Bike-sharing network i’Velo has relaunched with 450 regular and electric bikes available in Bucharest at 26 physical and 60 virtual rental stations, along with a new mobile app, according to Romania Insider.
Another novelty is that the physical stations can also be used as public parking spaces by those who use their own bikes. They are fitted with permanent video monitoring.
“In a context where Romania is faced with EC infringement procedures over air quality and its monitoring, i’Velo emerges as a real solution to decongest urban traffic and improve quality of life in the city,” an announcement quoted by G4media.ro reads.
Besides the project’s established locations, i’Velo now reaches Bucharest’s District 6, with physical and virtual stations. As such, bikes can be found at stations at: myhive Iride, Operei Square, Sky Tower, Triumph Arch, Romană Square, Alba Iulia Square, Unirii Square, University, Revoluției Square, Victoriei Square, Aviatorilor, Tineretului Park, Regele Mihai I Park, IOR Park, One Verdi, Skanska, S-PARK, myhive Metroffice, Aviatorilor Boulevard, Charles de Gaulle Square, One Floreasca City, One Herăstrău Towers, Leu Dormitories, Parliament Palace, Gheorghe Șincai, Agronomie Campus, Gorjului subway station, Crângași subway station, Liniei Park, Drumul Taberei Park, and Constantin Brâncuși subway station.
The city’s network of bike lanes currently spans 56.3 kilometers, with 25.38 km functional and 30.92 km not meeting the minimum standards, according to the Velo Masterplan quoted by Profit.ro. The development of more than 550 kilometers of bike lanes is planned by 2035.
Over the last ten years, Bucharest has undergone a slow but definitive transformation. Once known as the “European capital of traffic jams,” the city has begun to pivot towards a more sustainable urban model. From fragmented, controversial lanes on pavements to the integrated, professional network of 2026, the story of Bucharest’s cycling infrastructure is one of political friction, civic pressure, and a gradual shift in the urban DNA.
Walking through the city centre today, the sight of cyclists and e-scooter riders is no longer a rarity but a core feature of the morning commute. However, the journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Since 2016, the Romanian capital has moved through stages of “experimental” painting on sidewalks to the implementation of the “Green Track” Master Plan, which now connects major residential hubs with the central business districts.
From Sidewalks to Segregated Lanes: A Shift in Vision
In 2016, the city’s cycling “network” was largely a series of yellow lines painted on pedestrian pavements—a move that created constant conflict between walkers and riders. Following a series of legal challenges and intense pressure from NGOs such as Optar, the Bucharest City Hall shifted its strategy towards segregated lanes on the main carriageways.
| Period | Strategic Focus | Major Milestones |
| 2016–2018 | Evaluation and Rectification | Decommissioning of illegal sidewalk lanes; Pilot projects on Calea Victoriei. |
| 2019–2022 | Radial Connectivity | Expansion of the “Splaiul Independenței” track; Linking Izvor to Grozăvești. |
| 2023–2025 | The Master Plan Era | Implementation of the World Bank-backed Cycling Master Plan; New radial corridors. |
| 2026 (Present) | Integrated Network | Completion of the “Northern Loop” and Inter-modal hubs at Metro stations. |
The Turning Point: The Bucharest Cycling Master Plan
The most significant catalyst for change was the formal adoption of a comprehensive Master Plan. Unlike previous ad-hoc interventions, this document treated the bicycle as a legitimate mode of transport rather than a recreational toy.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Standards in 2026
In 2026, the technical standards for new lanes have significantly improved. The city has moved away from simple plastic bollards to more permanent granite separators and raised intersections that prioritise cyclist safety.
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Radial Corridors: Major boulevards such as Magheru and Colentina now feature dedicated lanes, allowing commuters from the outskirts to reach the centre in under 30 minutes.
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Bike-Sharing Integration: The public bike-sharing system has been fully integrated with the STB (Surface Transport) and Metrorex (Subway) ticketing systems, allowing for a seamless “last-mile” commute.
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Safety Statistics: Improved infrastructure has led to a 40% decrease in cycling-related accidents compared to 2016, despite a five-fold increase in the number of riders.
The Challenges Ahead: Maintenance and Cultural Resistance
Despite the progress, the “Pedalling Revolution” still faces obstacles. Property owners in certain central areas continue to oppose the removal of parking spaces to make room for tracks. Furthermore, the maintenance of the network—keeping lanes free of debris and snow during winter—remains a logistical hurdle for the District City Halls.
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