Greenways: Re-connect and explore nature
Basic information
Project Title
Greenways: Re-connect and explore nature
Full project title
Re-connect and explore the Latvian nature using former railway corridors - Greenways
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
Greenways are non-motorized transport corridors, built on the former railway lines, and perfectly suited for cyclists, hikers as well as non-motorized means of transport. Greenways are accessible for visitors with mobility impairment, elderly and children, since some parts of the trail are completely restricted to the motorists. Almost 500 km of Greenways are accessible to visitors in Latvia, offering the possibility to re-connect and explore the nature and learn about the local history.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Vidzeme and Latgale geographical regions of Latvia, Latvia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
Greenways development, in addittion to local Municipality funding, has been supported via:<br />
<br />
- Local LEADER group projects for specific trail sections (including Greenways Strategic LEADER project for common Netwrok activities ) 2013-2022<br />
- Interreg Estonia-Latvia cross border project 2017-2019<br />
- EU Cross Border Programme Projects 2019-2023<br />
- European Commission COSME Project 2018-2019<br />
- Intereg Europe programme 2018-2022
Description of the project
Summary
According to the Lille Declaration (2000), Greenways are “Communication routes reserved exclusively for non-motorized journeys, developed in an integrated manner which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the surrounding area. These routes should meet satisfactory standards of width, gradient, and surface condition to ensure that they are both user-friendly and low-risk for users of all abilities.”
Thus, Greenways are essentially available and accessible to everyone – from hikers and cyclists to other uses on non-motorised transport, like e.g. horse riding and Huskey dog sledging in wintertime to enjoy the routes for tourism and recreational purposes, or daily commute between populated places.
The main target groups of Greenways are the active tourism enthusiasts of all ages and aptitudes, as well as local communities that can offer their services on and near greenways, as well as use them for daily commute in a safe and comfortable manner.
The greenways in Latvia mostly have a gravel surface throughout, with some exceptions in bigger cities, where hard surface can be found. Many parts of the greenways have been restricted to motorized traffic with barriers, and have been entirely signposted using the former railway sleepers and 100m posts. Along the greenway, visitors can explore the local nature, as there are dedicated resting places near the rivers, lakes, bogs and forests, as well as numerous guest houses to choose from.
The Greenways Network of Northern Latvia region (in cooperation with Southern Estonia) has received the Excellence Award from the European Greenways Association in 2019, the highest recognition for the major accomplishments on Greenways development.
The lessons learned from our experience can be easily transferred to other regions in Europe, as the gradual discontinuation of the railways use has left many railway lines abandoned, with great potential to be transformed into long-distance cycling and hiking trails.
Thus, Greenways are essentially available and accessible to everyone – from hikers and cyclists to other uses on non-motorised transport, like e.g. horse riding and Huskey dog sledging in wintertime to enjoy the routes for tourism and recreational purposes, or daily commute between populated places.
The main target groups of Greenways are the active tourism enthusiasts of all ages and aptitudes, as well as local communities that can offer their services on and near greenways, as well as use them for daily commute in a safe and comfortable manner.
The greenways in Latvia mostly have a gravel surface throughout, with some exceptions in bigger cities, where hard surface can be found. Many parts of the greenways have been restricted to motorized traffic with barriers, and have been entirely signposted using the former railway sleepers and 100m posts. Along the greenway, visitors can explore the local nature, as there are dedicated resting places near the rivers, lakes, bogs and forests, as well as numerous guest houses to choose from.
The Greenways Network of Northern Latvia region (in cooperation with Southern Estonia) has received the Excellence Award from the European Greenways Association in 2019, the highest recognition for the major accomplishments on Greenways development.
