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How did EuroVelo 3,
the Pilgrims route from Norway to Spain,
come into being?
The EuroVelo network consists of 19 long distance bicycle routes right across Europe. These routes offer cycling tourists the chance to discover the farthest corners of Europe on their bikes, guided by the all-important good signposting.
EuroVelo is an initiative of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) and is supported by the European Union. The ECF in turn supports the co-ordinators in the various countries, who take care of the further development.
A few routes are fully completed, such as the International Rhine route (EuroVelo 15) and the International Maas/Meuse route (EuroVelo 19). Other routes are still in development, but considerable stretches of many of these routes are already in use and signposted as EuroVelo.
Co-operation between parties
Think about it, 1 route, 7 countries and 5122 km. This is EuroVelo 3, also known as the Pilgrims route. And it runs all the way from Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. How does such a route come about?
Many different interested parties and stakeholders are involved in the creation of a bicycle route on this scale. Co-operation between these parties is essential for its success. Which problems need to be overcome, who is involved in the making of this route, what are financing streams?
Wallonia
One of the regions the EuroVelo 3 runs through is Wallonia. The section of the route that crosses Wallonia is more or less complete, with just a few kilometres to go. Which steps have been taken to roll out the Wallonia section of the EuroVelo 3 so quickly?
Our speakers will look at this in greater depth during IBTC 2020.
Ed Lancaster (co-ordinator EuroVelo of ECF), Elise Pire (infrastructure of the Region of Wallonia) and Jeroen Henneke (director Wallonia, Belgium Tourism in the Netherlands) will take you along for a ride on the EuroVelo 3 and reveal how it was brought into being.
For more information on participation and registration, see website www.ibtconference.com or email to ibtc@hicle.com.
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