environment and establishing a sustainable tourism industry. The following summaries provide an overview of the work that has been undertaken in each country.

Bulgaria:
The Danube River cycling corridor has become a reality, leading to the wider acceptance of green tourism in the region. New businesses such as small hotels, guesthouses and tourist attractions have been established. In August and September 2007 a touring exhibition of local craft, fishing traditions and folklore performances travelled to 61 villages and towns along the Danube. Twenty-two of the townships are part of the Greenway community. More than 6,000 people attended this event.

Czech Republic:
Development of Greenways along the Vltaca and Elb Rivers has been made possible through the support of TFfE. Conditions for both cyclists and pedestrians have been improved in cities and new theme-based routes have been established.
The main goal for the 2007 funding was to establish Greenways infrastructure through community involvement. Local municipalities were instrumental in achieving this aim. TFfE funds were also used to develop and implement Greenways in pre-defined corridors.

Hungary:
Over 110 kilometres of new signposted Greenways have been established in Hungary as a result of TFfE’s support. Three additional micro-regions have joined the program which will lead to the establishment of more Greenways in these areas.
The Greenway program was an integral part of major events including the Week of Cycle Tourism and Earth Day. The opening ceremony of the Duna-Ipoly Trail (the Hungarian section of the Amber Trail) was held during Mobility Week 2007.

Poland:
The Polish Greenways webpage was launched in July 2007 and attracted over 20,000 visitors in the first six months. The page has been used to promote the various activities in Poland, including the publication of a Greenways Tool Book. A self-funding, long-term program to plant trees along the Krakow-Moravia-Vienna Greenway was publicised through the website. More than 70 private citizens signed up to plant a tree.

Romania:
The Salt Way, established through cooperation between the regional council, several tourism associations, and local guesthouse owners, was launched in 2007. The thematic trail will attract more visitors to the Tg Mure region and increase awareness of the trail for local residents.

Slovakia:
Through the support of TFfE the city of Banksa Bystrica has developed an initiative to promote cycling and non-motorised transport. Activities supported by TFfE have led to the inclusion of cycling infrastructure in the city’s zoning plan.
Funding for the Moravian Iron Curtain Greenway completed the last gap in the long distance Greenway which runs from Bratislava to the Morava border. Cyclists and tourists can use the Greenway instead of public roadways, thereby increasing safety and encouraging the development of local tourism.