Luxembourg has its first red cycle lane
Benoît Deschasaux, Unsplash
On 6 June 2025, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, accompanied by the MP and Vice Mayor of Esch-sur-Alzette, Meris Šehović, officially opened the new section of cycle route PC8 - known as the "red route" (Piste rouge). This is the first national cycleway in Luxembourg to be paved in red.
The new 340-metre section connects the existing PC8 to rue du Canal, providing direct and safe access to the city centre and the train station via the Boulevard Prince Henri. It is also connected to a cycle bridge over the railway tracks.
The decision to use red asphalt is not accidental - it is a step towards improving the visibility of cycling infrastructure. According to Juriko Backes, "this marking makes the path more visible and intuitive: even motorists immediately realise that the path belongs to cyclists. In the future, wherever possible, all new cycleways in the country will receive a similar surface.
The project, managed by the Bridges and Roads Administration, cost 1.35 million euros. Construction began on 2 April 2024 and was completed in May 2025. According to the local authorities, this section has become a key element of Luxembourg's southern cycling network.
The project illustrates a paradigm shift in the country's transport policy: from prioritising cars to developing sustainable, safe and convenient infrastructure for active mobility.
