What will the project create?

The key topic for 2020 is the concept for linking and providing access to key POHO2030 locations. The creation of cycle routes, cycle paths and walking routes is one of many projects planned for the mid and long term with the aim of revitalizing the region and opening it up to the public. Currently these projects are in the investment planning phase, and they are being designed in accordance with the concept developed in 2019 for cycling and walking infrastructure to interconnect POHO2030 sites. The total length of the planned new cycle routes and cycle paths will be around 90 kilometres.

Activities in the investment planning phase: >/strong>

• Deciding on and approving new cycle routes, construction of new cycle path sections
• Coordinating individual cycle path projects within the POHO2030 programme and at related locations (integration into POHO2030), identifying optimum cycle routes and cycle paths (preliminary documentation)
• Providing access to and integrating POHO2030 sites (and related locations) to increase visitor attractiveness, boost the development of tourism and the wider economy, ensure sustainability and support cross-border tourism
• Preparing documentation for funding applications (preliminary planning, project planning), implementation (construction of cycle routes and cycle paths)

Maps will be produced to help cyclists find their way around the network. Proposed locations for map panels:

• Leaning church of St. Peter of Alcantara
• Golf Lipiny
• The “Karviná Sea”
• Orlová main square
• Dinopark
• Doubrava chateau
• Orlová-Lutyně hospital
• Kozinec
• Fryštát chateau park
• Darkov spa
• Havířov railway station (if the Pipeline Route is integrated into the system)

What needs to be changed?

In order to ensure that POHO2030 locations are fully integrated with their surroundings, it is essential to provide safe road-crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists. Access to the area by cycle or on foot is currently difficult; there is a lack of safe access routes from main population centres as well as junction points, and there is also a lack of marked cycling/walking routes and related installations.

How will it help the region?

These routes will be integrated with current and planned projects within the area of interest (Havířov, Karviná, Orlová, Doubrava) extending outwards to the Žermanice and Těrlicko reservoirs. They will also be integrated with other plans that directly or indirectly relevant to the development of the region, including cross-border cooperation with Poland.

Who are we working with?

We are collaborating closely with the partners who signed the Memorandum of Cooperation – cities and municipalities Karviná, Havířov, Orlová, Dobrava, Horní Suchá, Stonava, the SMOOK municipalities association, as well as companies Asental Land, OKD, PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL, Veolia CZ and other important stakeholders (the Czech Tourist Club etc.).

What is the plan?

11/2020: completion of the draft versions of investment plans, launch of consultations with affected organizations
06/2021: final versions of the investment plans (and consultations)
The investment plans will be used by the individual municipalities within the area of interest when launching the project preparation phase.