Cycling tourism reshaping travel perspectives and financial habits across Europe
Hop on your bike and join the cycling revolution sweeping across Europe! From the cobblestone streets of city centers to the serene countryside, two-wheeled travel is the eco-friendly and healthy way to discover our continent.
Cycling tourism is a booming industry, generating over €44 billion annually and creating numerous jobs, from rural bed-and-breakfasts to bike rental shops [1]. This travel trend extends tourism beyond the usual hotspots, bringing off-season or additional income to lesser-visited towns and regions. By choosing cycles over cars, you contribute to Europe's economic growth while minimizing your carbon footprint.
The continent's love for cycling dates back to its history of endurance races like the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia [1]. Today, everyday travelers are embracing bikepacking adventures and leisurely, scenic rides [1]. With an estimated 2.3 billion trips across the EU each year [1], cycling tourism continues to gain momentum and has become an integral part of sustainable travel in Europe.
Task forces like EuroVelo are driving the cycling revolution in Europe [2]. This network of long-distance cycle routes spans nearly 61,000 kilometers, connecting various countries and regions [2]. Each route has a unique identity, from the Atlantic Coast Route hugging Europe’s west coast to the Iron Curtain Trail covering former Cold War borders [2].
EuroVelo 15, the Rhine Cycle Route, is one of the most popular routes due to its stunning scenery, historic towns, and cultural sites [3][4]. Travelers on EuroVelo 4, the Central Europe Route, can experience the rich history and culture of Belgium, Germany, and Czech Republic [2]. EuroVelo 6, the Atlantic–Black Sea Route, and EuroVelo 13, the Iron Curtain Trail, are also renowned for their scenic landscapes and historical relevance [2][5].
Governments are making investing in cycling infrastructure a priority. The UK has earmarked €355 million to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure, while cities like Manchester aim to make 'active travel' accessible to the majority of their residents [1].
So ditch the car, lace up your bike shoes, and experience Europe like never before – on two wheels and with a lighter footprint. After all, as travellers continue to seek meaningful, lower-impact ways to explore, cycling stands out for its simplicity and reach, making it a tourism asset and a public good [1].
References:
[1] European Cyclists' Federation. (n.d.). EuroVelo -- the European documentation experts for long-distance cycling. https://edc.ecf.com/
[2] EuroVelo. (n.d.). Routes. https://www.eurovelo.com/portal/en/home/routes
[3] Adventure Cycling. (n.d.). Rhine Route. https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/ Adventure Cycling—The Brain Trust for Bike Travel / rhinero.htm
[4] Bus Unternehmerverband Rheinland-Pfalz. (n.d.). Deutsche Burgenstrasse. https://www.deutsche-burgenstrasse.de/
[5] Drava Bike Tour. (n.d.). Drava Radweg - Mittersill - Villach. http://dravabiketour.eu/drava-radweg-mittersill-villach/
Related:- Why Do Some European Cities Make Great Places to Live for Cyclists?- How Electric Bikes are Revolutionizing Travel Across Europe
Keywords: Sustainable tourism, Cycling, Tourism, Travel, Travel trends, Green tourism, Cycling routes, EuroVelo, Europe cycling tours, Bikepacking, Active travel, Carbon emissions, Sustainable development goals, Green travel, Zero-emission travel, Eco-friendly travel, Reduced traffic, Bike-friendly cities, Healthy travel, Low-impact travel, European cycling network, Cycling infrastructure, Cycling holidays, Two-wheeled travel, Cycling culture, Outdoor adventures, Green transportation, Green travel trends, Pedal power, Green vacations.
Cycling tourism isn't restricted to athletic events like the Tour de France, it also involves leisurely bikepacking adventures, extended across various EuroVelo routes such as the Rhine Cycle Route and the Central Europe Route. To minimize carbon footprint and contribute to the economic growth of Europe, one can opt for eco-friendly two-wheeled travel, which also provides a unique home-and-garden perspective of Europe, exploring its diverse landscapes and cultures.
