The transportation problem, which negatively affects both our health and city life in general due to the increase in the urban population, is one of the biggest problems of modern life. The increased use of motor vehicles as a result of increased population density raises a variety of problems, including air pollution, noise and traffic and thus it displays the importance of an alternative means of transportation to meet the needs of the city. At this point, bicycles come into prominence as an economical, healthy, eco-friendly and safe means of transportation.
It is of great importance to spread and develop the use of bicycles, which do not harm the environment and nature, consist of recyclable parts, are effective in protecting the natural life and handing it down to the next generations, as well as reducing carbon footprints, for a sustainable city and life. Supporting and promoting the use of bicycles, which can be described as sustainable and economical means of transportation, play an important role in ensuring sustainable and safe transportation, as well as eliminating traffic congestion, improving air quality and maintaining a sustainable ecological balance.The use and production of bicycles in our country and around the world is increasing every year. The use of bicycles is also beneficial for human health, by helping muscles work, strengthening joints and burning calories, they help people stay in good physical shape. In addition, it’s also important in terms of sports, socialization and the formation of a healthy lifestyle...
Cycling tourism, which can be seen as a type of sustainable tourism, is also considered to support the regional development by making it easier to visit nearby cities or different regions while traveling. It can be said that cycling tourism, which is not only a part of a healthy lifestyle but also provides an opportunity to experience a sense of freedom, observe the scenery and get to know the natural environment better, attracts considerable attention of the tourists. Today, many countries around the world are taking steps to develop cycling tourism. Statistics also confirm an increase in the frequency of bicycle use and the number of trips with bicycles in recent years. Since the European Union aims to increase the share of cycling tourism, especially transportation and environmental sustainability, it is taking incentive steps to encourage bicycle use. In Europe, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Denmark are among the leading countries with the most common cycling tourism.
Thanks to people who care about nature and the environment, cycling tourism packages make up almost half of the tourism market today. In Europe, cyclists who like to discover something new are offered various leisure options, including travel packages for relaxation in touch with nature, cycling tours along the river for families with children, etc. Therefore, it’s possible to say that diversity of tourism has also increased along with the cycling tourism.
New regulations have been implemented in many regions, as cycling has attracted much more attention compared to the past with the pandemic in addition to cycling races and sports activities held in Turkey for many years. In Antalya, Marmaris and Fethiye, the number of cycling paths increased and in Hatay province, a 26-kilometer bicycle road was put into service connecting the Samandag and Arsuz districts as ‘’the longest uninterrupted bicycle road’’ in the world. With all these innovations, it’s aimed to host both national and international events and stimulate the sports and nature tourism.
Bicycle-Friendly Accommodation
As part of sustainable tourism, a new initiative to promote cycling tourism has
emerged: ‘’Bicycle-Friendly Accommodation Property’’. To stimulate the cycling tourism, eligible hotels will be issued
a ‘’Bicycle-Friendly Accommodation Property’’ certificate. As a result of the examinations and inspections, the
respective hotels will be presented with a special plaque along with a certificate.
Here are a few points that stand out among the prerequisites for a hotel to be certified as a Bicycle-Friendly Hotel:
Thanks to this certificate, tourists wishing to come to Turkey can check out the list of hotels where they can stay
with their bicycles and the services provided by these hotels. While staying in one of these bicycle-friendly hotels,
tourists can benefit from the parking, repairing and cleaning services. Besides, bicycle lovers wishing to explore the
region are provided with detailed information on nearby cycling routes by the hotel staff.
You can view regional route options and detailed technical information on routes by bicycle types at
https://gocyclingturkiye.com, developed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Tourism
Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), which includes cycling routes located in different parts of Turkey. On the
website, where you can get information on accommodation and food-beverage facilities, you will also find detailed
information on the natural and historical treasures of the regions in which the cycling routes are located.
Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
Since 1963, the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey has been held annually in our country at the international level and attended by world famous cyclists from countries such as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany and Spain. The Presidential Cycling Tour, which is one of the most prestigious sports organizations in our country, makes a great contribution to the promotion of Turkey in the world. Cycling races, which last for about a week, follow routes that allow foreign athletes to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Turkey.
Tour of Antalya
Tour of Antalya, which is a part of the UCI (European Cycling Union) European Tour, has been held annually since 2017 and is a multi-stage cycling race. The fact that this race, in which cyclists from all over the world participate, is held in Antalya- the centre of history and tourism, it has a great importance for tourism.
Ironman Turkey
Ironman Turkey, which has been held annually since 2015 in three different disciplines (swimming, running and cycling), is a power and endurance-oriented organization. Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Turkish Triathlon Federation, TURSET Project Management, Ironman Global Management and many other supporters, the organization has an important position in terms of sports tourism.
Izmir is Included in the EuroVelo Network
EuroVelo, a European cycling routes network developed by the European Cyclists’ Federation, has accepted the application of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and has officially declared the Izmir's membership in EuroVelo. Since the 500 km cycling route in Izmir complies with EuroVelo cycle path standards such as a slope of no more than 6%, a service every 30 km, an accommodation property every 50 km and the possibility to use public transport every 150 km, it was added as an extension of the EuroVelo 8-Mediterranean route.
