| Extracto del fichero OCR | nadace
partnerství
I LIDË A PflfRODA
Findings from a study on
European Cycle Friendly Service
Network Concept
Daniel Mourek, Nadace Partnerství
Adam Bodor, ECF
This pro)oc.i is oo-fiiuifte*d by ehs European Union
under 1h* preparatory action 'Sueloinabfe Tourism’
Tmd solo responsibility of Vila publication bos *lth tho author
T>»o European Commission nj not meponaib** tor any im
that may ba mads of ths Infor matum contained tftarten.
Content:
1. Background
2. Analysis of existing systems in Europe
3. Evaluation and comparison of the existing systems with the major findings of the
study
4. Proposed common activities on the European level, based on the study findings
5. Proposed steps of further implementation
Summary
Attachments
Czech Cyclists Welcome criteria
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1. Background
Thousands of businesses offering cycle friendly services in Europe
Europe is world’s largest tourist destination which applies also for cycle tourism. Cycling
for leisure and cycle tourism represent some of the most popular forms of active travel
for individuals, groups and families in many European countries. Europe as prime cycle
tourist destination features favorable geographical conditions as well as dense network
of cycle routes - especially the EuroVelo routes that connect our continent from North to
South and from West to East - which are essential for further development of this form
of sustainable tourism. But the infrastructure must be accompanied with adequate
services along the routes or in major European cycle tourist destinations. Besides the
interest of domestic cycle tourists, an increasing trend in cycle tourists from abroad can
be observed Europe-wide. In order to accommodate the needs of cycle tourists there
need to be provided basic services tailor-made for cyclists and cycle tourists. There
should also be enough information available online and in printed form which would
inform the clients about the services they need.
Following this trend there have been several national or regional certification schemes
In Europe created since the mid-1990s. The certifications reflected the needs of cycle
tourists mainly along the long distance cycle routes. Until now thousands of businesses
in the accommodation and catering industry or tourist attractions or shops are offering
cycle friendly services in more than 17 European countries. Through desk research,
expert interviews and structured interviews we have identified the main certification
schemes that run in Europe.
Benefits of cycle friendly certifications
• improving conditions for sustainable forms of tourism
• development of tourist offers in tourist regions, introduction of new tourist
attractions
• targeted promotion of lodging and catering services for cycle tourists
• participation of businesses in the promotion of tourist regions
The standard of services for cycle tourism is growing rapidly in EU countries. Besides
established cycle destinations such as Netherlands or Denmark, the offer of cycle
tourist products and services is growing in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France,
Belgium and also in the countries of Southern Europe such as Spain and Italy. Most
recent developments show rapid improvement of services for cyclists and cycle tourists
also in Central and South-Eastern Europe. The most significant overall trend is towards
increasing quality of services for cycle tourists. The implementation of such certification
systems represents an active collaboration of state, regional and municipal
organizations with SME's and cycling NGO's.
In order to further develop cycle tourism in Europe and to increase its competitiveness it
is necessary to take measures to improve services and to bring their quality up to the
level of the TOP cycle tourist European countries.
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2. Analysis of existing systems in Europe
Certification scheme Cycle friendly service evaluates tourist services such as
gastronomy, accommodation, camp sites and tourist attractions or shops catering to
needs of cycle tourists. In all mentioned categories cycle tourists are able to store safely
bicycles, have access to basic tools necessary for simple repairs and information about
cycling in the region.
The certification criteria vary by the type of establishment and to some extent also by
country. In some countries there are two categories of criteria: obligatory criteria that
must be fulfilled and additional criteria that are optional. The certified establishments
are typically labeled with a logo that features either a bicycle and/or bed plus name of
the organization/scheme.
