Southeastern Regional Bicycle Path Network Connecting Yongin, Icheon, and Yeoju to Be Completed by 2022

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] The design phase of the "Southeastern Regional Bicycle Path Network Construction Project," a key initiative of Gyeonggi Province's seventh term of elected governance, is entering its final stage, with expectations that project implementation will accelerate.

According to Gyeonggi Province on the 3rd, the "Southeastern Regional Bicycle Path Network Construction Project" is a campaign project of the seventh term aimed at connecting fragmented bicycle paths between regions to provide residents with a convenient cycling infrastructure.

The project aims to construct a total of 26.3km of bicycle paths in Gyeonggi Province's southeastern region, connecting 20.9km from Samga-dong, Chuin-gu, Yongin-si to the confluence of Jangamcheon in Hobeop-myeon, Icheon-si, and 5.4km from Hadari, Heungcheon-myeon, Yeoju-si to Ipo-ri, Geumsa-myeon.

To date, the province has completed the design for the 20.9km Yongin-Icheon section, and plans to complete the design for the 5.4km Yeoju section by August.

Subsequently, following additional administrative procedures including consultation on mountainous areas and farmland conversion, the province plans to complete construction by 2022.

The total project cost is expected to reach approximately 8 billion won, with 30% funded by the provincial budget and 70% by municipal and county budgets.

In particular, during the design phase, the Yeoju section reflects the maximum input from Yeoju City and local residents, enabling users to enjoy riding while appreciating the natural scenery of the Namhan River.

For the Yongin-Icheon section, the design reflects measures to maximize cycling along the river channel, prioritizing user safety and connectivity with previously installed bicycle paths.

Furthermore, the province plans to install sufficient safety facilities within the bicycle path to prevent cycling accidents, and to construct rest facilities at regular intervals to enhance user convenience.

A Gyeonggi Province official stated, "Once this southeastern regional bicycle path network is completed, a bicycle path that circulates Gyeonggi Province in a circular route will be finished," and added, "It will emerge as a new landmark where users can experience nature, culture, and historical resources throughout Gyeonggi Province by bicycle."