Cycling enthusiasts can now pedal uninterrupted on the new “through-cycle” route between Winsum and Groningen, the Groninger Internet Courant reports. Launched on Tuesday, October 10, on the Sustainability Day, the route was introduced with a giveaway, bike checks, and complimentary coffee for cyclists along the way. “We are very happy to finally open the route between Winsum and Groningen,” said Henk Jan Smit, alderman for mobility in the municipality of Groningen. “This makes it easier and safer for cyclists to travel between the two cities.”
The 13-kilometer-long bike path begins at the southern edge of Winsum and runs to the white train bridge in Groningen. Cyclists have priority at most intersections and no longer need to cross the provincial road. The bike path is 3.5 meters wide. The surface is flat and will be maintained well, even in the winter.
Final stretch of the through-cycle route
Following the opening of the route connecting Groningen and Sauwerd two years ago, the segment linking Sauwerd to Winsum has now been completed. The municipality of Groningen is currently finalizing the remaining part of the lane leading to the city center. A new bike path will be built between the Walfridusbrug and the Eikenlaan, with a bike bridge over the Northern Ring Road (N370). The bike bridge is scheduled to be constructed in the first quarter of 2024. The through-cycle route is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.
Growing network of through-cycle routes
The provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, in collaboration with local municipalities and the Groningen-Assen Region (RGA), are actively developing a comprehensive network of through-cycle paths to connect Groningen and Assen. “This is a great step forward for sustainable mobility in the region,” says Berend Hoekstra, director of the RGA. “The through-cycle routes make it easier and more attractive for people to cycle to work, school, or other destinations.”
There are now six through-cycle routes to the city of Groningen: from Zuidhorn, Bedum, Ten Boer, Haren, Winsum, and Roden.