The study conducted among ECF members and other organizations managing cycle
friendly certification in Europe identified similar criteria for certified cycle friendly
establishments in Europe such as
• bicycle parking and storage
• accommodation just for 1 night
• basic bicycle repair tools for simple repairs
• amenities to wash and dry clothes and equipment
• Information on cycle services in the region (printed, web)
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We have researched within the EuroVelo coordination project, which was in part
dedicated to European cycle friendly service system concept, altogether 13
certifications. We sent out structured questionnaires by e-mail to 18 European
organizations dealing with certifications in their countries: Austria, Croatia, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxemburg,
Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and UK.
In the end we received 13 answered questionnaires from following countries and
organizations.
1. Germany - ADFC - nationwide scheme
2. Lower Austria - Weinviertel Tourismus GmbH.- regional scheme
3. Czech Republic - Nadace Partnerstvi - nationwide scheme
4. Slovakia - Nadada Ekopolis - nationwide scheme
5. Poland - Fundacija Partnerstwo - nationwide scheme
6. Croatia - NGO Bicikl - nationwide scheme
7. Switzerland - Swiss Mobil - nationwide scheme
8. Netherlands - Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform - nationwide scheme
9. Denmark - AktivDanmark - nationwide scheme
10. France - France Velo Tourisme - nationwide scheme
11. Italy - FIAB - nationwide scheme
12. UK - CTC - nationwide scheme
13. Hungary - Happy Bike Ltd.- regional scheme
Western Europe
The German certification Bed and Bike (www.bettundbike.de) was launched by
German cycling club ADFC already 16 years ago in the largest European cycle tourist
destination - Germany. This certification has most certified businesses totaling more
than 5.300. Other long established certification scheme includes the UK Cyclists
welcome (www.ctc.org.uk) run by one of the oldest cyclist’s organization in Europe, the
CTC. The Dutch system Fietsers Welkom! (www.allefietserswelkom.nl) developed by
Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform deals with accommodation facilities mainly. In Italy the
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Albergabici system (www.albergabici.it) is a certification scheme for accommodation
run by FIAB. In France until recently there have been several regional certifications that
were united only in 2011 under one umbrella as national scheme Accueil Vélo
(www.francevelotourisme.com) by organization France Vélo Tourisme. In Switzerland
the cycle friendly certification is not promoted separately but as part of overall project
supporting active mobility and travel called SwissMobil (www.schweizmobil.ch). In
other European countries and regions like Luxembourg or Flanders the German
model of Bed and Bike was utilized to start a cycle friendly certification scheme..
H CYCLISTS El
Central Europe
Also based on the German example, a similar certification to Bed and Bike was
developed in Lower Austria as Radfreundliche Betriebe (www.weinviertel.at) which is
currently being updated. In 2005, a similar certification to Bed and Bike and
radfreundliche Betriebe was developed by the Czech Environmental Partnership
Foundation (Nadace Partnerstvi) in the Czech Republic as Cyklisté vítáni (Cyclists
Welcome, www.cyklistevitani.cz). The Czech know-how under the umbrella of
Environmental Partnership Association EPA contributed to launch of a Slovak cycle
friendly certification Vitajte cyklisti (Cyclists Welcome, www.vitajtecyklisti.sk) and a
Polish bike-friendly certification Przyjazny rowerom (www.przyjaznyrowerom.pl). In
Hungary there is a regional certification scheme called Happy Bike
(www.happybike.hu) run by private organization of the same name.
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South Eastern Europe
There are also several certification schemes running in South-Eastern Europe based on
Bed and Bike model in Montenegro and Serbia. In Croatia there has been older
certification scheme Bike & Bed (www.mojbicikl.hr) run by NGO Bicikl In Slovenia the
certification features as cycle friendly accommodation instead of stars number of
bicycles (www.slovenia.info).
Northern Europe
In Scandinavia there is cycle friendly certification in Denmark managed by NTA Active
Denmark (www.aktivdanmark.dk). There is an active interest in developing a cycle
friendly certification in Finland.