The lessons learned from our experience can be easily transferred to other regions in Europe, as the gradual discontinuation of the railways use has left many railway lines abandoned, with great potential to be transformed into long-distance cycling and hiking trails.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project is an exemplary in the context of sustainability by the reuse of abandoned rail infrastructure and the materials already available on-site, the greenways contribute to the creation of outdoor recreation areas in a non-invasive way, using principle of recycling. Moreover, there are former railroad marking poles, former rails and other former railway infrastructure that can be used for signposting, and as a resource to create nature and recreational objects. Additionally, these places, by the restrictions for motorized vehicles, promote healthy, affordable and sustainable way of everyday recreation, commuting and connection to the nature.
Also, waste has been reduced in the process, by removing many former wooden creosoted sleepers at various stages in decay, that were lying on the ground. During the construction process of the greenways, also a lot of household and industrial waste has been collected and safely stored.
Also, waste has been reduced in the process, by removing many former wooden creosoted sleepers at various stages in decay, that were lying on the ground. During the construction process of the greenways, also a lot of household and industrial waste has been collected and safely stored.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The re-purposing on the former railways has been carried out in a low-cost, acupunctural manner, balancing new investments, while at the same time, preserving the original structures of the former railways (e.g. former railway bridges are renovated as close as possible to their original appearance, even missing stones have been found laying nearby and placed back in their original locations).
Former railway sleepers have been used to signpost the route with informative and reflective signs in uniform manner, not only to warn the visitors about road crossings and distances to the nearest populated places, but also nearby culture objects and historic information about the former railway.
Also railway former stations along greenways, many of whom are cultural monuments, are reconstructed in order to preserve their original appearance and elements, and their yearly participation in European Heritage days alongside with active tourism events on Greenways inspire for further activities. This contributes to sustain the original spirit of the place, showing the aspects of time dimension, past, present, and possible future.
Former railway sleepers have been used to signpost the route with informative and reflective signs in uniform manner, not only to warn the visitors about road crossings and distances to the nearest populated places, but also nearby culture objects and historic information about the former railway.
Also railway former stations along greenways, many of whom are cultural monuments, are reconstructed in order to preserve their original appearance and elements, and their yearly participation in European Heritage days alongside with active tourism events on Greenways inspire for further activities. This contributes to sustain the original spirit of the place, showing the aspects of time dimension, past, present, and possible future.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objective of developing Greenways in Latvia has been to gradually convert former railway lines into users-friendly routes, and since the first 7km of former railway was re-purposed in 2014, nowadays there are more than 350 km of trails connecting bigger cities, with smaller villages and rural areas throughout Vidzeme and Latgale Regions. Members of the Association - local municipalities - have been involved since the very beginning in all the processes related to learning of the greenways development, experience exchange visits to other European countries, cooperation on (pre)feasibility studies, cooperation with local landowners and station owners, organisation of public events on the trail as well as the daily maintenance of the Greenways.
Since the very beginning, one the key aspects of Greenways development was the status of the land of the former railway lines - while most of them still belong to State Railway company, a long term tri-party agreement has been signed between Latvian Greenways Association, State Railways and local municipalities, which permits the development of the routes into tourism corridors.
Due to the geographical characteristics of Latvia, some Greenways trails also overlap with the road used by the State Forestry, therefore municipalities have signed agreement with State Forests, that the trails can be used for the works, but afterwards have to be restored to its original condition, and, on many occasions, State Forests have considerably improved the infrastructure of the Greenways, by building new bridges, resting places etc.
Greenways are accessible and affordable to everyone, since their surface is flat, and, on many occasions, connected to operational railway stations and stops, allowing for an easy commute.
Since the very beginning, one the key aspects of Greenways development was the status of the land of the former railway lines - while most of them still belong to State Railway company, a long term tri-party agreement has been signed between Latvian Greenways Association, State Railways and local municipalities, which permits the development of the routes into tourism corridors.
Due to the geographical characteristics of Latvia, some Greenways trails also overlap with the road used by the State Forestry, therefore municipalities have signed agreement with State Forests, that the trails can be used for the works, but afterwards have to be restored to its original condition, and, on many occasions, State Forests have considerably improved the infrastructure of the Greenways, by building new bridges, resting places etc.
