PROJECT INTRO
The international network of bicycle routes called “EuroVelo” consists of a total of 19 long routes that cover and connect the entire European continent. The network was designed and created by the European Cycling Federation, which is headquartered in Brussels. “EuroVelo” routes are intended for cycling tourists and local residents in the form of daily trips to school and work and back. The total length of the network is about 70,000 km and it is estimated that it generates about 42 million trips annually, while the economic benefits are in the amount of 5 billion euros. Out of a total of 19 “EuroVelo” routes, three pass through the Republic of Serbia, bearing the numbers – 6, 11 and 13.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Strategy for Tourism Development of the Republic of Serbia in the period from 2016 to 2025, the goal is to implement an effective tourism policy in AP Vojvodina in the areas of infrastructure and traffic, tourism marketing, management and promotion of tourism development. The Regional Spatial Plan of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina classifies cycling as one of the key forms of special interest tourism, for the development of which protected natural areas are particularly suitable. Also, according to the Study of the cycle route network of the AP Vojvodina, all forms of bicycle traffic are observed – sports, recreational and other forms of bicycle use and cycle tourism as the form of tourist activity with the greatest development perspective.
However, the lack of bicycle paths in the country completely prevents any serious development of bicycle tourism, and thus tourism in general. The region of northern Vojvodina is known for a large number of cyclists, who use bicycles as a means of daily transportation. The construction of bicycle paths would greatly contribute to increasing their safety. Also, there are no tourist signs that appropriately mark the routes to the protected areas, which are located on the route or in its immediate vicinity.
The project is precisely designed to remove as much as possible the shortcomings that prevent the development of cycle tourism in the project area.
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
The goal of the project is the development of the international cycling corridor “EuroVelo 11” in Hungary and Serbia. “EuroVelo 11” cyclists call “The best in the east”, due to the fact that it stretches from the end point of cold north-eastern Norway, across Europe to sunny Greece, in a length of about 6000 km.
About Interreg-IPA CBC Hungary-Serbia Programme
The Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Hungary-Serbia is implemented within the 2014-2020 European Union financial framework, under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). On the basis of “shared management system” of the participating countries – Hungary and Serbia, the Programme funds and supports co-operation projects of organizations based in the Programme-eligible area – Hungarian counties Csongrád and Bács-Kiskun, and Serbian territories: West Bačka, North Bačka, South Bačka, North Banat, Central Banat, South Banat and Srem district.
The Programme helps the development of a stable and co-operating region and the overall quality of life in the border region. It enables economic collaboration of organizations from the two countries, nurtures the common identity, and cultural and historical heritage of the border region, and contributes to its environmental sustainability and safety.
For more information, please visit: www.interreg-ipa-husrb.com.
CONTRIBUTION AND EXPECTED RESULTS OF THE PROJECT
Preparation of technical documentation is a basic prerequisite for the construction of bicycle paths. The development of cycling and cycling tourism is impossible as long as there is no basic infrastructure. It is also impossible to develop eco-tourism if there are no tourist signs to protected areas.
The benefits after implementing this project are:
• Safer corridors for cycling tourists,
passengers and a reduced number of accidents involving cyclists
• Improved access
• Increased attractiveness of the region through which the “EuroVelo 11” corridor passes
• Reduced traffic congestion
• Improved environmental and social conditions
The overall cross-border effect will be visible when the construction of bicycle paths is done during the next project. Bicycle paths, which will be built on the basis of technical documentation, will contribute to promoting a healthier way of life for the local and other populations. It will also move bicycle traffic off the main roads where that traffic currently takes place and this will greatly contribute to increasing the safety of all road users. The construction of bicycle paths on the EV 11 corridor will contribute to the development of rural tourism (accommodation, food, basic services for bicycles, etc.).
PROTECTED AREAS ALONG EUROVELO 11 IN VOJVODINA
The project of tourist signaling involves marking the directions of movement towards the following protected areas:
1. Protected areas in the vicinity of Subotica (SRP “Selevenjske pustare”, SRP “Ludaško jezero”, PIO “Suboticka peščara”, PP “Palić”)
2. PP “Kamaras”
3. SRP “Pastures of the great bustard”
4. PP “Stara Tisa near the Pearl Island”
5. SRP “Slano kopovo”
6. PP “Rusanda”
7. SRP “Okanj bara”
8. SRP “Rites of lower Potisje”
9. SRP “Carska Bara”
10. SRP “Titelski Breg”
This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union through the Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Hungary-Serbia. The content of the is the sole responsibility of Provincial Secretariat for Economy and Tourism and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and/or the Managing Authority of the Programme.
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT
– Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism
Partners:
– Ministry of Construction and Transport
– Provincial Secretary for Urban Planning and Environmental Protection
Total project budget: EUR 353,735.70
Amount of funds from the European Union (IPA): EUR 300,675.34
State contribution (Hungary): EUR 14,525.07
Own contribution: EUR 38,535.29
Duration of the project:
December 1, 2020 – September 30, 2023.
