Crossing the plains on a bike, following the course of the river between countryside, history and nature: the Reno Cycle Route is a true immersion in the Bolognese plains, discovering the landscapes surrounding the Reno embankment.
One of the most important waterways in the region, the Reno originates in Tuscany and flows into the Adriatic Sea at Casalborsetti. Along its way it touches numerous places including Bologna and its historic center, furrowed by the canal of the same name that has contributed so much to the city's socio-economic development. The cycle path thus allows for a deeper connection between the river and its territory, exploring it at a slow pace.
The route – around 40 kilometres, almost entirely flat – is best tackled on road bikes, gravel bikes or mountain bikes, allowing you to enjoy the ride in complete peace and quiet, and in some places even from a higher vantage point.
At the moment there are eight municipalities lapped by the Reno Ciclovia (Castel Maggiore, Calderara di Reno, Sala Bolognese, Argelato, Castello d'Argile, Pieve di Cento, Galliera and Cento), but in the future the route will be extended as far as the Adriatic, thus linking Bologna to the sea through the provinces of Ferrara and Ravenna.
The entrance to the cyclovia is in Trebbo di Reno, just a few kilometers from the center of Bologna: enough to already breathe country air and come across the first river environment, the Golena San Vitale, located between Castel Maggiore and Calderara di Reno.
Pedaling alongside cultivated fields and majestic villas, you continue to the village of Malacappa and the Oratorio del Savignano in the municipality of Argelato, and then reach the delightful towns of Cento-the birthplace of Guercino-and Pieve di Cento. Not to be missed is the view of the Bolognese plain from the top of the banks of the Reno, on which part of the route runs.
The trail ends in San Vincenzo, in the municipality of Galliera, not before passing through the striking La Bisana ecological regeneration area. From here, veering eastward, it is possible to push on to the sea through the territories of Ferrara and Ravenna.
More info on the official website
