Athens Riviera Bike Lane Project Faces Setback, Full Completion Now Expected in 2027: What New Updates You Need to Know

The Athenian Riviera bike path dream has been set back again, now due to full completion in 2027. Transforming the path into a cyclists’ paradise was a €19 million euro, Greece National Recovery and Resilience Plan funded project, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in June 2021. The project aimed to transform the coastal stretch of Neo Faliro to Voula, where cyclists would enjoy a picturesque Saronic Gulf view. However, the last stretch of the project, after numerous delays, continues to face hurdles and has extended the timeline once again.

Difficulties Affecting the Athens Riviera Bike Lane

With the Athens Riviera Bike Lane project’s construction, there are a number of different problems. Issues such as commitments to property rights, illegal construction, an overlapping authority issue, the presence of private beach clubs, and the complicated construction zones that are constantly altering the landscape of the tram tracks, narrow sidewalks, and large construction zone areas, help to explain the many delays of this project. Local authorities, in particular with the Glyfada region, have had to resolve property disputes and remove illegal zones before the construction of the bike lane can continue. It is true that the southern section of the project shows construction progress, but the northern section has little to no progress.

Where there is strong local leadership, progress is not far away. Mayor Giorgos Papanikolaou’s leadership has already brought positive change to Glyfada with the construction of the new 2.6-kilometer-long bicycle path, which runs along the Diadochou Pavlou promenade. As cyclists traverse the path, they will be able to enjoy the views of the coastline, palm trees, and the shimmering sea. This path is a preview of what is to come with the planned 18-kilometer path. Unfortunately, new construction in the Elliniko area, which is currently home to a new mega-park and luxury real estate developments, has required the bike lane to be rerouted multiple times.

Endless Possibilities

Athens Riviera has the potential to be an exceptionally transformative project, which is why the delays are particularly frustrating. When completed, the bike lane will integrate the local neighborhoods with the coastline in a way that has never been achieved; it will be a truly new experience for the residents of Athens. Local decision-makers are aware of the delays, but they are still optimistic that this vision will be achieved.

The bike lane will extend through Flisvos Park, where it will meander and provide glimpses of the coastline. Although the redevelopment efforts in the area will be challenging, it will improve the area’s attractiveness for both cyclists and pedestrians. The completion of the project is still part of the vision for a new Athens and its bike-friendly urban mobility.

Athens is Finally Waking Up to Cycling

The Athens Riviera bike lane delays tell a bigger story about the city’s struggles in developing cycling infrastructure. Cycling advocates such as Spyros Papageorgiou often point out that Athens is the only major European capital city without a bike network. Still, it is good to see that some progress has been made. Besides the Riviera project, the city will soon have a 17.8 km cycling route linking Thisio and Kifissia and a 17.3 km route connecting the central districts.

Cycling has recently become more popular in Athens. In the last few years, around 300,000 electric bikes were bought in Attica. In 2025, Strava recorded 15.6 million kilometers, 30% of which were in the city. The city’s residents are more than ready to shift to sustainable modes of transport. Advocates of cycling claim the city requires the operational backbone of a national policy to turn sustainable mobility into reality. More bike parking, signage, safe bike lanes, and less congestion, are some means to achieve equitable access to a bike-friendly city.

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