Poland focuses on bicycles – local governments and institutions join forces for a coherent infrastructure

Provincial authorities, together with the most important institutions responsible for infrastructure in Poland, have begun joint efforts to develop a network of bicycle routes. On the second day of the Convention of Provincial Marshals of the Republic of Poland in Sulejów, a "Bicycle Declaration" was signed. The document provides for the creation of a uniform, safe system of bicycle routes throughout the country and its integration into the European network.

The project's objectives were presented to the marshals by Andrzej Janowski from the Polish Cycling Federation, who emphasized that the creation of a coherent infrastructure is not only a huge challenge, but also an opportunity for all regions. As he pointed out, thanks to the agreement signed, it will be possible to travel across Poland by bicycle in any direction.

The "Declaration" provides for the development and implementation of coordinated plans for regional, national, and international routes. Its main objective is to improve cooperation between provinces and land management institutions to ensure the continuity and quality of cycling infrastructure. The project involves, among others, GDDKiA, Wody Polskie, PKP, and Lasy Państwowe, which are to support the process of agreeing and implementing bicycle investments of supra-local importance.

The Marshal of the Łódź Province, Joanna Skrzydlewska, emphasized the symbolic significance of signing the declaration in Sulejów, during her region's presidency of the Convention. In her opinion, joint actions will accelerate the construction of new bicycle routes, allow them to be integrated into a single system, and contribute to the development of tourism. Skrzydlewska also expressed her hope that within a decade, Poland will have an extensive network of routes, which will further encourage residents to use bicycles for everyday transport.

In turn, the Marshal of the West Pomeranian Province, Olgierd Geblewicz, referred to the experience of his region. He recalled that ten years ago, a goal was set to build 1,100 km of routes, 80% of which are already complete. In his opinion, this success was due to close cooperation with municipalities and key institutions. Geblewicz pointed out that the development of bicycle paths not only serves tourism, but also residents, promoting a healthy lifestyle and revitalizing small towns through the creation of accompanying services.

The declaration is open-ended – other institutions and local governments can join it. The document was signed by the marshals of all 16 provinces and representatives of the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) and Polish Waters (Wody Polskie).

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