Jens Erik Larsen, European Cyclists' Federation, EuroVelo Project Coordinator
Idevaerkstedet De Frie Fugle, Borgergade 14,5., DK-1300 Koebenhavn K, Denmark
JE@friefugle.dk, web: www.friefugle.dk, phone +45 33 11 11 75, fax +45 33 11 75 12

Background
Between 1995 and 1997, a working group of the European Cyclists' Federation developed a project proposal for a Europe-wide network of cycle routes, now known as EuroVelo. The project is to develop 12 pan-European cycle routes linking all countries of Europe, largely based on existing and planned routes at a national, regional and local level.

Large sections of the network are already in place. Others are being developed by local or national bodies. Nonetheless, EuroVelo will promote and guide a very major programme of works to promote the bicycle as a form of transport which brings environmental and health benefits, instead of the grave problems we associate with motor transport.

International scale
The EuroVelo network when complete will total some 60,000km of routes, passing through each and every country in Europe. Were such a network to be constructed from new, it could be expected to cost between 4 billion and 5 billion Ecu at 1998 prices.

In November 1997 the Director General for Transport of the European Commission, Robert Coleman, announced the financial support of the Commission for a preparatory phase of the EuroVelo project. The Commission offered 50% of a budget of 200,000 Ecu for this phase, to research the feasibility of the project and establish a management structure.

Project management
The project has been managed so far by a team representing the European Cyclists' Federation asbl, Idéværkstedet De Frie Fugle (DK) and Sustrans (UK). The team has established a steering committee and expert reference group to ensure the highest standards of commercial and technical management for the implementation phase, began in 1999.

After the first route opening, The North Sea Cycle route 2001, the aim is to open a new route each year until 2012. Routes will be opened on attainment of an agreed standard. Thereafter a process of incremental development will ensure continual improvement.

First business forecasts for EuroVelo indicate that within three years the project will have an annual turnover of around three quarters of a million EURO. Therefore EuroVelo must quickly establish the necessary structure to manage in a professional way within the commercial environment.

Project objectives
The aim of EuroVelo is twofold: to encourage cycling as a mode of transport and to promote cycle tourism. Encouragement of cycling as transport will work in three ways. The development of long-distance routes will benefit local cyclists, often on a year-round basis, while the introduction to cycling while on holiday should encourage people to cycle more at home. Perhaps most important of all, the development of the network and the publicity surrounding it can raise the profile of cycling in the many countries where it has been forced into decline by past policies.

By investing in cycle tourism, the European tourist industry will be developing along sustainable lines. A whole range of benefits will accrue from this, from preserving the environment and creating significant local employment opportunities in small and medium enterprises, to promoting European cohesion and upholding rural settlement.

Many of the benefits of this project, such as reductions in pollution and traffic congestion or the encouragement of local traffic calming, would be of the widest public benefit, going beyond the advantages to the users of the network themselves.

The EuroVelo economic impact study
The initial economic impact study by Les Lumsdon of Staffordshire University (UK) revealed a growing interest in cycle tourism across Europe. Lumsdon made contact with over 50 organisations and a number are now considering ways to measure market demand and the economic impact of cycle tourism. Lumsdon hopes that these and other partners, particularly in eastern and southern European countries, will join forces for a more complete study.

Examples: The Czech Republic and Slovenia
The Czech Republic as a whole has been impressively quick to see the benefits of EuroVelo, and has already designated a north-south EuroVelo route between the Polish and Austrian borders (as part of EuroVelo route 9).

The city of Olomouc, meeting place of EuroVelo routes 6 and 9, is already developing both routes, as the framework for a more complete local route network.

EuroVelo gives a supportive framework for the establishment of cycling projects, budgets, working groups and policies across the whole of Europe; it is already achieving this aim in Slovenia. The route 9 study, by Transport Research Center, brought together a national working group of government, cities and NGOs to establish a signing system and study the route across Slovenia in more detail.

Latest News
Route reports are prepared for 10 of the 12 routes and several parts of routes have been opened. More information will be presented at the seminar. EuroVelo also has a website: www.EuroVelo.org