Traveling by bike, alone or with friends, is a great idea. In fact, it's such a good idea that more and more people are choosing to use the bicycle as a means of transportation while on vacation.
This form of travel is called cycle tourism . It's a growing market, having a very positive impact on the economy and environmental sustainability. But it also brings many benefits to those who practice it.
Cycle tourism: definition
Cycle tourism is a form of bicycle tourism, traveling to various destinations in Italy and abroad. This practice offers the opportunity to explore places, landscapes, and cultures, traveling primarily by bicycle rather than by motorized means of transportation, such as cars or public transportation.
This travel style emphasizes active and sustainable exploration. Cyclists immerse themselves in their surroundings, interact with nature and locals, and embrace slow tourism.
The definition includes various types of bike travel : from short day trips along urban cycle paths to long journeys on roads or on rough terrain, whether through rural landscapes (rural cycle tourism) or in cities.
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The advantages of traveling by bike
The growth of cycle tourism in recent years has been driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of cycling. On the one hand, there are the sustainability benefits. On the other, there are the physical and individual well-being benefits.
Sustainability
Traveling by bike is a sustainable way of traveling, both for the environment and for local communities.
First, we need to make a distinction. Not all cycle tourists use the bike as their sole means of transportation ( pure cycle tourists ). Some travel to their destinations by train or car and then use the bicycle as their primary means of transportation. In both cases, this choice has a positive impact on the environment, eliminating or significantly reducing polluting emissions from motor vehicles.
Lower emissions also lead to a reduction in city traffic and noise . At the same time, cycle tourism respects habitats and ecosystems, making it a form of slow tourism.
Sustainability, however, means not only caring for the environment, but also for host communities. The phenomenon of overtourism has been widely discussed in recent years and has created significant problems in overcrowded destinations, such as Venice and Amsterdam.
Slow tourism, driven by bicycles, contributes to the economic growth of local communities in a sustainable manner that respects local cultures and customs. Traveling by bicycle also encourages a healthy and active lifestyle , creating a stronger connection between humans and the ecosystem.
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Health
Traveling by bicycle obviously also means exercising outdoors . The health benefits of physical activity and an active lifestyle are now well-known. Undoubtedly, combining them with the discovery of new places, new flavors, and new cultures is an incredible opportunity.
If exercise is good for you, being in nature is even better. Numerous studies indicate that for us humans, contact with nature is a true panacea, both for the well-being of the body and the mind . Being outdoors and engaging in physical activity can help improve mood, attention span, heart rate regulation, blood pressure, and the immune system.
For example, in 2022, the NHS (the UK's health service) launched a trial in Scotland: doctors could supplement their drug prescriptions with nature walks, birdwatching, and outdoor experiences to improve the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, etc.
Holidays can be a wonderful time to spend time in nature, on your bike!
The economy
The report “Traveling by bike 2023 ” (produced by Isnart for the Observatory on the Tourism Economy of the Chambers of Commerce with Legambiente) clearly tells us that traveling by bicycle is also good for the economy.
The report estimates that in 2022, Italy generated a total turnover of 4 billion euros (considering both pure cycle tourists and those who use the bike as a means of transport once they reach their destination).
The cycling tourism trend is also bringing many foreign visitors to Italy . The most popular destinations for those who love to travel by bike are Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, and Tuscany. But cycling tourism is also allowing some areas of central and southern Italy (Basilicata, Puglia, Abruzzo, Calabria, etc.) to extend their tourist season , with economic benefits for local operators and reducing the phenomenon of overtourism during the summer months.
In short, there's a resurgence of cycling in Italy: Italy's itineraries are numerous and evocative. They wind along cycle paths in cities of art, along nature trails, through villages and along the coast, but also in the mountains, where many people choose to explore by mountain bike.
How is a touring bike made?
There are touring bikes , designed and built specifically for travel. They have features that are particularly suited to the purpose. The winning feature is undoubtedly the ability to support luggage loads.
Here are the other features that a touring bike must have :
- Robustness;
- Luggage space;
- Comfort;
- Wide wheels;
- Reliable braking systems;
- Efficient and scalable transmission systems.
Touring bikes are primarily used for long urban rides, on bike paths and roads. They have a wide range of gears, allowing for long journeys.
However, the choice of bike depends a lot on the type of trip you want to undertake.
Another popular option is the gravel bike , designed for long rides on mixed and gravel roads (strade bianche). These bikes are more versatile because they can more easily handle a variety of terrains, but with higher gearing.
They usually accommodate wider tires for better grip on rough terrain. Compared to touring bikes, however, some gravel bikes may have less space for carrying cargo and luggage. Bikepacking is a popular form of transportation, allowing you to carry smaller travel bags and reduce your luggage to the bare essentials.
Alternatively, you can opt to travel on trekking bikes , which are very similar to touring bikes but lighter. They're suitable for shorter trips, with lighter luggage loads.
Finally, for those who prefer to go on an adventure and discover the wildest nature during the trip, it is possible to equip the MTB to make it more comfortable and to be able to apply bikepacking .
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