Cycle Route Network of Mediterranean
The main objective of the project CYRONMED is to enhance cycle mobility and environmental-friendly tourism and promote economic change by improving the tourist attractiveness of Archimed countries through joint planning of integrated transport and sustainable tourism. Presently, the Archimed countries do not offer conditions in favour of cycle mobility. Yet, they present the natural and cultural assets required to position themselves in the market, and are endowed with a climate favourable to year-round cycling tourism. A cycling network connected with stations, airport and ports, as proposed in this project, will lay the very basis for enhanced urban mobility and cycle tourism, as the project’s final aim. The project strategy is to address the current constraints to cycling and tourism (1) by delivering a concrete proposal for a cross-border cycle network, (2) by linking up with territorial planning, and (3) by focusing on connectivity between cycle networks, sea and airports, and railway networks. Specific objectives are: 1. to establish a regional network for sustainable mobility; 2. to identify an interconnected cycling network constituted by part of the EuroVelo (No. 5,7,8,11 routes) and Bicitalia (No. 6,10,14 routes) cycle networks, crossing the Archimed region, and study its feasibility; 3. to formulate a strategy for the promotion of sustainable cycle tourism; 4. to enhance public awareness of the benefits of cycle mobility; 5. to provide technical guidelines for the realization of the proposed network; 6. to realise part of the proposed network, as a pilot model. Main activities and expected results: 1. A functional Regional Network for dialogue, exchange of experience, and sharing of norms and standards for the development of interconnected cycle infrastructures and sustainable mobility; 2. A Feasibility Study for the development of a cycle network in the region, including cartographic support, a reconnaissance survey of cycling resources, and a selection of route corridors; 3. A Strategy for development of sustainable cycle tourism in the region; 4. Guidelines for the implementation of a cycling network, including aspects of road safety; 5. Enhanced public awareness about the benefits of cycle mobility; 6. A part of the integrated cycling network realised in a tourist area in Puglia. Direct beneficiaries are the public institutions involved in the project, that will have the necessary work tools to develop sustainable, cycle-based mobility in their jurisdictions, in a cross-border perspective and collaboration. The national and international bicycle associations associated with the project will benefit from an enhanced coordination with and support from the relevant public institutions. On a longer term, local populations will benefit from the project through increased cycle connectivity and road safety, and from the spin-off of enhanced cycle tourism in the region.