Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
more traffic-free routes. Cyclists can also be deterred by terrain unsuited to
non-mountain-biking cycling in some destinations.
There is a dilemma in relation to the development of cycle tourism. Those
responsible for the design and build of cycle routes and networks are
often located in highways departments, and their prime responsibility is to
provide for utility transport. In the case of rail trails, canal towpaths and other
off-road facilities, the vision is to plan and deliver multi-user routes, but
public resources in this sector are limited. Thus, the supply of a sustainable
cycle network, designed and brought together by a coordinated group of
stakeholders focusing on cycling, is a rarity. One of the most successful
examples is Veloland Schweiz, which brought together organizations repre-
senting land-owners, sports organizations, the accommodation and public
transport sectors, as well as the tourism destinations, in order to design and
implement a recreational and tourism cycle network for Switzerland. This is a
model that other destinations might seek to follow. It is an enabler of slow
travel.
It would be false to suggest that all cycle tourism is always associated
with low-carbon travel. As with other forms of holiday-taking, the origin-
destination trip is a key element. However, the evidence available from the
Dutch and German markets indicates that cycle tourism attracts people who
travel shorter distances, have a greater propensity to use a train and who are
more likely to adopt pro-environmental behaviour in their travel choice deci-
sion. Thus, in meeting the principles of low-carbon and providing a highly
valued travel experience, cycle tourism has the potential to facilitate slow
travel in developed countries. The following case study of EuroVelo sets out
a vision for a sustainable European transport and tourism network.
Case study: EuroVelo
The aim of EuroVelo fits with the overall mission of the European Cyclists'
Federation; that is, to ensure that the cycle realizes its fullest potential in
achieving sustainable mobility, public wellbeing and economic development
through tourism (European Cyclists' Federation, 2009). The aim of this case
study is to illustrate the importance of stakeholder commitment to develop-
ment of networks that can facilitate slow travel.
EuroVelo relates to an overall approach in offering a sustainable transport
and tourism network of the highest grade across all countries in Europe. It
comprises 12 long-distance cycle routes that cover 66,000km, of which
approximately 45,000km are in existence on the ground as continuous sign-
posted routes, following best practice guidelines. The network will soon be
augmented by another proposed long-distance route, the Iron Curtain Trail,
from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. The latter trail was first pioneered by
Michael Cramer (MEP) in the early years of the 21st century and will be incor-
porated into EuroVelo as it meets the criteria for development. EuroVelo is,
therefore, a European cycle route network in the making.
There are currently no exact estimates for levels of demand on the
EuroVelo network. Assessment is difficult because the EuroVelo network uses
