#RestartCycleTourism for a safe COVID-19 recovery and a more sustainable future for Europe

By

Jill Warren

20 Jul, 2020

Strategic investments in sustainable tourism are essential to ensure a safe recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to deliver on the commitments of the EU Green Deal.

Sustainable and active holidays

Cycle tourism is one of the most sustainable and healthy holiday options that exists. It continues to grow in popularity in Europe, as people increasingly opt for active, environmentally friendly holidays. The further development of long-distance cycle routes such as the EuroVelo network, and the rise in the use of e-bikes, have also boosted cycle tourism by making cycling holidays even more attractive for people of all ages and abilities.

Boosting local economies

The economic benefits of cycle tourism are substantial, contributing 44 billion Euros and over 500,000 jobs to the European economy each year. Cycle tourists bring many positive benefits to local economies by visiting areas less frequented by mainstream tourists and spending their money in local businesses. Local residents also benefit from the cycling route infrastructure, regional connectivity and services to accommodate cycle tourists.

Keeping safe and social distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the advantages of cycle tourism. Cross-border international tourism as we know it, and city tourism, are not likely to return to the same level until a vaccine or treatment is found. More people will vacation at home, or at least in their home country, increasing the demand for concepts and activities that help maintain social distancing. Cycle tourism offers excellent solutions.

€3bn to help unleash the true potential of cycle tourism

ECF’s #RestartCycleTourism campaign seeks to raise awareness, promote cycle tourism and secure strategic investments in it as a safe, sustainable and healthy option for holidaymakers and leisure cyclists during the pandemic recovery and beyond. There is so much more potential for cycle tourism, but substantial, strategic investment is required to fully realise it and to enable it to play its part in delivering the EU Green Deal.

We call on the EU to make at least €3bn in funding available to cities and regions for required investments to enable and boost sustainable, environmentally friendly cycle tourism. This would include investments for:

The provision and signage of further high-quality, safe and direct cycle routes
The development of cycle-friendly services, amenities and concepts to attract and cater for increasing numbers of cycle tourists

The promotion of cycle tourism and European cities and regions as cycle tourism destinations
An increase in financial support provided to EuroVelo coordination centres and/or establishing new ones, in partnership and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to implement and manage the routes.

We also call on the EU to recognise EuroVelo as another TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) in addition to existing networks such as road, rail or inland waterways, in the upcoming TEN-T revision. This will make the cycling networks easier and cheaper to develop in future.

Help us #RestartCycleTourism and engineer a lasting shift towards more sustainable, healthy tourism in Europe!

You can also make a donation to the European Cyclists' Federation's EuroVelo initiative and support our work to finalise the development of the European Cycle Route Network