Greenways are accessible and affordable to everyone, since their surface is flat, and, on many occasions, connected to operational railway stations and stops, allowing for an easy commute.
Results in relation to category
The development of the former railways in Latvia has proved to be very successful, with almost 500 km of former regular and narrow-gauge railway lines re-purposed for the use of non-motorized commuting and tourism since 2010 – with the common efforts of State, Regional and local Stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, local communities, entrepreneurs and local action groups.
15 visitor counters (both permanent, and mobile) have been set-up along the Greenways on various trails and sections – mostly in the rural areas outside towns, counting cyclists, pedestrians and also motorized traffic in sections, where it is planned to restrict its movement completely. The data obtained from the counters shows an ever-increasing interest of the visitors to use Greenways, and most of the visits take place between May and October. Average number of visitors vary between locations, and are 10 000 – 15 000 visits per year on a trail section outside populated places, but can reach up to 150 000 – 200 000 visitors at touristic locations nearby (e.g. Ainaži pier – former railway line stone foundations (remains) in the Baltic Sea). Even in wintertime the trails are active, as many sections are offered for skiing, and the data by the local huskey dog company, that offers sledging in the wintertime on Greenways, estimates that around 90% of their visitors in wintertime opt to choose greenways due to the safety and trail quality for their activities. The visitor numbers rose considerably during Covid-19 lockdowns, as all the trails remained open to the visitors.
Multiple electric bike and electric car chargers are set-up along greenways (at stations), reducing co2 emissions, while allowing to explore nearby attractions meanwhile.
In addition to the direct benefits of the greenways (more overnight stays for the entrepreneurs along greenways, more bike rentals etc.), greenways provide an opportunity to reconnect with the nature, improving the health and well-being of citizens.
15 visitor counters (both permanent, and mobile) have been set-up along the Greenways on various trails and sections – mostly in the rural areas outside towns, counting cyclists, pedestrians and also motorized traffic in sections, where it is planned to restrict its movement completely. The data obtained from the counters shows an ever-increasing interest of the visitors to use Greenways, and most of the visits take place between May and October. Average number of visitors vary between locations, and are 10 000 – 15 000 visits per year on a trail section outside populated places, but can reach up to 150 000 – 200 000 visitors at touristic locations nearby (e.g. Ainaži pier – former railway line stone foundations (remains) in the Baltic Sea). Even in wintertime the trails are active, as many sections are offered for skiing, and the data by the local huskey dog company, that offers sledging in the wintertime on Greenways, estimates that around 90% of their visitors in wintertime opt to choose greenways due to the safety and trail quality for their activities. The visitor numbers rose considerably during Covid-19 lockdowns, as all the trails remained open to the visitors.
Multiple electric bike and electric car chargers are set-up along greenways (at stations), reducing co2 emissions, while allowing to explore nearby attractions meanwhile.
In addition to the direct benefits of the greenways (more overnight stays for the entrepreneurs along greenways, more bike rentals etc.), greenways provide an opportunity to reconnect with the nature, improving the health and well-being of citizens.
How Citizens benefit
The Greenways initiative in Latvia started as a bottom-up movement around year 2010, when some local municipalities, inspired by similar examples in Europe started to consider how the abandoned and forgotten former railways could once again connect populated places, and offer visitors and locals safe and comfortable commute. Around the same time volunteer groups (like e.g., Senior Cyclists group in Aloja village) started cleaning part of the route to bring attention to the potential the former railway corridors offered.
After introducing the idea of Greenways to local communities at different events and meetings, it was thrilling to find out that the idea was welcome locally, for example business owners are also welcome to advertise and sell their locally sourced products on greenways - as e.g. honey and apples. Citizens benefit from the project by having a possibility for affordable and sustainable way of commuting and outdoor recreation.
