In May 1997, the first European Conference on Soft Traffic and Railways Paths (held at Val-Dieu Abbey, Belgium) voted to set up the European Greenways Association (EGWA). This association was created by many local, regional and national associations active in the scope of sustainable transport, willing to share their knowledge and objectives at a European level.
A greenway is defined as a stand-alone route for non-motorised traffic, developed with the following objectives: to integrate facilities & increase environmental value and quality of life. Greenways encompass the following characteristics: suitability of width, slope & surface to allow secure, appropriate use for a wide range of users including mobility impaired people.
Objectives of the EGWA
The EGWA is active at different levels: To provide information about all aspects of the creation of a greenway from the first discussion to the delivery of the finished greenway for all the actors of the deployment. This includes technical info, political & administrative info, ... many studies have been performed by the association and are freely available online.