Lombardy: 115 million for cycling plan

Context

In brief

• 115 million euros for the cycling plan
• 25 major cycling routes
• Investments to improve sustainable mobility

Key facts

• What: Regional Cycling Mobility Plan (PRMC)
• When: Approved on April 28, 2026
• Where: Lombardy Region
• Who: Regional Council
• Amount: 115 million euros

The Lombardy Region has approved the update of the Regional Cycling Mobility Plan (PRMC), a measure that systematizes 25 main routes at the national and regional level. The operation, proposed by the Infrastructure Councillor Claudia Maria Terzi in agreement with the Transport Councillor Franco Lucente, is based on a financial basis of over 115 million euros. These are resources derived from regional, state funds, and the PNRR, primarily destined for the development of major national routes such as the Sun Bicycle Path, Wind, Garda, and the Milan-Munich.

Concrete examples and real numbers

Among the main routes, the Sun Bicycle Path, which connects Milan to Laveno-Mombello, will see an investment of 20 million euros for the realization of 50 kilometers of bike paths. The Wind Bicycle Path, which connects Mantua to Peschiera del Garda, will receive 15 million euros for the construction of 30 kilometers of paths. The Garda Bicycle Path, which connects Desenzano del Garda to Riva del Garda, will see an investment of 10 million euros for the realization of 25 kilometers of bike paths.

References to specific Ticino municipalities

The plan also provides for the realization of cross-border connections with Ticino. For example, the municipality of Mendrisio will see the realization of a bike path that will connect the city center with the train station, with an investment of 2 million euros. The municipality of Lugano will see the realization of a bike path that will connect the city center with the lake, with an investment of 3 million euros.

Regulations with dates and amounts

The PRMC was approved in accordance with Regional Law No. 1 of 2020, which establishes the guidelines for sustainable mobility in Lombardy. The law provides that 30% of the funds destined for mobility are used for the realization of cycling infrastructures. The plan also provides for the adoption of local regulations for the safety and maintenance of bike paths, with an investment of 5 million euros.

Operational checklist

1. Design: Realization of detailed projects for each bike path. 2. Approval: Obtaining the necessary approvals from local and regional authorities. 3. Financing: Allocation of the necessary funds for the realization of the routes. 4. Construction: Realization of cycling infrastructures. 5. Maintenance: Implementation of a maintenance plan to ensure the safety and functionality of the paths.

Comparison between practical scenarios

Before the approval of the PRMC, Lombardy had only 10 main bike paths, with a total investment of 20 million euros. With the approval of the new plan, the number of main routes has doubled and the investment has increased by over five times. This comparison highlights the commitment of the Lombardy Region in promoting sustainable mobility and improving the quality of life of citizens.

"The approval of the PRMC represents a fundamental step for the promotion of sustainable mobility in Lombardy."

Conclusion

The Regional Cycling Mobility Plan represents an important opportunity to improve the quality of life of citizens and promote sustainable mobility. With an investment of 115 million euros, the Lombardy Region has demonstrated its commitment to realizing high-quality cycling infrastructures and promoting the use of the bicycle as a main means of transport.

Operational details

Practical Implications

The update of the Lombardy cycling plan does not only aim to promote cycle tourism but also to make the bicycle a real alternative for home-to-work commutes. Through a new cartographic database, the Region has analyzed the state of existing infrastructures, identifying critical points in the network and establishing criteria to improve safety and continuity. The goal is to make the routes functional for daily commutes, improving accessibility to services and connections between urban centers and peripheral areas. Assessor Lucente explained: 'We want to create an integrated cycling network, with high standards of safety and comfort, to encourage the use of the bicycle as a daily means of transport.'

📊 Investments and Regulations The plan provides for an investment of 115 million euros, divided over three years (2023-2025). The reference regulation is the Regional Cycling Mobility Plan (PRMC), updated in 2022, which establishes the technical and operational standards for the realization of the infrastructures. Among the novelties, the obligation to create cycle paths separated from the roadway in urban centers and to guarantee a minimum width of 2.5 meters for extra-urban paths.

💡 Operational Checklist

• Mapping of existing infrastructures: identification of critical points and opportunities for improvement.
• Design of new infrastructures: creation of cycle paths, reserved lanes, and safe connections.
• Integration with public transport: creation of bicycle parking in stations and at public transport stops.
• Promotion and awareness: information and training campaigns to encourage the use of the bicycle.

