Thanks to a multi-million euro investment the Junta of Andalucia has agreed to make, the region will soon see work commencing on one of Europe's most ambitious cycle projects. The “Plan Andaluz de la Bicicleta” aims to tempt more people to ditch their cars in favour of cycling by 2020. A total budget of 33.1 million euros has been set aside to make this happen.
The ambitious project is part of a wider transport plan the Junta has approved for the whole region, and the works will begin with an investment of 10.8 million euros to be spent on projects this year. This includes creation of a cycle and pedestrian trail on the SE-30 ring road in Sevilla, as well as creation of urban cycle lanes in Cordoba, Huelva and Jaen.
Several parts of Spain have seen a dramatic increase in cycling tourism, especially Mallorca, where one of Europe's most exciting cycling competitions is scheduled to be held at the end of January 2017. With the new walking trail being created that will link all the major Costa del Sol resorts, the creation of inland cycle and pedestrian paths is another example of the Junta's continued commitment to make Andalucia a preferred destination for people who enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. But it's also about protecting the region's environment and beautiful landscapes for future generations. Less car parks mean more money for cycling paths; less air and noise pollution means more enjoyment of life in Andalucia for everybody, wildlife and people.
Holidays filled with mini-adventures are trending...
Increasingly, tourists like to visit inland towns and cities rather than merely roasting in the sun at some Costa del Sol beach. Cultural holidays are also booming, as the rise in tourist numbers arriving in Malaga City demonstrate only too well. And the people who like to explore Spain in more detail are often far happier doing that without the use of a rental car.
For example, travellers keen to marvel at the lovely Andalucian Renaissance buildings in towns like Baeza and Úbeda may also wish to explore the stunning nature reserves of the Parque Natural Sierras de Cazorla or Segura y Las Villas by bike.
For many of them, the creation of a cycling and pedestrian path in Jaen will be welcome news indeed. Bike hire is usually just 10.00 euros per person per day. Hiring a bike usually works out cheaper and far more convenient than using public transport, and it is certainly more affordable than car rental and having to pay for parking fees wherever one goes. But for most tourists the cost is far less a consideration than the enjoyment one has, and sense of achievement, when travelling from A to B under one's own steam, be it on foot or by pedal power.
“Plan Andaluz de la Bicicleta” may cost 33.1 million euros to create, but with rising tourist numbers the project will pay for itself over the coming years following completion. Initial critics of the equally ambitious works that made Marbella's famous gorge walk, the Camino del Rey at El Chorro, one of the most popular attractions for global thrill-seekers in 2016, had to concede pretty quickly that renovating the gorge walk and reopening it to the public was a pretty good idea after all. The tourism trend is for active holidays filled with mini-adventures, not spending two weeks basking in deckchairs under parasols, before climbing into hot and sticky cars to return to the hotel.