Aktiv Danmark
Out of 17 questionnaires we received 13 questionnaires back mostly from ECF
members representing the major certification schemes throughout all Europe Our main
task within this project was the collection and evaluation of data from existing and
running systems such as Cyclists Welcome - UK, Cyclists Welcome - CZ and SK,
Bett&Bike - D and B (Flanders), radfreundliche Betriebe - A (Lower Austria) and
SchweizMobil including smaller systems: Loire a Velo - F, HB - Hungary, GTZ - Serbia,
Sleep and Bike - Croatia Slovenia or Denmark etc. which we fulfilled
The questionnaire, which was agreed in advance with ECF, contained following
questions:
• When was the scheme started?
• What was the status of certification (private, public initiative or NGO initiative)?
• What is current situation of the scheme (stable, growing, declining)?
• Was the scheme supported by the EU, state, region? If yes how much? When?
• What is main income of the system? Membership fee? Contribution for the
promotion?
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• The system is financially self sustaining (from fee and promotion contribution,
booking etc) or you need additional subsidy? If subsidized, how much, by whom?
• Type of service (accommodation, gastronomy, tourist attractions, shop)?
• Safe place to park the bike (during day, overnight)?
• Basic cycling information (board with map and basic information), advanced cycling
information (brochures, fliers, personal advice, organized cycling tour)?
• Accommodation for one night only?
• Basic bike repair kit and spare parts, bike repair service?
• First aid kit?
• Wash & dry clothes service?
• Opening times during entire cycling season?
• Local, regional cuisine / specialties, cyclists menu?
• Lunch packet (take away)?
• Luggage transfer?
• Booking of the next accommodation?
• Bike/pedelec rental, pedelec charging?
• Display of logo?
• Information on route - signs about the service, information in catalogue, on the web?
• Formal agreement / contract?
• Regular monitoring visit?
• Number of partners in 2011?
• Membership Fee
• Contribution for Marketing
3. Evaluation and comparison of the existing systems with major
findings of the study
The 13 answered questionnaires represent the most developed and most significant
organizations and countries that have been developing the cycle friendly certification
schemes in Europe.
When did these certifications start?
The oldest system was developed in Germany (the Nr.1 European cycle tourist
destination) by ADFC. Most of the other certifications were inspired by this model and
they were started after 2000. In 2003 in Italy and in Hungary, in 2004 in Denmark. In
Central Europe the Czech certification Cyklisté vítání was launched in 2005 together
with Croatia which triggered its further development in Slovakia and Poland (2008).
From the same year the certification exists also in Switzerland. Relatively new is Dutch
certification Fietsers Welkom! (2010) and Lower Austrian radfreundliche Betriebe which
was relaunched in the same year. The French certification Accquiel Vélo is the most
recent initiative, the result of a merger of several regional certifications on a national
scale (2011).
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Who is managing the certifications?
Most of the certifications are managed by NGO's, members of ECF. This is the case of
German Bett und Bike (ADFC), Italian Abergabici (FIAB), British Cyclists Welcome
(CTC), Czech Cyklisté vítáni (Nadace Partnerstvi - Czech Environmental Partnership
foundation), Slovakia (Nadacija Ekopolis - Slovak Environmental Partnership
foundation), Croat Bed and Bike (Bicikl), Polish Przyjazny rowerom (Fundacija
Partnerstwo - Polish Environmental Partnership foundation), Dutch Fietsers Welkom!
(Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform). Other certification schemes are developed by public
tourism organizations such as Lower Austrian Radfreundliche Betriebe (Weinviertel
Tourismus GmbH), Danish Cycling Denmark (Aktiv Danmark) or French Accqueil Vélo
(France Velo Tourisme). The Swiss certification which is embodied in SwissMobil
project is a public private partnership (Stiftung SchweizMobil) and Hungarian Happy
Bike is managed privately (HappyBiuke Ltd.)
Scope of the evaluated certifications
The majority of certification schemes are of nationwide scale with the exception of
Austria and Hungary. In France the regional certifications were merged into a national
scheme only recently.
