European Greenways Association

European Greenways Association was constituted in 1998 with the aim of encouraging the creation and advancement of greenways in Europe. It carries together more than nearly 50 different organizations from 16 European countries tangled in the evolution of greenways. The constitution of the European Greenways Association was pronounced In May 1997, within the groundwork of the First European Conference on Soft Traffic and Railways Paths. The association’s constituent assembly was clutched in Namur, Belgium, on January 8th, 1998. A statute was endorsed by 17 representatives of institutions and associations from many European countries. In 2009 generic Secretariat displaced to Madrid, where it was created an executive office from which the association is counselled. Since its foundation has,

• Subsidized to the preservation of framework such as disused railway corridors, canal tow paths and historic routes (Roman roads, pilgrims’ paths, etc) with the aim of modifying them into traffic-free routes and maintaining public access to the land;
• Cheered the use of non-motorized shipment, by drawing up inventories of potential routes and technical reports;
• Encouraged and coordinated the transaction of expertise and information between different associations and national and local bodies tangled in developing greenways throughout Europe;
• Considered local and national bodies on how to develop traffic-free passages;
• Collaborated with European bodies to support their policies on sustainable development, environmental issues, regional balance and employment.

Greenways are communication routes reserved entirely for non-motorised journeys, developed in an integrated appearance which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the surrounding area. These routes should meet gratifying standards of width, gradient, and surface condition to ensure that they are both user-friendly and low -risk for users of all capabilities. In this respect, canal towpaths and disused railway lines are a highly suitable resource for the development of greenways.

Greenways provide a series of common aspects like Ease of passage, Safety, Continuity and Respect for the environment. The greenways should have material available such as maps and brochures, on the passage itself and on access to nearby sites of interest.

Greenways boost communications and non-motorised itineraries in Europe: hundreds of kilometres running through European countries are accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and mobility impaired people, endorse healthier and more balanced ways of life and transport decreasing the congestion and the pollution of cities, sponsor rural development, active tourism and local employment and cheer a more human and closer relationship among citizens.