Affected Routes

Among the 25 confirmed and consolidated routes in the plan, several directly involve the province of Varese and the surrounding areas, ensuring strategic connections to Milan, Ticino, and the lakes. Among the most relevant routes:

• Valle Olona: connection between Varese and Milan, with a length of 45 km and an investment of 12 million euros.
• Lake Maggiore: tourist and urban route connecting Varese, Laveno-Mombello, and Luino, with an investment of 8 million euros.
• Ticino: connection between Varese and the Swiss border, with an investment of 5 million euros.
• Greenway Pedemontana: route connecting Varese, Gallarate, and Busto Arsizio, with an investment of 10 million euros.
• Villoresi and Navigli: connection between Milan and Varese, with an investment of 7 million euros.

⚠️ Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Before the intervention: discontinuous routes, poor safety, and lack of dedicated infrastructures.
• After the intervention: integrated cycling network, with separate paths, adequate signage, and safe connections with public transport.

Concrete Examples

• Municipality of Varese: creation of 20 km of urban cycle paths, with an investment of 3 million euros.
• Municipality of Luino: cycling connection with Ticino, with an investment of 2 million euros.
• Municipality of Laveno-Mombello: creation of a cycling route along the lake, with an investment of 1.5 million euros.

These interventions aim to create an integrated, safe, and functional cycling network that can encourage the use of the bicycle as a daily means of transport, reducing traffic and pollution.

Useful tools for your case

To verify your within/over 20 km tax scenario, use the net salary calculator and the tax return guide.

Key points

What to Do

To take advantage of the new cycling paths funded by the Lombardy plan, it is essential to stay informed about ongoing projects and existing infrastructure. The Lombardy Region has allocated 115 million euros to develop a network of cycling paths that will connect major urban and rural centers, improving sustainable mobility. Among the most relevant projects are the Lake Como cycling path, which connects Como to Colico, and the Naviglio cycling path, which links Milan to Pavia, stretching 45 kilometers in length.

Citizens can consult the Lombardy Region's website for updates on the paths and available resources. Additionally, you can use our calculator to discover the nearest cycling paths and plan your route. For example, residents of Lecco can use the new cycling path that connects the city center to Malgrate, a distance of approximately 10 kilometers, ideal for those who wish to avoid car traffic.

Next Steps

The Lombardy Region is working to improve sustainable mobility and reduce environmental impact. Citizens can support this goal by using the cycling paths and promoting the use of bicycles as a daily means of transport. According to regional regulations, by 2025, all cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants must have a continuous and safe cycling network. This includes cities like Bergamo, Brescia, and Varese, which are already implementing new paths.

For those living near the Swiss border, such as residents of Mendrisio or Chiasso, it is important to note that Switzerland already has a well-developed cycling network. For example, the route connecting Lugano to Mendrisio is approximately 20 kilometers long and offers a panoramic view of Lake Lugano. Using these infrastructures can be an effective way to reduce car use and improve air quality.

Operational Checklist

• Inform: Consult the Lombardy Region's website for updates on cycling paths.
• Plan: Use the calculator to discover the nearest paths and plan your route.
• Explore: Try the new cycling paths and share your experiences with friends and family.
• Promote: Encourage the use of bicycles as a daily means of transport.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Before the cycling plan: Those who wanted to travel by bicycle from Milan to Pavia had to face busy and unsafe roads, covering approximately 45 kilometers.
• After the cycling plan: Thanks to the new Naviglio cycling path, the route has become safer and more scenic, stretching 45 kilometers with a well-maintained surface.

Concrete Examples

• Lake Como: The new cycling path connecting Como to Colico offers a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, stretching approximately 60 kilometers.
• Lecco: The cycling path connecting Lecco to Malgrate is approximately 10 kilometers long and offers a panoramic view of Lake Garda.

Regulations and Dates

• Lombardy Regional Law n. 16/2020: Allocation of 115 million euros for the cycling plan.
• 2025: Deadline for the implementation of continuous and safe cycling networks in all cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.

Conclusion

Using the new cycling paths not only improves the quality of life but also helps reduce environmental impact. With the implementation of these infrastructures, the Lombardy Region is taking significant steps towards more sustainable and safe mobility for all citizens.

Source: varesenews.it