Support for the certifications
Only the certifications in Germany, the UK and Italy have not received any support in
form of funding at the beginning of the certification. In other countries like the Czech
Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, they have been supported by various EU funds
(Interreg funds, CBC or structural EU funds) at least at the beginning of the project
stage. Other funds (Norwegian financial mechanism or private funds) were used in case
of Poland, Slovakia or Switzerland. In other countries like the Netherlands or Croatia
state money or GIZ money was used to launch the system.
Current status of the certifications
Despite the economic crisis which hits also the tourism sector in most of the countries,
the certifications are either growing (Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Italy, Germany,
Netherlands or Switzerland) or are at least stabile (Slovakia). Decreasing trend has
been captured in Denmark, Poland and in Hungary.
Income and sustainability of the certifications
Most of the systems are self-sustainable or are at least aiming for it in the short term
horizon. The Slovak system is not self sustaining and needs private contributions.
Those certification schemes supported by the EU money have to prove sustainability
even after the project is over. Most of the certifications generate income which is used
for promotion from membership fees or from promotion (online or printed). The
Membership fee varies from category to category and ranges from 35EUR in Croatia to
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over 200EUR in France and in Switzerland. On average the fee ranges between 65-150
EUR depending on category of certified service (higher for accommodation
establishments, in some countries like Germany, Austria or Czech Republic also
depending on category of accommodation and number of beds or rooms, lower for
gastronomy and other establishments). The fees also vary for new establishments and
those which are already in the system (annual fee in Germany, Czech Republic,
Netherlands). In some countries to membership fee there is added also contribution for
promotion (Croatia and Poland)
Number of certified services
The longer established systems show higher numbers of certified services. The German
system Bett und Bike registers the most certified businesses - 5.347 mostly in
accommodation category (at the end 2011). The Italian Abergabici which has been
running for 9years has 1750 only in accommodation category. Both systems are still
growing. More than 1.000 certified businesses are also registered in Switzerland
(1.100 in category accommodation services) or in the Czech Republic 1.035 (in
accommodation, gastronomy and tourist attractions). More then 100 cycle friendly
services are certified in Netherlands, France or Croatia. Less than 100 in Denmark,
Poland, Slovakia, Lower Austria or Hungary.
Categories of certified services
In all countries the accommodation category including camp sites is represented. This is
why the certifications were created to enable the long distance cycle tourists to find
adequate accommodation along the route. Only certified accommodation services are
are registered in Croatia, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland. In some countries the
accommodation category is extended by gastronomy - restaurants and pubs (Germany,
Austria) and attractions (Czech Republic, Slovakia). The last group of countries certifies
accommodation, gastronomy, attractions and shops (UK, France, Netherlands, Poland
or Hungary).
Criteria for certified businesses
The mix of criteria that certified establishments must (obligatory) or should (optional)
meet has been researched in detail for all above mentioned categories
• Safe place for parking
• Information for cycle tourists
• Accommodation for one night only
• Basic bike repair kit and spare parts, bike repair service
• First aid kit
• Wash & dry clothes service
• Opening times during entire cycling season
• Local, regional cuisine offers/specialties, cyclists menu
• Lunch packet (take away)
• Luggage transfer
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• Booking of the next accommodation
• Bike/pedelec rental, pedelec charging
It is obvious that certain requirements only apply for certain categories (e.g.
accommodation for one night only for accommodation establishments). Based on 13
responses, the following criteria are obligatory in the accommodation category (incl.
