Budapest, The Sports Capital of Europe in 2019: Cycling

The European Capitals of Sport Association has decided: Budapest is going to be The Sports Capital of Europe in 2019. According to this, the capital of Hungary started to build additional places, where people can do sports or try new ones - even for free. Cycling is increasingly popular, but not necessarily a seasonal activity. Its charm lies in its sustainable, health-preserving and cost-effective qualities. Nowadays, the big cities cannot ignore the growing bicycle traffic and a resulting demand for a necessary infrastructure in the matter. So let’s see, what Budapest has to offer to the bikers.

Andrássy Street

In 2012, the bicycle route in Andrássy Street - the city’s best-known avenue - was finished, which means a one-km-long properly-built bike route. However, starting from the shore of the Danube, along the Andrássy and until the end of City Park, it’s a 3,5-km-long route to cycle on. The Andrássy section was not built as a part of the sidewalk, but next to the parking cars on the road, which I think is wiser, because there is not much traffic here – even though it’s our most famous public space. Currently, it is one of the most advanced bicycle routes in Budapest. I reckon this is actually the best choice, when it comes to riding in the city, as we can connect directly from the Parliament via Kossuth Square to the Heroes Square and reach City Park. This way you will get the essence of riding a bike in our capital.

Picture © Credit to 444.hu

Small Boulevard

Small Boulevard or Kiskörút in Hungarian can be used since 2011, and it’s one of the most significant bicycle routes in the city. Mainly this route was the one, that has pointed out: even a busy road section can be perfectly accessible by the bikers, as the two communities (bikers and car drivers) can get on well alongside each other. It’s in direct connection with the bike route of Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street and Andrássy Street, while in the other direction it’s stretching towards Kálvin Square, from where it’s easy to get to the Buda side over Liberty Bridge.

EuroVelo route

Luckily, the city's most beautiful riverside part is also equipped with a bicycle path, which belongs to the European EuroVelo bicycle route. Unfortunately, some parts are not of the best quality, but blissfully the route includes such essential elements of Budapest as Árpád Bridge, the Kopaszi-dam on Bem-bund and Várkert-quay. From this route, we can even make a detour to the Margaret Island.

Picture © Credit to alamy.com

Szilas Brook Bike Route

If you would like to go outside but not far from the city, the Szilas Brook Bike Route is the best alternative you will have. The path that opened two years ago will lead you away from the cacophony of the city to a completely flat terrain – saving you from the car traffic. Therefore, it’s ideal for children, and even though, it's a little long, definitely worth a pint at Lake Naplás. Naplás is the largest still water in Budapest with a unique variety of flora and fauna.

Altogether the complete cycling path network of Budapest is 200 km, so I firmly believe, the capital of Hungary has rightfully got the opportunity to serve as The Sports Capital of Europe in 2019. In my earlier article, I presented you the main venues for swimming, and I am about to provide you one last collection for running soon. Stay fit guys!