• Cycle tourism

Francigena, it's crowdfunding time!

A fundraising to support the Via Francigena route and improving his cycling usability. The goal of Slow Travel Network association: 3000 new trail markers along the route

Marco Trabucchi

Francigena, it's crowdfunding time!
TRAIL MARKERS FOR THE FRANCIGENA

Europe’s cycle tourism in 2012 was worth more than 44 billion Euros per year, of which 9 invoiced in Germany. Italy, according to the report Ambrosetti 2014, contributes with just a few hundred million despite having a potential of 3.2 billion euro. To limit the profitability of Italy are the lack of cycle paths and infrastructures, such as repair and assistance services, restaurants or hospitality along the routes.
To reduce the gap that separates us with northern European countries we should invest on paths in order to foster the cycling demand and, therefore, the services for those who cycle. A desirable evolution, because slow tourism generates economy, especially in small towns where the lack of jobs and low incomes are a bigger problem.

Among our more attractive goals there is the Via Francigena, a route of more than 1,000 km that connects the Great St. Bernard Pass in Valle d'Aosta to Rome through some of the most beautiful natural views of the Peninsula and other places of historic, artistic and gastronomic interest. A route already open to trekkers and since two years ago enabled to cyclists with a dedicated track.

Some associations are contributing to the valuable recovery and development work of the Via Francigena. One of these, Slow Travel Network, has launched a fundraising on the portal Eppela for interventions aimed at improving the cycling usability. The goal is to achieve by February 20th 2016 10,000 Euros for the implementation of more than 3,000 marks along the route and at intersections, to guide those who ride.
For donors rewards are expected, such as the eBook with maps of the route or the celebrating T-shirt, according to the contribution, variable from 5 to 100 euro for citizens and from 100 to 1,500 euro for companies.

TRAIL MARKERS FOR THE FRANCIGENA
VIA FRANCIGENA, A UNIQUE CYCLE PATH

Not everyone knows that the Via Francigena on the Italian territory is almost entirely accessible with a regular bicycle, in fact the route is completely mapped also for the cycle tourism (which is partially different from the path of those who walk). The route is 1,027 km long: starting from the Great St. Bernard Pass, in Valle d’Aosta, and arriving in Rome, the journey has 23 stages of about 45 km each.

On the official website you can download free maps and Gps tracks, or upload the various routes on your smartphone, so you can plan your ‘two wheels’ adventure in every detail. There is also an interactive map, which allows you to customize the path, possibly adding photos, and ask some useful tips.
If it seems too difficult, you can just try one of the 23 recommended stages, they will all reveal secrets and unique views.

VIA FRANCIGENA, A UNIQUE CYCLE PATH
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