by EH
A newly inaugurated cycling path in Monfalcone is set to improve local mobility and strengthen regional transportation links, regional officials announced on Monday. The project repurposes a former railway connection to the Fincantieri shipyard, transforming it into an urban route designed for sustainable commuting.
The initiative is part of a broader regional infrastructure program, valued at €12 million, that extends across the municipalities of Monfalcone, Staranzano, and Ronchi dei Legionari. It also aligns with a larger vision to integrate Trieste Airport into a comprehensive, intermodal transportation system. Officials say the airport will become the first in Italy to offer connections not only by rail and road but also through an expanding network of cycling paths.
Cristina Amirante, the Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Territory, underscored the significance of the development. “This project transforms an underutilized space into a key element of urban mobility, providing a safer and more efficient route for daily commuters,” she said at the opening ceremony. The first section of the FVG2/d regional cycling route extends from Via Manlio in Monfalcone to the municipal border with Ronchi dei Legionari.
Local government representatives, including Monfalcone Mayor Anna Maria Cisint and Ronchi dei Legionari Councillor Gianpaolo Martinelli, were also present at the event. Amirante emphasized that the project is designed to enhance safety for cyclists and promote sustainable transportation. “Dedicated cycling paths significantly reduce risks for the many cyclists who rely on them daily,” she added.
The project falls within the Regional Cycling Mobility Plan (Premoci), which aims to develop cycling infrastructure within the Trieste Airport intermodal hub. The plan includes completing existing networks and adding cycling underpasses to improve accessibility.
The first section of the path was implemented by the Municipality of Monfalcone with support from regional funds. The project initially received €1.2 million, later supplemented by an additional €300,000. The second section, backed by a €1.7 million allocation from the regional government, will extend the route further into Ronchi dei Legionari, connecting to Staranzano. This next phase, running parallel to the railway for approximately 800 meters, is currently in the planning stage under the Monfalcone administration.
Officials say the initiative represents a step forward in integrating cycling into daily transportation, particularly for those commuting to work. The Monfalcone area, known for its industrial presence and high population density, is seen as a key location for expanding cycling infrastructure.
The new cycling path is expected to serve as a model for future mobility projects across the region, with further expansions anticipated in the coming years.
