When two wheels change the tourism industry
Once an endurance sport reserved for a select few, cycling has become an increasingly popular, low-impact form of eco-friendly travel as Europe moves towards more sustainable ways of getting around and exploring.
According to the European Cycling Federation (ECF), cycle tourism now accounts for around 2.3 billion trips per year in the European Union, generating more than €44 billion in revenue.
Unlike quick and expensive vacations, cycling encourages visitors to stop, observe, interact, and supports thousands of small businesses such as country houses, roadside cafes, and bike rental shops.
Cyclists also help to draw visitors away from overcrowded destinations, revitalising many lesser-known towns and rural areas.
And if indirect benefits such as improved health and fuel savings are included, the ECF estimates the total value of cycling to Europe at €150 billion a year.
A Europe connected by… pedals
Behind the wave of cycling tourism is the EuroVelo network – a system of 17 transcontinental cycling routes developed by the European Cycling Federation , with a total planned length of nearly 61,000 km. To date, more than 56,000 km have been completed, passing through quiet roads or with dedicated bike lanes.
Each EuroVelo route has its own unique character. Route 1 follows the Atlantic coast, stretching from Norway to Portugal via spectacular coastal routes.
Line 6 takes visitors along the Loire, Rhine and Danube – three major rivers closely linked to European history and culture.
In particular, line number 13, named the “Iron Curtain Trail”, follows the border that once divided East and West during the Cold War, stretching all the way to Türkiye and Greece.
The upcoming EuroVelo 16 route, nearly 1,900 km long, will connect the Portuguese capital Lisbon with Pamplona, passing through the Alentejo countryside, the Spanish capital Madrid and the foothills of the Pyrenees.
In parallel, shorter routes such as the 130km Bay Cycle Way in the UK also attract millions of cyclists each year.
Cycling is not just a personal choice, but is being strongly supported by governments in many countries. In the UK, in February, the government announced an investment of nearly 355 million euros to improve infrastructure for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.
This funding package will help add 300 miles of new roads, create safer pathways and provide free cycling training to hundreds of thousands of school children.
Whether it's a weekend trip along the Danube or a month-long journey from Norway to Portugal, cycling is becoming a valuable travel experience and a public good, allowing you to explore Europe in a new, more intimate and more affordable way.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/xu-huong-du-lich-xanh-dang-len-ngoi-140206.html
Comment (0)