camp sites) in all countries:
• Accommodation for one night only
• Safe place for parking (overnight storage)
• Information for cycle tourists (board with map and basic information, brochures,
flyers, personal advice)
• Basic bike repair kit (free)
The minimum criteria are based on conditions for certifications in Switzerland and
Germany, in other countries many more items are obligatory or optional for certified
services and include:
• Spare parts for sale (at least basic parts like tubes)
• Booking of the next accommodation
• First aid kit (basic)
• Open during whole cycling season
• Pedelec charging
• Bike wash (self service)
• Wash & dry clothes service
• Local, regional cuisine offers/specialties, cyclists menu
• Lunch packet
• Cyclists menu
• Safe place to park bicycles (daytime)
• information on route signs, in catalogue or on website about the service
In some countries only obligatory items are requested (Switzerland) in other countries a
mix of obligatory and optional items (certain amounts of optional requirements) are
requested (e.g. Germany, Austria, Czech Republic)
Criteria obligatory in the gastronomy category (restaurants, pubs) for countries
where relevant:
• Information for cycle tourists (board with map and basic information, brochures,
flyers, personal advice)
• Basic bike repair kit (free)
• First aid kit (basic)
• Open during whole cycling season
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Other criteria in the gastronomy category is optional or obligatory depending on the
country
• Safe place for parking (daytime)
• Open during whole cycling season
• Local, regional cuisine offers/specialties, cyclists menu
• Lunch packet
• Cyclists menu
• Safe place to park bicycles (daytime)
• information on route signs, in catalogue or on website about the service
Criteria obligatory in the category tourist attractions where relevant
• Safe place for parking (daytime or night)
Other criteria obligatory or optional in the category tourist attractions where
relevant
• Information for cycle tourists (board with map and basic information, brochures,
flyers, personal advice)
• Basic bike repair kit (free)
• First aid kit (basic)
• Open during whole cycling season
Criteria obligatory or optional in the category shops where relevant
• Bike repair service
• Bike wash
• Basic bike repair kit (free)
• First aid kit (basic)
• Safe place to park bicycles (daytime)
Extra categories
In France there are 3 special categories that apply to camp sites and tourist attractions
and are either obligatory or optional:
• Drinking water fountain available for cyclists (inside)
• Public toilets available for cyclists (inside)
• Baggage room available for cycle tourist
Requirements for displaying the certification logo or symbol of the certification at
place
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The visibility of the certified establishment is important information for the customer as
well as for the certified service. In all researched countries, except in Italy, UK and
Switzerland, it is requested and obligatory to display the logo or symbol of the cycle
friendly certification at place in all relevant categories.
Formal agreement/contract with certified establishments
In all researched countries, except in the UK, it is requested to have Formal
agreement/contract with certified establishments in all certified categories (with
exception of France for gastronomy).
Evaluation of certified businesses
Quality control is important for the success and sustainability of cycle friendly
certifications in all countries. On the other hand these controls are also connected to
extra cost. Regular monitoring visits are obligatory for relevant categories in all
researched countries except in Switzerland (not relevant) or are optional (Austria, Italy
and Flungary)
• Proposed minimal criteria on the European level
Based on the 10 evaluated cycle friendly certifications managed by following
organizations:
• Germany - ADFC - nationwide scheme
• Lower Austria - Weinviertel Tourismus GmbH.- regional scheme
• Czech Republic - Nadace Partnerstvi - nationwide scheme
• Slovakia - nadacia Ekopolis - nationwide scheme
• Croatia - NGO Bicikl - nationwide scheme
• Switzerland - Swiss Mobil - nationwide scheme
• France - France Velo Tourisme - nationwide scheme
• Italy - FIAB - nationwide scheme
• UK - CTC - nationwide scheme
• Hungary - Happy Bike Ltd.- regional scheme
that responded to a question on the interest in common harmonized European
criteria, the following countries are in favor of having harmonized common
obligatory criteria: Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Hungary and UK. Other
countries, like Croatia, Switzerland or Slovakia, are favoring harmonized common
optional criteria. France is against harmonized criteria in Europe.
