Norway’s New National Road Safety Action Plan: an opportunity for cycle routes and EuroVelo

What’s new in this edition of the road safety action plan?

Marit Espeland: This is the first time that the road safety action plan explicitly includes measures for long-distance cycle routes. This is the result of a lot of efforts in developing national and EuroVelo routes in Norway in recent years.

A mention in this strategic document provides official recognition that can support us to reach the next level.

The plan runs from 2026 to 2029, following the four-year cycle of previous editions. Budgets are allocated annually, so we adapt as we go, working closely with regions and municipalities who also have a role to play in prioritising and implementing the measures.

One of the most exciting developments is the inclusion of national cycle routes and EuroVelo routes in the plan. This gives us a unique opportunity to work more closely with regions and local communities to develop these routes further.

Can you tell us more about the specific measure focusing on cycle routes?

ME: Absolutely. Measure 86 of the action plan states that “the Norwegian Public Roads Administration will complete the signage of the national and European cycle routes on its own road network and be a driving force towards other road authorities to complete other sections by 2029.”

What this means in practice is that we will plan and sign the parts of the national and EuroVelo routes that fall under our responsibility, which is 24% of the total length.

The total length is 8.854 km; some routes follow the same sections and the length on ferries and express boats are not included. Some sections are on state roads (24%), others on regional (65%) or municipal roads (11%). We will also take the lead in encouraging and cooperating with regional and local authorities to ensure they do their part.

Our national cycle routes and EuroVelo routes overlap almost entirely, except for EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, which is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe and is not yet part of our national network. This overlap helps to better align and coordinate the cycle route developments of European and National relevance.

How is the development of cycle routes organised in Norway?

ME: It’s a shared effort and a cooperation. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is responsible for the national cycle routes and acts as National EuroVelo Coordinator. But we are not responsible for the infrastructure outside of the state roads. For example, we cannot just decide to put signs for one route on our own. If a section is on a regional or municipal road, we need their agreement. So, it is a collaborative process: we propose where the signage should go, but the final decision depends on the road owner and the public road sign manager.

After an important regional reform in Norway in 2020, we are now ready to establish a new cooperation framework with local stakeholders, especially as interest is rising. Many regions and municipalities are willing to develop cycling tourism more. The action plan is also an opportunity to establish a more structured working group coordinating efforts in developing National and EuroVelo routes in Norway.

Are there any National goals in terms of cycling in Norway?

ME: The previous National Cycling Strategy, which run until 2023, was connected to the National Transport Plan, which is revised every four years by the Ministry of Transport and Communication. While there has not been a direct discussion about updating the cycling strategy itself, cycling is very much included in the current National Transport Plan, which was launched in 2025 and covers the next 12 years.

We have ambitious national goals: 8% cycling modal share nationwide, 8 out of 10 children walking or cycling to school, and 20% cycling modal share in major cities. So, even without a dedicated new strategy, cycling remains a priority.

What are the main priorities for EuroVelo and cycle route development in Norway?

ME: Our top priorities are signage, quality improvement, and maintenance. The Road Safety Action Plan is a big help in pushing these forward. Right now, 87% of EuroVelo routes in Norway are developed, but only 22% are signed on a total of 5,500 km. That is a gap we are determined to close.

We are also seeing more and more cycling tourists, and we want to better understand who they are and what they need. This summer, we plan to manually count cyclists along EuroVelo 1 and interview them to gather more data.

A couple of days ago, I met a Swiss couple in Trondheim who had taken the train and ferry to Oslo, then to Bergen, and were cycling all the way to North Cape. They loved the experience but felt a bit insecure because some parts were not signed. When I asked where they found the route, they said the EuroVelo website. That is exactly the kind of feedback we need!

What challenges do you foresee in developing cycling tourism more in Norway?

ME: One of the biggest challenges in Norway is the condition of our roads. We sometimes do not have many options available for cycle routes even if the topography is challenging or traffic may be high, especially with large vehicles such as camper vans. Safety is our main concern and could even lead sometimes to removing signage from too dangerous road sections.

But we also notice a growing awareness of cycling tourists as a valuable group. They spend money on food, accommodation, and other services, supporting local businesses. Even if their numbers are not huge yet, their impact is positive.

What is your advice for other countries looking to develop cycling tourism?

ME: In Norway, the inclusion of cycle routes in the Road Safety Action Plan has opened doors for more collaboration and funding. My main advice would be to seek support in any strategic document that can provide enough recognition to launch a national movement towards cycle routes and cycling tourism.

Interview by Agathe Daudibon

Cover photo: Senja, Werner Herstad