In 2016, the city launched a master plan for cycling infrastructure, which called for the construction of 120 kilometers of new bike lanes. The plan has been largely successful, with over 80 kilometers of new bike lanes completed as of 2023.

One of the key challenges facing Jerusalem's cycling infrastructure is connectivity. The new bike lanes are often disconnected from each other, making it difficult for cyclists to travel long distances. The city is working to address this challenge by building more connections between the different bike lanes, especially around the southwestern part of the city. Prominent examples include the new bike lane on Golomb road, where a car-lane-turned bike path connected Ramat Sharet with the main bike path corridor along Hertuz-ben Tzvi roads (see image 2), and the new bike bridge over Begin Highway, which will form part of the connection between the Hebrew University’s Safra Campus and the neighbourhoods of Givaat Mordechai and Katamonim (see cover photo).

Jerusalem's ancient, hilly landscape might also seem like an obstacle to creating a seamless cycling experience. However, the city is working on creating bike paths along valleys with less steep gradients, promoting an extensive bike-sharing program, largely consisting of electric pedal-assist bicycles, and even planning to add a bike elevator at Givaat Beit Hakerem. The city is also looking to improve connectivity with public transport, by creating better bike parking at the Navon central rail station.

In addition to investments in infrastructure, the City of Jerusalem is taking measures to encourage cycling through community-based initiatives. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and to make it easier for people to get started, such as supporting the local Bike kitchen (Pnimit), promoting bike-buses for kids and cycle-to-work events. The city works closely with Jerusalem’s local volunteer cycling organizations to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and to promote cycling safety.

Jerusalem is making progress in developing its cycling infrastructure and is committed to making cycling a safe and convenient option for transportation.

The City of Jerusalem is a member of ECF’s Cities & Regions for Cyclists Network, a network of cities and regions committed to promoting cycling as a mode of transport and leisure, collectively representing over 54 million citizens across Europe and beyond. For more information on ECF’s CRC network and how to join, visit our Cities & Regions for Cyclists page.

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Cover photo credit: Givaat Mordechai bike bridge (Source: City of Jerusalem)