Based on the feedback from the questionnaires, the following minimal criteria for
cycle friendly establishments on the European level are proposed:
• Accommodation for one night only
• Safe place for parking (overnight storage)
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• Information for cycle tourists (board with map and basic information, brochures,
flyers, personal advice)
• Basic bike repair kit (free)
Common working group for cycle friendly certification on European level
The above mentioned organizations were also asked whether they would be interested
in having a common permanent group on this topic and regular exchange of
experience. All countries except Switzerland would like to have common permanent
group on cycle friendly certifications and regular exchanges of experience on this topic
on European level, either as obligatory or optional.
Communication of the cycle friendly certifications on the European level
Common web site for cycle friendly services
Further questions were dealing with common communication of the certification on
European level. All partners agreed in their opinion that common (umbrella) website
that would direct customers to national websites should be either obligatory or optional.
The question whether to have a common website for booking of individual services
was responded rather as optional (France was against).
All partners support also having a common external communication (in long term) of
the cycle friendly certifications (as obligatory or optional) on the European level
Common design element in the logo or common logo (in long term)
The logos of all researched systems in Europe vary to some extent but also bear some
resemblance. Characteristic feature is either (smiling) bicycle in all forms (historic,
modern, female or male), symbol of sleep (bed) with tag line (name of the certification
or the organization behind it). Since the logos are most visible part of the brand of each
certification and since the logo is also disclosed in most cases at the service place, the
organizations seem to be interested in sharing some design element in their logo or
even having a common logo in long term.
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4. Proposed common activities on the European level based on the
study findings
Based on the evaluated responses from 13 countries, the following activities and the
desk-based research it can be stated that a large database of certified
establishments is not easily accessible for cycle tourists in various countries. To plan
your cycling holidays requires knowledge of each national or even regional certification
and lots of clicking, not to speak of the knowledge of several languages. In some cases
the websites of similar certifications are linked but not on the most visible sections of
the websites (mostly under links, partners). In order to speed up the navigation of
customers to relevant web sites the current web sites could be linked in a simple way.
• Linking various websites and database sharing
The aim should be to make accessible basic info about the establishments in various
countries (data export by national cycle friendly Managers) plus to provide
information on each web site about other certification schemes in Europe - see
example of the Czech web site www.cyklistevitani.cz.
How to proceed with data export - each national cycle friendly Manager would make
available data on certified establishments in XLS or XML formats:
- ID (clear identificator in coordinator s database),
- name of establishment,
- address (street, number, town),
- tel 1,
-tel 2,
- e-mail,
- web,
- type of establishment (accommodation, catering, camp site, tourist destination),
- GPS position.
Access to available data can be protected by access code.
As an example CZ information:
http://www.cyklistevitani.cz/cyklistevitani/admin/export/cyklistevitani.xml
• Collaboration among various brands of cycle friendly systems
In order to collaborate among various brands of cycle friendly systems it is necessary
first of all to agree on common goals, tools of communication and to define target
groups. One of the goals for the working group on cycle friendly services should be to
agree on common criteria for each category of cycle friendly services, tools for
communication (web sites, printed materials, PR and press trips) and to search for
common elements for a logo. It will be also necessary on European level to work closely
with large hotel and catering industry groups on the recognition of the brand as well as
with important ELI bodies and European associations in cycle tourism.
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One way how to collaborate among existing brands for cycle friendly establishments in
Europe is to work with current researched certifications and try to derive similarities and
basics in each system.
• Promotion
Main way of promotion of the cycle friendly certifications on the European level can
be through a common web site (longer term) or of sub site on existing web site such
as www.eurovelo.com (2012), on www.visiteurope.com and
www.visitgreenways.cz. It is still a competitive advantage in the worldwide cycle
tourism market that Europe can offer on tailor-made services, which are only slowly
being developed in North America or Australia. In Canada or the USA, businesses are
being certified based on European know-how. Only businesses that are certified as
cycle friendly should be promoted as part of the cycle tourism destination on the
European level. Customers should have an easy access to information on cycle friendly
establishments not only online but also in maps and guidebooks (EuroVelo and others)
along the main long distance cycle routes throughout Europe or in major cycle tourist
destinations of our continent.
