Clear path for Houten Castellum - Utrecht Science Park cycle route

The aim of this direct, safe and comfortable through-cycle route is to entice more residents to bike to work. The route is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The current pedestrian bridge over the A12 near Bunnik station is an important barrier in the realization of the through-cycle route. The province has decided to invest extra in converting the bridge into a fully-fledged bicycle and pedestrian bridge. This fulfills an important condition for the municipalities and the province to decide to further elaborate the preliminary design for the leading bike paths and start realizing the route.

Alderman Julie d'Hondt: “Sustainable mobility is the key to a liveable future. With this through-cycle route we are making it easier and more attractive for Bunnik residents to move around in a healthy, safe and sustainable way. By working together and tackling barriers, such as the pedestrian bridge over the A12, we are providing better connections between Bunnik, Houten and the Utrecht Science Park. In this way we not only strengthen accessibility, but also the connectedness within our region.”

The cooperation agreement agrees on the route, the preliminary design, the desired improvements and the financing.

Alderman Wouter van den Berg: “I am pleased to work together with the province of Utrecht and the municipality of Bunnik to build this through-cycle route. This regional bicycle connection will allow us to cycle through the Kromme Rijn area faster and in a healthy way. And that in turn is attractive because traffic jams are only increasing. Cycling is increasingly becoming a good alternative!”

Features through-bike route

The route Houten Castellum - Utrecht Science Park (F27) is 8.5 kilometers long and runs from Houten via the Rijsbruggerweg, the pedestrian bridge over the A12 at Bunnik NS railway station via the Vagantenpad to the Utrecht Science Park. On the through-cycle route we want to offer as much space, safety and comfort to cyclists as possible.

Gedeputeerde André van Schie: “It's great to see that the realization of the Houten Castellum - Utrecht Science Park through-cycle route is imminent thanks to good cooperation with the municipalities of Bunnik, Houten and Utrecht. The next step is to also replace the pedestrian bridge over the A12 at Bunnik station with a modern bicycle and pedestrian bridge, making this through-bike route an even better alternative for commuters, for example, thereby again relieving the road network and easing congestion.”

Nine transit bike routes

More people on bicycles requires a smooth, safe and comfortable bicycle network. In order to entice commuters on short and longer distances to use an (electric) bike, the province of Utrecht, together with municipalities, is realizing nine through-bike routes. With the through-cycling routes, existing bike paths will be improved, connected and provided with recognizable lines, signage and, where possible, lighting. Cyclists will encounter fewer obstacles and be given priority over other traffic more often. The through-bike routes will be wide enough to accommodate all cyclists, whether they cycle fast or slow.