Cycling across Europe, it is now possible with EuroVelo

Have you always dreamed of crossing an entire continent, Europe bicycle, tricycle or even scooter? EuroVelo , the project of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) offers transcontinental routes included in a network linking North Cape to Malta, the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, the Arctic to the Mediterranean. If you are not yet ready to go its 70 000 km by bike (which is equivalent to 700 days of cycling at 100 km per day ie 2 years for this!) Try Eurovelo for a ride a day or a three-month expedition.
So EuroVelo is the network of European cycling routes consisting of 14 long distance routes that pass through 42 countries. Born from an idea in 1995 but really started in 2007, the network will complete the construction of more than 70,000 km in 2020.

Network EuroVeloEuroVelo

To each his Eurovelo!

Not just sports and sweat, Eurovelo also allows the discovery of many UNESCO sites, beautiful European cities, impressive landscapes, mountain peaks and even the Mediterranean coast through the Scandinavian plains.
The shorter routes EuroVelo 15 - the Rhine route (1320 km) can be achieved over time summer vacation a month and allows you to cross four countries (France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). On the contrary, bike enthusiasts willing to swallow miles choose EuroVelo 13 - Route of the Iron Curtain (10,400 km making it the longest course) and trace the Contemporary European History along the former border, which separated Europe into two for nearly a half century.
If you are still novices then follow the most successful road Euro Velo 6 "Atlantic - Black Sea ". For those in search of beaches and sunshine, you take a walk on the routes from North Cape and arriving in southern Portugal with Euro Velo 1 - The road to the Atlantic Coast, in Malta following EuroVelo 7 - Route of the Sun or Athens ( Euro Velo 11 - the Road of Eastern Europe ) unless you prefer to just ride on the Mediterranean coast ( EuroVélo 8) .

EuroVelo 15: Germany, Breisach (Euregio Rhein-Waal, Project Booting, P. Gawandtka)

How EuroVelo?

The project is coordinated by the European Cyclists' Federation (SCF) in Brussels. The Eurovélo team coordinates the network, passing information to the public, promotes activities with policy makers (national and European) and works well, in general, the development of the network. National coordinators are in charge of the field work and management at national level.
On the ground, the roads are all set (or current signal) by EuroVelo panels, making it easy circulation. Similarly, Euro Velo pass up on roads for cyclists or poor circulation and smooth skin (83% of total roads). Finally, the work done by the Centers for Coordination and National Coordinators allows cyclists to find lots of information online, including services tailored to cyclists or the site Eurovelo.
For 2014, two new projects were launched! They concern EuroVelo 8 "The Mediterranean Route" and EuroVelo 13 "Route of the Iron Curtain" (the northern part only).
So a promising network is booming!

Team Euro Velo in Brussels with Adam Bodor on the rightEuroVelo

Ádám Bodor Interview with Director of the Euro Velo Department, Tourism Cyclable & Regional Policy at ECF.

At present there are very advanced course already?
"Yes, we have some roads that are highly developed. Euro Velo 6, along the Loire then along the Danube between Austria and Serbia is very nice to go, especially for its high level of development. This is also the case for the whole Euro Velo 15 road that follows the Rhine from Switzerland to the Netherlands through Alsace in France and West Germany. EuroVelo 12, along the shores of the North Sea is also very developed in all countries in which the road passes. "
Eurovelo is it primarily a tourism project or a project bike?
"The two are really inseparable. Everything is provided for travelers to enjoy riding on our roads but also so they can visit the most beautiful and interesting places Europe: UNESCO sites in cities, parks, coastlines, mountains, small villages of character ... And all this bike! "

EuroVelo 15: Holland (Euregio Rhein-Waal, Project Booting, P. Gawandtka)

Is there an audience for cycling?
"Yes of course! It's not necessarily about people leaving the starting point of a road to stop at the end point. But many people try a section for a few weeks while on vacation or borrow them regularly as they pass nearby. Then one day, some want to go further and decide to make a long-distance bike trip. Moreover, we are often in contact with some of them and try to relay their experiences on our sites and social networks. "
What (s) route (s) would you recommend then?
"All of them! It really depends on what everyone is looking for, but there really is something for everyone. If you want to bike along sunny beaches, there is no better qu'EuroVelo 8 (Mediterranean Route)! If you prefer the cliffs, it will EuroVelo 1 of the Atlantic, Route of the Iron Curtain if you want to drive in rural areas or when EuroVelo Euro Velo 6 or 15 if you prefer to follow rivers (the Loire and the Danube or the Rhine). "
After working on the development of all these roads, do you have the time to use them sometimes?
"Yes, I always try to find time after our meetings across Europe to test certain sections of the roads, but inevitably, every time, it's not enough! "
What is the project or the road you are most proud of?
"It's pretty hard to choose, we do so many different things in so many countries. If I had to pick one thing, it would be all the cycling bridges we have opened between different countries. It happened to us several times, on several tracks, and I must say that every time it's something very symbolic and very moving. It pretty much reflects the spirit EuroVelo elsewhere. "

EuroVelo 15: Canals in Holland (Euregio Rhein-Waal, Project Booting, P. Gawandtka)

What are the next challenges for Euro Velo in coming years?
"Our number one goal is the full completion of the network for 2020 This is to provide an opportunity for cyclists to use a perfectly complete network. This involves physical work for safer and more pleasant routes. For example, we want to ensure that cyclists are no longer forced to use busy roads or roads to user coating. The work also focuses on the development of different tools for pleasant trips like installing an easily recognizable signage, on-line information about the roads themselves or the services offered along those -Ci. "
For more information: www.Eurovelo.com and to contact eurovelo@ecf.com
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