Growing Bike Routes and Cycling Culture Boost Eco-Friendly Travel in Valtenesi
Gasoline prices, and the daily invitations issued from various sources to try and reduce air pollution, are also valid reasons to make the bicycle an increasingly friendly choice.
The bike lanes and routes
In less trafficked areas, such as the roads of Alta Valtenesi, dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians that run between the Naviglio Grande and the Chiese River leading to Gavardo (as well as those in the inland areas of Garda extending between Calvagese, Muscoline, and Carzago), more and more cyclists can be seen. These aren’t athletes training for races but people enjoying healthy walks through quiet areas surrounded by the greenery of fields and hills.
Compared to the demand, there are still few towns in the province with bicycle paths, and Valtenesi is among the most well-served zones.
Many cyclists reach Garda with bicycles mounted on car roofs (many coming from Mantova, Cremona, and the city of Brescia), parking their cars in designated areas (see Padenghe, for example), and following routes that leave the busy statal roads. They arrive at Manerba, San Felice, Portese, then Cisano, popping up at the top of Zette, reaching the roundabout at Cunettone, ascending towards Puegnago, and then Polpenazze, Soiano, and returning to Padenghe.
The routes and opportunities for cycling excursions
Those wishing to extend their ride can go from Puegnago to Soprazocco via the climb that leads to the Sovenigo lakes, then descend to Gavardo and from there divert towards Muscoline, Castrezzone. They can then climb towards Polpenazze, Soiano, and Padenghe, or, from Gavardo, choose the well-paved roads located between the Chiese River and the Naviglio, with options to climb to Calvagese or to skirt Prevalle and exit at Bedizzole.
The spread and importance of bicycles
As mentioned earlier, bicycles are becoming increasingly friendly. They can take you anywhere, and they are the vehicle that most allows one to observe the scenery.
On festive days, it’s easy to encounter entire families cycling together. It’s not so much a return to the old velocipede as it is a continuation of a habit that has been strengthened in recent times—both in cities (especially during so-called ecological Sundays) and in provincial towns—where people haven’t felt like giving up the simplicity and joy that bicycles bring to everyone, young and old.
In our province, many artisans specialize in bicycle manufacturing, truly master craftsmen. Many foreigners staying in tourist locations also turn to these artisans for custom bikes. c. b.