After introducing the idea of Greenways to local communities at different events and meetings, it was thrilling to find out that the idea was welcome locally, for example business owners are also welcome to advertise and sell their locally sourced products on greenways - as e.g. honey and apples. Citizens benefit from the project by having a possibility for affordable and sustainable way of commuting and outdoor recreation.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The lack of long-distance cycling roads in Latvia has been a continuous problem over the past decades, with only short asphalted sections developed, mostly in or around the bigger cities. Only in the past 2-3 years planning and development of comprehensive cycling strategies and plans for their implementation have begun, with a dedicated master plan to develop and build cycling routes in and around the capital Rīga, thanks to the Recovery and Resilience funding, aimed to be completed around 2026.
However, outside Rīga, in the regions, the cycling infrastructure was insufficient some 10 years ago, leading to many tragic cycling accidents, especially on the high-intensity traffic roads.
After inspiration of the many examples at various European countries, it became apparent that the former, abandoned railway lines provide a perfect alternative for long-distance commuting, using the resources available at hand, also at a much lower cost for the infrastructure development and maintenance. Oftentimes, the former railways were also the shortest route to connect two populated places, without a need to build dedicated cycling path.
The reconstruction of former railway corridors also offer more dynamic, viable and safe approach to development, as many kilometers of the trails, due to the historic manner of construction, go in-parallel to busy roads, providing much safer and traffic-free commute, reducing the need to built a separate cycling road or lane.
The innovative character of the Greenways development in Latvia therefore lies in the fact that it addresses the problems of the inter-connectedness between larger and smaller urban and rural areas, former and existing train stations, even operating historic railway in accessible manner, much more nature-friendly way by re-purposing the materials already available on-site at a reduced cost, if compared to a construction of a brand new cycling sections.
However, outside Rīga, in the regions, the cycling infrastructure was insufficient some 10 years ago, leading to many tragic cycling accidents, especially on the high-intensity traffic roads.
After inspiration of the many examples at various European countries, it became apparent that the former, abandoned railway lines provide a perfect alternative for long-distance commuting, using the resources available at hand, also at a much lower cost for the infrastructure development and maintenance. Oftentimes, the former railways were also the shortest route to connect two populated places, without a need to build dedicated cycling path.
The reconstruction of former railway corridors also offer more dynamic, viable and safe approach to development, as many kilometers of the trails, due to the historic manner of construction, go in-parallel to busy roads, providing much safer and traffic-free commute, reducing the need to built a separate cycling road or lane.
The innovative character of the Greenways development in Latvia therefore lies in the fact that it addresses the problems of the inter-connectedness between larger and smaller urban and rural areas, former and existing train stations, even operating historic railway in accessible manner, much more nature-friendly way by re-purposing the materials already available on-site at a reduced cost, if compared to a construction of a brand new cycling sections.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The gradual development of greenways in Latvia has been a long process, and involved people from very different fields and specialties – from local enthusiasts and private land station owners with their interpretation of the railroad history, to the spatial planning, engineering and mobility specialists of the local municipalities, when it comes to the re-purposing of the former railway trails. Latvian Greenways Association, throughout the years, has been involving the local stakeholders of different disciplines and sectors, such as: municipality representatives – from decision makers and developers to tourism and marketing specialists. Additionally, in the construction process unique technology has been applied (by the Latvian State Forest) to reconstruct a former bridge using the “bent wood technology”, and the bridge on the former narrow-gauge railway line was nominated to the Latvian Architecture Prize in 2016 and received the 3rd Award in Category of “Reconstruction of Engineering Structure”.
Numerous local and international dedicated Greenways cross-disciplinary conferences have been organized in Latvia over the years, with the participation of speakers from fields of transport, mobility, accessibility, environment, rural development, and tourism.
The informal and friendly, atmosphere when the specialists meetings are organized on the greenways, either on bikes or feet, tend to be the best way how to discuss the ideas on-site in the nature, and lead to the best solutions, knowledge transfer, innovations and added value to all the parties involved.
Numerous local and international dedicated Greenways cross-disciplinary conferences have been organized in Latvia over the years, with the participation of speakers from fields of transport, mobility, accessibility, environment, rural development, and tourism.