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5. Proposed steps of further implementation
This topic was first discussed during a workshop at the Berlin ITB on 10th March 2011.
The developed and mutually agreed concept will be sent out for discussion to European
organizations (youth hostel federations, ETC etc.) and experts for comments. Also
based on researched certifications schemes in Europe and interviews with ECF
members we are proposing following steps for the implementation of a European
Cycling Friendly Service Network:
• Establishment of common working group for cycle friendly certification on the
European level, which will enable regular exchange of experience under ECF
leadership and with representations of EGWA, ETC and other European authorities
• Assistance to new certification schemes in countries where these schemes do not
exist yet, through ECF members (e.g. Finland, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain).
• Establishment of a common sub site for cycle friendly services under
www.eurovelo.com (2012) and other related web sites of European Associations
such as European Greenways Association (EGWA) and European Travel
Commission (ETC) and with WTO.
• Agreement on minimal criteria for cycle friendly establishments on the European
level as proposed for each category of service.
• Sharing of common existing databases of ECF members.
• Start collaboration among existing brands.
• Promoting certification of cycle friendly certifications in EuroVelo maps and
guidebooks assuring regular updates and provision of database for publishing
houses of cycle guide books.
• Online promotion on European portals for cycling tourism and active travel such
as www.eurovelo.com,www.visiteurope.com,www.visitgreenways.org and
www.europemobil.info.
• Promoting certification to the travel industry (travel fairs, conferences,
familiarization trips) and journalists (press trips).
• Elaboration of study on economic sustainability of existing and new cycle friendly
certification schemes.
• Elaboration of benchmarking study for schemes outside Europe.
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Summary
The certification schemes in Europe started with German certification Bed and Bike in
1995 and the creation of similar schemes was accelerated in the new millennium. There
is ongoing interest in the introduction of new schemes in countries where these
standards are missing. The cycle friendly certifications strengthen competitiveness of
European SME's in the tourism sector, help to streamline their marketing activities
towards end clients and promote sustainable forms of tourism and mobility in
general. Important is also know-how transfer from most advanced countries with
strong cycle tourism tradition to newly emerging markets. Here especially the German
ADFC played a leading role in introducing the certification process to countries such as
Austria, Belgium, Luxemburg, the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Poland and in countries
of South Eastern Europe.
The certifications will continue to emerge and it is advisable that this process is
observed and assisted by ECF and their members. There are countries in Europe with
long established and well developed tourist services like Switzerland or France that
consider most of the criteria for certification as absolute standard that should be
complied by every business almost automatically. But in most European countries it is
still necessary to stress the special needs of cycle tourists. Cycle tourism represents
rapidly growing market in Europe and as part of active travel it represents a
comparative advantage for European tourism in competition with other regions. As
such it should be therefore developed and promoted under similar, unified criteria as
other European projects and accompany the activities of the EuroVelo routes and the
ECF, as well as the EGWA associations. These standards should be also
acknowledged by national and regional tourism authorities and the promotion of cycle
tourism on the national level should be based only on certified cycle friendly
establishments. As such, the scheme can be developed as a European certification
with ECF assistance aiming at close collaboration of existing brands in mid-term
horizon. In the meantime a working group for cycle friendly services should be
established for regular exchanges of experience at the European level. Strong cycle
friendly service systems will positively influence the cycle tourism market and will help
create new, innovative cycle tourist products. The main benefactors will be not only the
end customers but also European tour operators and travel agencies and the entire
travel industry.
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Attachment
Example from the nation-wide certification scheme in the Czech Republic:
Cyklisté vítáni / Cyclists Welcome/ Radfahrer Willkommen
Cyclists Welcome is a nation-wide certification scheme for the evaluation and control
of long-term tourist offers and equipment of involved establishments. The certified
establishments such as hotels, pensions, camp sites or tourist destinations such as
castles, museums, tourist information centers etc. are labeled with a green-white logo
bearing a smiling bicycle. The system for evaluating cycle friendly establishments is
based on existing methodology developed in Germany and Austria.
