Hiroshima City Plans Bidirectional Bicycle Lanes on Iconic Peace Boulevard
Hiroshima City has announced plans to construct dedicated bidirectional bicycle lanes along Heiwa Odori, the city’s prominent Peace Boulevard. This infrastructure upgrade aims to enhance cyclist safety, promote sustainable urban mobility, and integrate cycling into one of Japan’s most historically significant avenues. The project aligns with global trends in active transportation, addressing the growing demand for safe bike routes in densely trafficked areas.
Background
Heiwa Odori, a wide east-west boulevard stretching approximately 1.7 kilometers through central Hiroshima, runs parallel to the Motoyasu River and adjacent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site commemorating the 1945 atomic bombing. Currently, the avenue accommodates heavy pedestrian, vehicular, and tourist traffic, but lacks dedicated cycling infrastructure, leading to safety concerns for bike users. According to the official Hiroshima City website, the new bicycle paths will feature bidirectional lanes to allow smooth flow in both directions, improving connectivity for commuters and visitors. Local media, including the Chugoku Shimbun, reports that this initiative responds to rising cycling popularity post-COVID and national goals for carbon-neutral cities.
Future Outlook
Construction is expected to commence soon, with completion targeted within the next fiscal year, potentially transforming Heiwa Odori into a model for inclusive urban streets. The lanes will integrate with existing pedestrian zones and public transit, fostering a multimodal network that could reduce car usage and boost tourism via bike-friendly access to landmarks. City officials anticipate this as a stepping stone for broader cycling expansions in Hiroshima, contributing to Japan’s sustainable transport ambitions ahead of events like the 2025 Osaka Expo.