Cycle tourism in Italy, the latest Fiab survey confirms a sector in great evolution

The strategic role of the train and e-bikes, the quality of the routes and the need to cycle safely.Numbers and trends in cycle tourism in Italy emerged in the new Fiab survey.

We need data and numbers to support the cycle tourism in Italy and improve the offer, giving impetus to sustainable mobility and ensuring the possibility of cycling in safety.These are therefore the objectives of the entitled investigation What kind of cycle tourist are you?Places, transport, safety, habits, trends, needs and expectations of those traveling by bicycle conducted by Fiab Italian environmental and bicycle federation together withUniversity of Insubria, Active Italy And Ciab (Cycle Friendly Business Club), on a sample of 2,500 cycle tourists who responded to the research questions online.

The result is a snapshot of an evolving sector with great potential, in which theintermodality, in particular the possibility of loading the bike on the train is a key element to take into consideration together with the quality of the routes and of infrastructure. The final data were presented in the Ttg travel experience presented at the Rimini Fair, as part of the conference The metamorphosis of cycle tourism:from a simple cycling holiday to an opportunity to reconnect with the natural space.

Where do you cycle in Italy?Favorite destinations and accommodations

The most popular regions for those who cycle touring in Italy are those of the north, in particular the Veneto followed by Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, but there is no shortage of trips abroad (for 23 percent).We travel in search of nature, in the hills, along the rivers, but the pleasure of a holiday on two wheels also touches the cities and towns urban areas for a good 68 percent.The data demonstrate that for those who cycle, in addition to safeguarding the natural heritage, the infrastructural dimension and bicycle-friendly services are also crucial, demonstrated by the importance given to both the possibility of loading bicycles on trains and buses (around 88 percent consider it very important) and to maintenance of areas outside the routes (crucial for around 90 percent of cycle tourists in general).

Also interesting is the data that captures the extreme importance given to quality of cycle paths (95 percent) and in the presence of technical services along the routes (78 percent), an element that makes the difference when choosing the itinerary.For the series:when you leave, you don't want to complicate your life too much with problems related to poorly connected or poorly organized routes.

In terms of accommodation choices and services connected to accommodation facilities, 'occasional' cycle tourists are decidedly more demanding than 'regular' ones.Even though they are a common factor the elective choice of B&B (for around 70 percent of cycle tourists) and the presence of safe night shelters for cycling (more than 90 percent), in particular for 'occasional' cycle tourists, the possibility of having energetic meals suitable for an active holiday (77 percent), of being able to wash clothing (59 percent) is of growing importance ), as well as the opportunity to have maps available (68 percent), rent bicycles (41 percent) and be able to go on guided excursions (43 percent).

Train and intermodality allies of cycle tourism

One of the most significant elements is certainly the combination of bicycle and train.In fact, it appears that 'regular' cycle tourists reach their destinations mainly using the train (71 percent), also used by 64 percent to move between different holiday locations.Intermodality is therefore increasingly relevant in the development of cycle tourism in Italy.

The role of e-bikes in cycle tourism in Italy

Another striking number is the use of electric bike, which concerns 31 percent of cycle tourists.Especially well 22 percent of people who travel 'occasionally' have approached the experience of cycle tourism themselves thanks to e-bikes, which are therefore crucial for a portion of the sector.According to those interviewed, the e-bike allows them to undertake itineraries with greater differences in height (83 percent), choose longer routes (81 percent), increase the number of trips during the year (72 percent) and guarantee the involvement of an audience that is no longer very young (48 percent).

Infrastructure and security, two watchwords

“With this investigation – he declares Angelo Fedi, responsible for the Fiab cycle tourism area - we also wanted to propose a section dedicated to the perception that cycle tourists have regarding the topic of road safety, an aspect that has always worried those who use the bicycle as a means of transport within urban areas but, we asked ourselves, how capable of determining the choice of destinations for cycling holidays?”.

The data collected confirms these concerns, both when crossing urban areas and outside residential areas.The main source of concern for those who choose cycle tourism in Italy is linked to coexistence on the roads with motorized vehicles, so much so that often, when traveling by bike, it is difficult to "avoid" potentially dangerous situations.“Therefore”, concludes Fedi, “it becomes fundamental for public administrations at all levels, starting from the central government, to maintain and increase the economic investments intended for cycle paths, primarily those envisaged by the Pnrr, to support the growth of the sector economic linked to cycle tourism".