The informal and friendly, atmosphere when the specialists meetings are organized on the greenways, either on bikes or feet, tend to be the best way how to discuss the ideas on-site in the nature, and lead to the best solutions, knowledge transfer, innovations and added value to all the parties involved.
Methodology used
The development of the former railway lines follows a systematic approach, by addressing the needs and necessities to the local communities, that they trail development could address - either commuting the shortest distance, avoiding busy roads, connecting several populated places or having a touristic potential. Our approach lies on constant low cost and small-scale improvements of the Greenways network, leading to better accessibility, usability, and sustainability of interventions. This strategy gives immediate results that are visible and available to users, instead of theoretical ideas.
Before any construction a Feasibility Study is conducted, by physically surveying them meter-by-meter in nature to learn more about their current state regarding the surface condition of the embankment, if there are still railway sleepers in the ground, what is the condition of the former bridges (if they still be used as-is with new railing only, can they be re-covered or is a completely new bridge needed, what construction technology could possibly be applied etc.), are there fallen trees on the trail or very close to it – what would be the best solution to clear the trail, but also keep the nature as much intact as possible. Numerous other aspects are also carefully studied, e.g. land ownership below the former railways, overlaps and crossings with roads, necessary by-passes (if in some sections the route can not be used as a greenway, and alternative route section has to be created and signposted). After, more detailed Technical Study is performed, with a thorough technical and visual solutions for the trail.
Another important aspect, assuring the possibility of construction is development of the trail, long-term land ownership status is formalized (either by the tri-Party agreement or a long term agreement with local land owners, if the land does not belong to the municipalities).
Regular maintenance works are performed by local municipalities afterwards.
Before any construction a Feasibility Study is conducted, by physically surveying them meter-by-meter in nature to learn more about their current state regarding the surface condition of the embankment, if there are still railway sleepers in the ground, what is the condition of the former bridges (if they still be used as-is with new railing only, can they be re-covered or is a completely new bridge needed, what construction technology could possibly be applied etc.), are there fallen trees on the trail or very close to it – what would be the best solution to clear the trail, but also keep the nature as much intact as possible. Numerous other aspects are also carefully studied, e.g. land ownership below the former railways, overlaps and crossings with roads, necessary by-passes (if in some sections the route can not be used as a greenway, and alternative route section has to be created and signposted). After, more detailed Technical Study is performed, with a thorough technical and visual solutions for the trail.
Another important aspect, assuring the possibility of construction is development of the trail, long-term land ownership status is formalized (either by the tri-Party agreement or a long term agreement with local land owners, if the land does not belong to the municipalities).
Regular maintenance works are performed by local municipalities afterwards.
How stakeholders are engaged
Greenways initiative in Latvia started as a bottom-up movement around year 2010, when some volunteer groups (like e.g. Senior Cyclists group) started cleaning part of the route to bring awareness. Afterwards, mostly in small villages and towns, followed by a re-purposing of a 7km trail as a pilot section, which turned out to be very popular. After introducing the idea of Greenways to local communities at different events and meetings, it was thrilling to find out that the idea was welcomed. However, multiple problems were encountered, especially the land ownership issues of the former railway corridors, therefore a very close cooperation with the Ministry of Transport was essential to sign a tri-party Agreement between the Ministry, Latvian Greenways Association and local municipalities to ensure long-term development, with tourism and nature exploration. Several other former railway corridors belonged to the municipalities, and around 2015s, there were ongoing discussion, whether to sell them to local land owners, or keep the trail un-interrupted and gradually improve. Luckily, the later decision was made, and in some instances municipalities invested substantial amount in the former railway trails, just to allow un-interrupted passage. Municipalities are the key cooperation partners on Greenways development, since they also take day-to-day care of the trails, and are working on the trail safety improvements, as well as promotion locally. There are also more than 40 agreements with private land owners, in instances where Greenways pass through their land, and it has been agreed that the trails can be used for tourism purposes, and maintained by municipalities. Several parts of the former railways also belong to the State Forests, and it has been agreed that trails can be used for forestry works.
