The time it takes to get on his electric bike, Jean-Jacques Lasserre takes the lead of the small procession that inaugurates, this Wednesday, September 18, the La Rhune cycle route that connects Saint-Jean-de-Luz to the Col de Saint-Ignace. “We must set an example, especially when there is no risk,” he rejoices before setting off on the route from the Chantaco college. Around him, the prefect Julien Charles, the mayors of Sare, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ascain and Bidart have notably made the trip.
The President of the Department sets off on the La Rhune cycle route.
L. B.
The road has been in service for a few weeks and the passage of cyclists that morning seems to show that local residents and tourists are already making it their own. It connects the existing section between the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Chantaco to Ascain. You then have to cross the Azkaindar town, which does not have a cycle path, to reach the route that goes to the Col de Saint-Ignace and the La Rhune train station. The latter uses the old tramway line, which has a considerable advantage: the gradient does not exceed 5%, the limit threshold for train and tramway traffic. It is a route in the middle of nature that allows you to avoid the winding and steep departmental road 4, which is very busy during the summer season.
Avoid 10,000 vehicles
Between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ascain, the cycle route runs close to the D918, which is used by around 10,000 vehicles per day. Only seasoned cyclists dared to take on this flow of cars and trucks going at 70 km/h. This is the case for Arnaud Perini, from the Bizikleta Taldea cycling club: “It was really dangerous. There were always times when vehicles brushed past us. It’s very reassuring to be able to use this path.”
“Before, it was extremely unpleasant to do by bike, now it is a completely new environment, flat and easy on the banks of the Nivelle, with an extraordinary view of the mountains which is offered”, adds Emmanuel Alzuri, mayor of Bidart and departmental councillor delegated to the Bicycle Plan.
Work and tourism
“We need the people of Luz to be able to go to Ascain or the Azkaindars who want to go to work in Saint-Jean to be able to travel peacefully,” he continues. The cycle route is thus completely separated from car traffic by a concrete wall and wooden barriers, to prevent the intrusion of motor vehicles.
The total cost of the work amounts to 2.6 million euros, financed by the State, the European Regional Development Fund, the Department, the Mobility Union and the Region.
With this route, the authorities aim to reduce traffic jams entering and leaving Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Emmanuel Alzuri praises the strategic location of the free mobility parking lot of Chantaco, which allows you to leave your car: “We will be able to change the daily journeys. It is also a way to offer a very interesting tourist walk.”
From now on, going from the centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz to La Rhune, or from a campsite in Ascain to take a dip at the Grande Plage can be done safely and pleasantly in just a few pedal strokes.
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