New app locates Palestinian trails for cyclists and hikers

The 'Rihleh' app highlights natural hiking and cycling trails across Jerusalem, featuring notable sites in Palestinian history.

By REUTERS
Updated: SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 18:04
Palestinian app locates trails for cyclists and hikers (Credit: REUTERS)
A new way to see Jerusalem has been made possible thanks to a new app created by frustrated locals, searching for the Palestinian perspective on the ancient city.
The brainchild of the Palestinian Vision Organization (PalVision), the 'Rihleh' app highlights natural hiking and cycling trails across Jerusalem, featuring notable sites in Palestinian history.
Nineteen cyclists gathered on Friday (September 8) to navigate their way towards the Palestinian village of Nabi Samwil, just north of Jerusalem.
Project coordinator, Shorouq Nammari said she realized there was a gap in the market whilst looking for trails in the area.
"We noticed that we weren't aware of natural Palestinian trails and the trails we knew of were from a non-Palestinian perspective. Therefore, we thought it is was really important to create an app that features natural trails focusing on Palestinian places, that we can reflect on from the Palestinian perspective and also to motivate participants and to motivate the young Palestinians to go on these trails and discover these areas and see that there are nice places that they can go to," said Nammari.
Rihleh includes historical information on key sites and surrounding areas.
It rates the difficulty of the trail, even advising travelers on what to wear depending on destination.
Nammari said bicycles were the preferred mode of travel for the trails, making it easier to cover long distances.
PalVision is currently running excursions every weekend to a variety of locations within the Jerusalem Governorate, hoping the app with prove popular with locals and tourists alike.


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