Having flat topography, views of the Mediterranean Sea, a large secular population and a growing network of bike paths, Tel Aviv has generally been regarded as Israel’s capital of biking. But now, with the September 2022 opening of the Kerem Tunnel (מנהרת כרם), Jerusalem, with its hilly and winding streets, the city is on its way to giving Tel Aviv some competition in the cycling arena.
The first and currently only bicycling tunnel in Israel, the Kerem Tunnel is 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) long and 3 meters (1.9miles) wide. The Tunnel is part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer (26.1 miles) cycling route that encircles Jerusalem and has amazing views of Jerusalem’s landscapes and sights.The Kerem Tunnel connects the path between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban and the northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem about half a kilometer (0.3 miles) from the Kerem junction. The Kerem Tunnel was originally built in the 1990s by Jerusalem’s water company Hagihon, used to run a sewage pipe from the city’s southwestern neighborhoods to the Sorek stream sewage treatment plant.
The Kerem Tunnel has been designed to be used all year round to encourage cycling and bicycle use among people living in and visiting Jerusalem. The most advanced safety and monitoring systems have been installed, including ventilation fans and advanced electrical and safety systems. Kerem Tunnel also provides access to the historic mountain village Ein Kerem neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo, the Israel Aquarium, the historic Ein Lavan and Ein Haniya Springs, and more. It is hoped that the Tunnel will also promote the green revolution in Jerusalem.
Planning of the Kerem Tunnel was led by the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage and the Hagihon Company. Construction was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority. Approximately 25 million shekel were invested in the project by the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Hagihom Corporation and the Jerusalem Sewage Water and Purification Enterprises.
The Kerem Tunnel initiative is helping to contribute to the growth and development of Jerusalem by changing the concept of transportation there. The Tunnel attracts tourists, amateur and pro cycling enthusiasts, and helps preserve the connection of Jerusalem’s historic past with Jerusalem’s future.
Susan R. Eisenstein is a longtime Jewish educator, passionate about creating special, innovative activities for her students. She is also passionate about writing about Jewish topics and about Israel. She has two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education from Columbia University.
