Bicycle touring

Bicycle touring is specifically related to a bicycle trip between several places for recreational purposes. In this case, cycling is an integral part of the tourist experience.
Sustainable tourism. The effects of tourism development on the routes used to reach the destination or to travel around it are of great interest. The economic benefits that tourism can bring to local economies have been studied for decades. Research into associated social impacts has been well-covered by scientific literature (Tao and Wall, 2009).
However, the increasingly urgent need to tackle the effects of climate change is the greatest challenge for the tourism sector, which must be integrated in a measurable manner in all aspects of its development (Peeters, Gösling and Becken, 2006). It is essential to develop green and low-carbon products in the spirit of sustainable tourism in Europe to encourage existing markets and new markets to abandon the most polluting and intensive forms of tourism (Simpson, Gössling, Scott Hall and Gladin 2008).
Given the importance of Europe as a region generating international tourism, doubled by a high rate of intra-regional tourism, the commercial potential of these new products is considerable.The design of long-distance cycling routes must respect the principles of sustainable tourism development; bicycle touring organizers must be aware of the need to preserve natural causes, improve local skills and potential, and minimize resource use, waste generation and pollution. Transport to reach an itinerary can have a major negative impact on the environment and the design of the route should take this into account by providing exciting trips near localities and integration by train, coach, or ferry in long-distance travels.
A generally accepted definition of sustainable tourism underlines the need to strike a balance between economic, social and environmental aspects (WTO, 2005): “Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability “. The corresponding indicators of sustainable tourism are the following:
• Make optimal use of environmental resources;
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities;
• Socio-economic benefits fairly distributed among all stakeholders;
• the informed participation of all interested parties;
• permanent control of different effects;
• high level of satisfaction for tourists.
EuroVelo is a European network of cycling routes designed to provide a set of trans-European sustainable roads. It includes 14 long-distance cycling routes covering 70,000 km, out of which nearly 45,000 have already been created. The network is managed by the European Cyclists’ Federation, which is responsible for ensuring that all itineraries meet high standards of design, signalization and advertising across Europe.
Bicycle trips. It is a pleasure trip that starts from the place of residence or accommodation, of which cycling is an integral part. It is also debating on day trips.
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Integration into public transport. The goal of the EuroVelo network is to move easily from cycling to other modes of transport, especially trams, trains, buses or ferries. Ideally, the passage should be easy and the infrastructure available to wait and park the bicycle safely. In a wider context, integration refers to the connectivity between the tourism and transport sectors in terms of prices and dissemination of information.
Slow Travel. Slow travel or slow tourism is a term that refers to the use of sustainable modes of transport such as trains or coaches to reach a destination where the visitor is encouraged to spend more time to discover the cuisine, the culture and the local heritage , preferably by walking, cycling or public transport. According to its supporters, this form of tourism offers a richer experience and a lower environmental impact.