Moreover, the involvement of the local LEADER groups has also benefited the route development, and many of the LEADER groups have recognized the Greenways as a priority.
Moreover, the involvement of the local LEADER groups has also benefited the route development, and many of the LEADER groups have recognized the Greenways as a priority.
Global challenges
Greenways are addressing many of the global challenges from over-carbonization, to mobility in rural areas as well as more healthy lifestyle promotion, and involvement of the local communities.
The Greenways initiative can be considered good practice on green transition, since the activities take place on the former railways, providing accessible and inclusive service to the visitors. Moreover, the initiative has shown that visitors of all ages are interested to visit remote areas and spend time and finances to benefit the local economy, thus contributing to a Smart(er) destination and circular economy. By this Greenways development contribute to the UN SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and Communities, since, there is a strong engagement of local communities and benefits it brings. The access of citizens from urban areas to the nature, according to different studies, can improve their health and well-being, that are current challenge, especially for urban areas inhabitants, and the regular connection to nature, has proofed to be beneficial.
The Greenways initiative can be considered good practice on green transition, since the activities take place on the former railways, providing accessible and inclusive service to the visitors. Moreover, the initiative has shown that visitors of all ages are interested to visit remote areas and spend time and finances to benefit the local economy, thus contributing to a Smart(er) destination and circular economy. By this Greenways development contribute to the UN SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and Communities, since, there is a strong engagement of local communities and benefits it brings. The access of citizens from urban areas to the nature, according to different studies, can improve their health and well-being, that are current challenge, especially for urban areas inhabitants, and the regular connection to nature, has proofed to be beneficial.
Learning transferred to other parties
The Greenways concept has a very high potential for the transferability and replicability, since almost all European regions have faced gradual decline of the use of railways, leading to their closure and thousands of kilometers left abandoned, along the with former railway infrastructure along them.
However, great potential also lies in their development, as the standards and methods of railway constructions are similar throughout countries, and provide for a high level of transferability.
Thus, any country with former railway infrastructure – regular or narrow-gauge – can greatly benefit by their development into sustainable nature route. Moreover, the former railways, in many occasions, also connected various countries, not only regions, providing visitors with even more diverse experience.
The Greenways development experience in Latvia can be transferred and replicated to the other regions and countries, having similar geographical and climate conditions – the examples of the route re-purposing, unique approaches to the former bridge reconstruction, signposting - using unified standards on all trails. However, the unique geographical location, with snow in the wintertime in Latvia, allows for a truly unique offer, thus, greenways in northern or mountainous areas can explore their possibilities as the practice can be customized or adapted as required to suit the specific regions’ needs.
Another important aspect of the transferability is the know-how on the efficient uses of the materials available already on site and their re-purposing for future use.
There is also a high potential for learning by practitioners and policy-makers, for transfer to other destinations interested in sustainable tourism mobility and accessibility.
However, great potential also lies in their development, as the standards and methods of railway constructions are similar throughout countries, and provide for a high level of transferability.
Thus, any country with former railway infrastructure – regular or narrow-gauge – can greatly benefit by their development into sustainable nature route. Moreover, the former railways, in many occasions, also connected various countries, not only regions, providing visitors with even more diverse experience.
The Greenways development experience in Latvia can be transferred and replicated to the other regions and countries, having similar geographical and climate conditions – the examples of the route re-purposing, unique approaches to the former bridge reconstruction, signposting - using unified standards on all trails. However, the unique geographical location, with snow in the wintertime in Latvia, allows for a truly unique offer, thus, greenways in northern or mountainous areas can explore their possibilities as the practice can be customized or adapted as required to suit the specific regions’ needs.
Another important aspect of the transferability is the know-how on the efficient uses of the materials available already on site and their re-purposing for future use.
There is also a high potential for learning by practitioners and policy-makers, for transfer to other destinations interested in sustainable tourism mobility and accessibility.
Keywords
Green Transition
SMART Region
Abandoned infestructure repurposing
Urban-rural links
Accessible nature
