«Rosa, can you see the cycle path?»
«Nah... but it should have been finished in 2022»
In the summer of 2024, I cycled from Ystad towards Skillinge along the coast. I came across these two wooden cows talking about the planned but delayed construction of the cycle path. I have researched the reasons for the delay and try to summarise them here.
The main debate was whether the cycle path should be built north or south of the main road. The Swedish Public Roads Administration is planning to build it on the north side of the main road. However, the sea and all the attractions are on the south side of the road. In addition, the land north of the main road is used for agriculture. At least two parties are therefore against the northern traffic route, the farmers and cyclists. However, the route south of the main road is simply not feasible, according to the road construction authority. Practically all private properties are located south of the main road. In addition, numerous junctions from the main road would have to be crossed and nature conservation areas would prevent construction anyway.
Where there is a will, there is not yet a cycle path. When two unpopular alternatives are argued over for years, everything seems very deadlocked.