200km 'Velo Warta' cycling route to be built along river in Poland

A significant new cycling infrastructure project, "Velo Warta," is set to be developed along the Warta River in Poland's Łódź Voivodeship. The initiative brings together 19 municipalities and regional authorities, who have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on the creation of this extensive route.

Regional authorities described the project as a crucial step stemming from the Łódź Voivodeship's adopted Policy for the Development of Bicycle Mobility. The goal is to establish "Velo Warta" as a route that is safe, comfortable, and accessible for all cyclists, regardless of age, fitness level, or bicycle type. Officials highlighted that cycling is not only a form of active leisure but also a vital component of modern transport and tourism.

The "Velo Warta" route is envisioned as a showcase for the region, intended to stimulate tourism growth in the municipalities situated along the Warta River. The signed document outlines the principles of cooperation between the regional board and the participating local governments. Detailed financing arrangements for the municipalities' contributions will be specified in separate agreements.

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We want "Velo Warta" to be a route for everyone: safe, comfortable, and accessible regardless of age, fitness, or type of bicycle. Cycling today is not just a way to actively relax, but also an important element of modern transport and tourism.

The planned 200-kilometer route will closely follow the Warta River, stretching from the border with the Silesian Voivodeship to the border with the Greater Poland Voivodeship. A loop around the Jeziorsko reservoir, a key recreational area, is also included in the project. Local officials expressed enthusiasm, noting that the route will connect their communities with neighboring regions and existing cycling networks, creating unique tourist loops based on the natural and landscape values of areas like the Załęczański Landscape Park.

The project aligns with the development strategies of the involved municipalities, aiming to complement existing tourist offerings, such as the Jeziorsko yacht harbor. By making different forms of active recreation more accessible, "Velo Warta" is expected to create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The Provincial Road Administration in Łódź is responsible for the overall investment, having initiated the first stage: determining the final route alignment and developing a functional-utility program. Detailed technical solutions will be defined during the design documentation phase, planned for completion this year.

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For many years, we have been developing active tourism in our municipality. "Velo Warta" is a very important project for us because it will connect us with the Silesian Voivodeship and the Eagle's Nests Trail. The cycling route No. 17, running along the Warta River, will allow us to create a unique tourist loop, based on the values of the Załęczański Landscape Park.