Cycle Tourism

In the past, cycle tourism was not a significant consideration for tourism associations, accommodation vendors, mass transit, or others engaged in the tourism industry. Vendors assumed that tourists with bikes were not a wealthy target group. Transit agencies only saw carrying bikes as a hassle without any benefit to them. These misconception prevented cycle tourism from growing.

But more and more the tourism sector has recognized the remarkable potential of cycling. Several factors are responsible for the growth of cycle tourism around the world:

  • Cycling tourists are often in a higher income bracket than most tourists
  • Tourists recognize the bike more and more as a vehicle which is good for their health
  • Tourists realize the enjoyment of slow and contemplative travel
  • Accommodation vendors recognize the profit potential of single-night guests
  • Plenty of Maps and Routes programs have been launched
  • Bike friendly transit agencies are enjoying an increase in ridership
  • The bike industry has recognized the profit potential of cycling travelers and is offering quality touring equipment
  • Cycling athletes are choosing to travel by bike to attractive places where they can train.  

So cycle tourism is steadily changing from a curious activity by a few cycling activists to a mainstream opportunity for recreation. With the increasing demand for good cycling infrastructure, high quality equipment, and suitable accommodation, a sleeping market has been slowly awakening over the last 10-15 years.

Bike Santa Barbara County is an excellent example of a cycle tourism website.

In some regions of Europe, accommodation vendors are enjoying business growth by proudly welcoming cyclists. They offer safe places for bikes, ample food, bike tools, regional information and other features that make bike tourists feel welcome.

The BED & BIKE program run by the German cycling advocacy organization, Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC), is a best practice model for this. Today more than 4,500 vendors take part in ADFC’s BED & BIKE program. Find more information on their English website.

 

Of course, we also continue our work with local organizations to improve street designs and add trails and paths to communities, both essential for increasing cycle tourism. Find out more on our Street Design and Trails & Paths web pages. 

For a terrific example of promotions for cycle tourism take a look at this Danish cycle tourism brochure!

Route finding is also an essential part of trip planning for cycle tourists. Take a look at these sites for some examples:

EuroVelo – European cycle routes

Adventure Cycling – U.S. cycle routes

Topic Routes are becoming a popular way to increase cycle tourism, especially for regions and Tourist Boards. These regions don’t only offer pleasant street, paths and trails. Cyclists follow routes with certain themes like architecture, history or monuments. For an excellent example, visit the German National Tourist Board. And for a broader view on the importance of sustainable tourism, make sure to take a look at this paper from the United Nations on Climate Change in the Tourism Sector.

Source: www.OneStreet.org