The second phase of the construction of cycling infrastructure that connects the Universities of Nicosia with the city center was inaugurated Saturday, with a cycling tour from the University of Nicosia to the Municipal Theater of Nicosia.
The second phase of the construction of cycling infrastructure that connects the Universities of Nicosia with the city center was inaugurated Saturday, with a cycling tour from the University of Nicosia to the Municipal Theater of Nicosia, in the presence of Minister of Transport, Yiannis Karousos and Nicosia Mayor Constantinos Yorkatzis and with the participation of a number of cyclists.
The Ministry of Transport says in a press release that the new cycling infrastructure in 5.2 km long and it is the second of four phases of the project (valued at €2.235.000), starting from the Metohi of Kykkos and ending at Solomou Square. The largest part of the route is on the asphalt street and other parts cross through the Municipal Garden of Nicosia or sidewalks. Also, a 20-meter-long bridge was constructed above Pedieos River, purposed for pedestrians and cyclists. The project was partly funded (85%) by the European Union Social Cohesion Fund and partly (15%) by the Republic of Cyprus.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Karousos said that “the Ministry aims for bicycles to become part of the citizens’ daily life, as a safe and reliable mean of transport, exercise and recreation”. He explained that the construction of proper infrastructure will hopefully encourage people to choose a more sustainable option for transportation in the city. He also noted that encouraging cycling is part of the Ministry’s commitment to decreasing carbon emissions, aiming to climate neutral cities by 2050.
Speaking about this particular project, he said that the cycling infrastructure connecting the Universities with the city center, will facilitate the daily student transportation, which will lift an extra financial burden off their families.
On his behalf, the Mayor of Nicosia, Constantinos Yorkatzis, noted that the Municipality’s vision is for Nicosia to grow into a sustainable city, for the benefit of generations to come and he stressed that we need to minimize the city’s environmental footprint, by decreasing car emissions. Speaking about the cycling infrastructure following Pedieos River path, he said that residents of Strovolos and Lakatamia will also be benefited, as they can now bike and easily reach the city center.
Nicosia Mayor finally said that tenders will be announced soon for the third and fourth phase of the project, which will connect Kaimakli and Pallouriotissa areas.
Source: Cyprus News Agency