Nearly 160 km of a new 'National Park Cycling Route' will be marked and signposted.Continue reading
April 22 is Earth Day that aims to raise awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural environment. To mark the occasion, Oeconomus has looked at the benefits and popularity of active transport (such as walking and cycling) in Hungary.
Transport is one of the most polluting sectors, accounting for around 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Within this, road transport (such as cars and trucks) accounts for 72%. Active mobility offers low-cost, low-emission transport alternatives with a range of health and social benefits. Compared to the rest of the EU, cycling is the second most common mode of transport in Hungary.
In addition, the country is ahead of 17 other EU Member States in terms of the share of active mobility participants,
according to a European Cycling Confederation (EFC) survey.
A research in the United States shows that active forms of transport have positive impacts on local economies, such as reducing transport costs, increasing the value of nearby property, reducing health care costs, and providing increased employment and tourism.
The same benefits as in the US research are highlighted in the analysis of the Active Hungary State Secretariat. It shows that cycling is competitive with public transport and driving within a distance of 5-7 km. It requires significantly less space than driving, is flexible and cheap. It is emission-free, thus providing a cleaner environment, reducing noise pollution and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Romania (49%), the Netherlands (44%) and Spain (43%) lead the way in terms of active mobility participation. In Hungary (36%), the share of people choosing active transport modes is above the EU average (35%). This figure puts Hungary ahead of 17 EU Member States.
Based on the EFC’s 2024 report,
Hungary (16%) was the second country with the highest proportion of people choosing bicycles for transport, behind the Netherlands (28%).
Third place went to Denmark (15%).
Detailed results show that time is an important factor for Hungarians, who prefer to choose a mode of transport based on practicality. For instance, cycling is emerging as a form of transport and is also the most popular mass sport in Hungary. 16% of the population commute by bicycle, while a survey by Ipsos shows that 30% of the population regularly use their bicycles for exercise. The latter figure is the second highest in international comparison.
According to the Active Lifestyle Survey conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, active transport is one of the most important components of physical activity in Hungary. Responses show that 46% of the population exercise on the move. The representative survey reveals that 15% of the adult population in Hungary is exclusively active and nearly one in four (24%) is mostly active. A further 35% reported that they spend less of their time on exercise while traveling. A quarter of the population use only passive modes of travel.
The government has been committed to developing cycling infrastructure in the years before the publication of the National Cycling Strategy in May 2023, the Oeconomus article points out. During this period, 1,000 km of new cycle paths were completed in Hungary, and more than 1,000 km of cycle touring routes were designated. By June 2024, the Active and Ecotourism Development Center (AÖFK), together with the county governments and Magyar Közút (public roads management), prepared plans for a further 806 km of cycle paths.
In addition to the development of routes, several programs support active mobility and active recreation with improving bicycle parking, storage and charging facilities, equipment purchase and commuting, route planning and the promotion of two-wheel transport. In addition, there are training courses in Hungary that aim to bring cycling education to children, adults and teachers in a playful way.
Via Oeconomus, Featured image: Pixabay
