Cycling tourism in Bor – Potential that's waiting to be explored

Bicycling contributes to the economy

Bicycling is one of the fastest growing types of outdoor recreation and tourism. It is estimated that 48 million people bicycle recreationally per year, contributing USD 96.7 billion per year to the economy (2017, Outdoor Industry Association).

According to our collocutor, cycling also contributes to better community health, less congestion and healthier environment.

– One of the primary reasons for traveling by bicycle is meeting other cultures, people, local customs, interactions and experiencing authentic way of life in rural communities. Knowing what kind of a vehicle a bicycle is, compared to your usual tourist, cycling tourists can bring along unlimited number of things with them. Therefore, local entrepreneurs and restaurateurs could gradually adapt their services to the needs of cycling tourists, making them feel comfortable and safe during their long travels, Velic explains.


Potentials and challenges in cycling tourism development

Igor Velic points out that cycling tourism could become a vital tourist product of our country.

– The advantage of Timocka Krajina is the long-distance cycling route EuroVelo 6 which connects the Atlantic coast and the Black Sea and is one of the most attractive cycling routes in Europe. This route runs along 4,500km and is known as the Danube Cycleway. Every year over 750,000 cyclist pass through the route`s section between Passau and Vienna. By comparison, around 10,000 cyclists per year pass this route in Serbia, Igor Velic says and adds:

– EuroVelo6 represents a great potential for our region, for local municipalities and tourist organizations as well as local and small businesses. Unfortunately, local governments in Bor, Negotin, Kladovo, Zajecar and Donji Milanovac still can`t recognize this development opportunity.

This route enters Serbia through north Vojvodina, near the town of Backi Breg and exits near Negotin after 667km.

Beside EV6, EuroVelo 13 also travels through Serbia. It runs along 10,400 km and connects the Barents Sea and the Black Sea.

Bici Bor online platform – the first of its kind in the region

Sigurne Staze association has developed a GIS (geographic information system) platform “Bici Bor” (www.bicibor.rs) that is designed for traffic planning and city development with the focus on vulnerable categories of road users (children, pedestrians, cyclists, persons with disabilities and senior citizens).

It is the first platform of its kind in the region which analyses and proposes suggestions for a sustainable city and traffic and urban development.

– Apart from number of suggestions and measures for traffic and urban development, the platform also presents a map of attractive tourist destination to visit while enjoying your bike ride, Igor Velic concludes.

Aleksandra Kekic