EuroVelo 2024 Highlights More Infrastructure, Better Data & Cycling Tourism on Political Agendas

December 25, 2024 - As the nights grow longer and 2025 grows closer, it’s time to look back on the standout achievements of EuroVelo and cycling tourism in 2024. It’s been a year marked by significant progress, from key improvements in cycling infrastructure and data collection to expanded communication efforts and important advocacy milestones. ECF is the transnational coordinator of EuroVelo and works closely with National EuroVelo Coordination Centres (NECCs) to deliver results. Here are the achievements that defined EuroVelo in 2024.

EuroVelo and cycling tourism saw many standout achievements in 2024. ©

Raising the bar for quality cycle routes for all and everywhere
This year the deployment of the European Certification Standard (ECS), a methodology created by ECF to assess the quality of cycle routes, has shifted into high gear.

ECS surveys were undertaken in eleven countries in 2024. In countries like France, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark, the ECS methodology was used to gather knowledge about cycling infrastructure, cycling-friendly services, and route promotion, leading to a better understanding of what is needed for a higher-quality cycle route network both nationally and on a European level. The growing interest in ECS reflects the strength of the methodology and increased emphasis on quality from various stakeholders.

One new route stretch can be proud of its EuroVelo Certification: The French section of EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route, nationally branded as ‘La Velodyssee’. This 1,300 km route following the coast of France from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye in the Basque Country is the second EuroVelo route to reach the level of development required for EuroVelo Certification after EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route, certified since 2015.

The EuroVelo Certification can be awarded to entire EuroVelo routes or continuous stretches of at least 300 km that meet the criteria set by ECS. The growing interest in ECS was also reflected in the record-breaking number of new EuroVelo Route Inspectors trained, including a bespoke course in Slovenia. Registrations for the 2025 training session are open.