Categories for certification:
• Accommodation (Hotels, B&B, private accommodation, chalets/cottages, camp
sites and bungalows);
• Gastronomy (restaurants, pubs, wine establishments); and
• Tourist attractions (castles, chateaux, museums, tourist information services,
open-air museums, natural sites).
What must a certified establishment offer?
• covered bicycle storage in the reach of guests, lockable storage/boxes for free
bicycle and luggage parking
• basic bicycle repair tools for simple repairs
• First Aid kit
• Information board Bicyclists Welcome with news and contacts for bicycle services in
the area and region
Above that the accommodation establishments will offer to cycle tourists
1. Accommodation just for 1 night
2. Offer of healthy breakfast
3. Amenities to wash and dry clothes and equipment
In the menu of certified restaurants you will encounter:
1. Offer of drinks catering to the needs of bicyclists incl. at least one refreshing "bicycle
drink", fruit and herbal teas in price range not exceeding price of other non-alcoholic
beverages and beer
2. Offer of at least one warm vegetarian non-fried meal during the entire opening time.
The food offer must also contain meals with low content of fat (e.g. whole wheat pasta,
vegetables, fruits)
Certified camp sites will guarantee:
1. A separate zone for tents for bicyclists and non-motorized guests
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2. Preferably grass surface, smooth and flat
3. Bicycle parking near tents, no-fee policy for bicycles
4. Bicycle storage (coverable), lockable storage/boxes for free bicycle storage
5. Amenities to wash and dry clothes and equipment
In addition, certified establishments must fulfil a minimum of 3 of the following items:
1. Amenities to wash and dry clothes and equipment
2. Provision of basic spare parts for bicycles
3. Offer of Bicycle rental
4. List of Bicyclist Welcome accommodation options in the region
5. Transport of bicyclists and luggage
6. Sales of bicycling and tourist maps of the surroundings
7. Offer of one-day bicycle trips in the surroundings
8. Information/Booking service for area accommodation in bicycle friendly
establishments
9. Internet access
10 Offer of lunch packets
11. Offer of a special Bike Menu
12. Possibility of cooking in kitchen facilities at camp sites
13. Possibility of shopping for basic groceries
14. Rental options for tents or bungalows
How does the certification work?
The Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation (Nadace Partnerstvi) has trained and
accredited for implementation of this certification more than 50 evaluators-certifiers in all
regions of the Czech Republic between 2004-2005. Once the criteria has been fulfilled
by the establishment, an agreement about certification is signed which is displayed
together with a logo bearing smiling bicycle at a visible place at the main gate.
Promotion of Cyclists Welcome on web portals and in printed materials, in cycle
maps and guidebooks
Information about Cyclists Welcome establishments can be found at main web portals
on cycle tourism such as www.cykloatlas.cz,www.cyklotoulky.cz,www.cyklotuhstika.cz
and others. Certified establishments are also highlighted on most popular cycle tourist
web sites as well as in all maps of Shocart publishing company and other publishing
houses. You can also find all certified establishments at the original web site
www.cvclistswelcome.eu and by using various criteria and you can evaluate the quality
of services provided based on your own experience.
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The most-read Czech magazines for cycle tourists recommend accommodation in
Cyclists Welcome establishments and the new Catalogue Cyklisté vítání
Updated information on Cyclists Welcome in monthly magazine Cykloturistika,
complete list of establishments in Cyklopedia. In popular „Tips for trips" in Cykloturistika
the certified establishments are regularly mentioned in all maps of routes and tourist
regions of the Czech Republic. In 2011, the second edition of Cyclist's welcome
catalogue for the Czech Republic and Slovakia was issued in printed version.
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