Going Green: Blue-Green-Cycling Networks as Effective Tools for Sustainable Development in European Cities

Abstract

This study examines blue-green-cycling networks (BZCNs) as planning instruments for enhancing urban resilience and sustainable development in European cities. The research analyses four case studies—London’s All London Green Grid, Milan’s Cambio Plan, Lyon’s Les Voies Lyonnaises, and Leipzig’s Grüne Ring—to explore how ecological systems can be integrated with cycling infrastructure. Using a comparative case study approach based on document analysis and literature review, the study identifies and categorises planning tools related to governance, infrastructure, environment, economy, safety, strategy, and social inclusion. The findings demonstrate that while all four initiatives share the objective of linking ecological and mobility systems, they differ in emphasis, with London focusing on ecological planning, Milan on metropolitan mobility, Lyon on cycling safety and infrastructure, and Leipzig on landscape governance and regional cooperation. Mapping the identified tools against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals shows strong contributions to sustainable cities and communities, climate action, health and well-being, biodiversity protection, and infrastructure innovation. The paper concludes that blue-green-cycling networks constitute effective instruments for increasing urban and regional resilience, provided they are supported by systemic planning approaches, adaptive governance, and cross-sectoral collaboration.