Bicycle lanes are coming to Athens – Which neighborhoods will change

The Municipality plans to implement the 17.3 km bicycle network within 2026. According to Nikos Chrysogelos, Deputy Mayor for Climate Governance and Social Economy, the studies have been delivered and the project is very close to being realized. As he explains to News 24/7, this is the first time bicycle-lane plans have reached such an advanced stage, as funding has already been secured through the Integrated Territorial Investments (ΟΧΕ). What remains is the required consultation with the municipal communities — expected to begin very soon — followed by the necessary approvals from the regional administration.

WHERE THE DESIGNED BICYCLE ROUTE WILL PASS

The studies refer to the creation of a network of local bicycle lanes connecting various neighborhoods of Athens.

“There are already many people who move around by bicycle in Athens, but what we hear — and I am a cyclist myself — is that we don’t feel safe enough to take the bike. So our first priority is to address this problem and allow citizens to travel safely within their neighborhood,” Chrysogelos explains.

According to the map included in the proposed network, the bicycle lanes will pass through streets in:

• Sepolia: Antigonis, Filippoupoleos, Agiou Meletiou
• Kypseli: Sporadon, Zakynthou, Argostoliou, Evelpidon
• Gkyzi: Valtinon, Moustoxydi, Koumanoudi, Lytra, Momferatou, Lombardou
• Exarchia: Ippokratous, Charilaou Trikoupi, Arahovis, Themistokleous, Dervenion, Stournari
• Near Victoria Square: Makedonias, Mich. Voda
• City Center: Solonos, Massalias pedestrian street, Sekeris, Kanari, Filikis Etaireias Sq., Koumbari, Irodou Attikou, Vasil. Georgiou B’
• Petralona: Akamantos, Troon, Dimodontos, Dorieon, Alopis, Alkminis

The main goal, the deputy mayor explains, was to create a continuous bicycle network that allows residents to reach schools, Metro stations, squares, and parks.

THE NORTHERN BICYCLE AXIS IS ALSO EXPECTED

As can easily be seen, the planned network covers a limited area, leaving out entire municipal districts and major central roads. These areas are expected to be served by the Metropolitan Bicycle Network, specifically the forthcoming “Northern Axis.”

As early as 2009, a study had been announced for a large inter-municipal bicycle route connecting Kifisia with Faliro through Athens’ historic center. The Southern Axis, from Gazi to Faliro, was completed in 2015. But the Northern Axis, meant to connect Gazi with Kifisia, still has not been built — 16 years after its initial announcement.

The Region of Attica is now preparing the necessary studies, and it appears that this project will soon begin moving forward as well.

PARKING SPACES AND HOLISTIC NEIGHBORHOOD RENEWAL

Beyond bicycle lanes, the plans also include 112 parking points for 2,000 bicycles, while the Municipality is exploring incentives to relocate cars from streets to other parking locations. Additionally, these projects will contribute to a broader urban upgrade in the neighborhoods along the route — repairing potholes, improving sidewalks, and creating more shaded areas through new tree plantings.

“We hear from residents that many people who don’t have another means of transport would like to use bicycles but are afraid to go out and risk their lives,” says Chrysogelos. He adds: “We’re not addressing only those who already cycle. We want to create a network that will encourage car users to leave their vehicles and take their bikes instead.”