Thus, cyclists wishing to take the Turkish route within the EuroVelo network will
be able to visit the historical and touristic sites, food-beverage spots and accommodation properties in our country,
which will provide a sustainable economic contribution to many sectors of Turkey.
After Izmir was included in the EuroVelo cycling route, which starts in Spain and ends in Greece and Cyprus, its length
has increased to 6379 km.
Cyclists who want to get to Izmir can cross by sea from Chios to Cesme or from Lesbos Island to Dikili and then they
can reach Bergama, Aliaga, Foca, Urla, Cesme, Alacati and Seferihisar through Dikili or reach Selcuk through
Gumuldur.
The inclusion of the ancient cities of Bergama and Ephesus, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, in
the EuroVelo cycling route which allows for long-distance touristic trips, is an important and joyful event both for
our country and for all cycling enthusiasts.
RENTAL SERVICE FOR FEATURED BIKES AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
Depending on your fitness and area of interest; touring bicycles, e-bike, mountain bike, downhill, hybrid, fat bike, scooter, folding bicycles… You can access any type of bicycle you want and have numerous safety and additional equipment like child trailer, GPS, special helmets.
GUIDED BICYCLE TOURS & TRANSPORT SERVICES
If you wish, we can improve your comfort by carrying your bicycle to any point you want with our transport service or you can both get to know the region better and have a nice time thanks to our professional guided tour service.
FULLY EQUIPPED MECHANIC SUPPORT
Thanks to the fully equipped mechanic support who can understand the language of your bike, you will not have to deal with tiring works like repair and maintenance. You can also consult for any equipment, parts and materials you want to be supplied.
TRAINING EQUIPMENT
You can access training equipment you may need during your stay. You can do exercise in your room even under unfavourable weather conditions thanks to the options like roller and trainer.
* Contact us for fees and details.
A German Baron named Karl Freiherr von Drais, who was looking for a quick and energy efficient replacement for horses, invented the prototype of the modern bicycle about 200 years ago. Drais used the first two-wheeled bicycle for 14 km and in 1818, he demonstrated it at an exhibition in Paris. Since this bicycle did not have pedals, cyclists could move on with their feet on the ground. For this reason, the first bicycle was called a running machine, and then the name ‘’velocipede’’ became popular. This simple vehicle was improved and over time acquired its current form, and the name "bicycle" in use today was first used in France in the 1860s.
With the introduction of plastic bicycles in Ireland in 1888, the bicycle industry began to develop. In those years, not everyone could afford this vehicle since it had a high cost, but over time, due to the expansion of mass production and the increase in the number of bicycle factories, they became available to the wide masses.
Bicycles, which are used both for sports activities and as a means of transportation and entertainment, are divided into various types, including city bicycles, touring bicycles, mountain bikes, road bike, etc. Bicycles are available with or without a gearbox, and also vary depending on the wheel diameters and purposes of use.
Traffic problems, environmental pollution, climate change and rising transportation costs in recent years have prompted people to use bicycles more and more often. In many countries, especially in the European Union, eco-friendly bicycles are taking the places of motor vehicles. Cities that give emphasis on issues such as using bicycles for urban transportation, expanding cycling transportation networks, improving road safety, solving transportation problems, minimizing harm to the environment are making bicycles a part of everyday life. Here are some examples of ‘’Bicycle-Friendly’’ cities around the world:
Copenhagen, Denmark
In Copenhagen, which has the world's highest number of bicycle use, 62% of the population goes to work and school by bicycle. In Copenhagen, you can see cyclists in any weather, no matter how hot or cold. With its special bridges for pedestrians and cyclists, free bike rental services, well-developed cycling paths and roads, Copenhagen is one of the most ideal cities for pedaling. Offering a 400 km long cycling path, Copenhagen features bike rental shops and stores selling bicycle equipment all around the city.
Berlin, Germany
In Berlin, where cycling has become a part of everyday life, you can discover all the beauty of the city by bicycle thanks to the roads built especially for cyclists. In Berlin, which is a developed city in terms of cycling tourism, special cycling tours are of great interest, during which you can take a bicycle trip through the historic city centers.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
When it comes to bicycle-friendly cities, the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is one of the first to come to mind. In a city with a population of more than 800 thousand people, bicycles, along with buses and minibuses, are considered one of the main means of transport. In Amsterdam, with a total of 400 km of cycling paths, canals and streets are connected by cycling paths. In Amsterdam, which is one of the cities with the most developed cycling network in the world, transportation and parking systems are designed with cyclists in mind. The number of bicycles in the city exceeds 1 million.
New York, USA
New York stands out as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States and in the world. With streets and roads closed to other vehicles, parking lot for nearly a thousand bicycles, ongoing support from the municipality for bicycle use, and 560 km of cycling paths, you can cycle freely around New York.
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You can also access the routes carefully prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Development Agency at Cycling Go Turkey
You can access useful information like ecological, cultural assets of the region, means of public transportation for touristic trips and points to consider while traveling from Corporate Responsibility section on our website.
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