GERMANY — The first stretch of Germany’s new bicycle highway has opened. The newly opened portion is five kilometres long on what will be a highway that spans over 100 kilometres. Upon completion, the highway will connect 10 cities and four universities, Agence France-Press reports.

According to the highway’s developer, RVR, close to two million people will live less than a mile away from the cycling highway, which could result in 50,000 fewer cars on the road each day. The cycling highway would be smooth sailing for cyclists as it would allow them the ability to travel the entire 100-kilometre stretch without stopping for traffic or slowing down due to poor road conditions or traffic.

While the new stretch has been opened, funding is still very much in question for the remainder of the project. AFP claims the cost of the first stretch was split between the European Union, RVR and the North Rhine-Westphalia state government. The cost of the entire project is projected to exceed 180 million euro ($196 million).