EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, is a project of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF). The ECF mission includes: - To ensure that bicycle use achieves its fullest potential so as to bring about sustainable mobility and public well-being and economic development via sustainable tourism;
- To change attitudes, policies and budget allocations at the European level.
In line with this mission the aim of the ECF EuroVelo project is to promote and coordinate the creation and operation of a complete European cycle route network, the EuroVelo network, crossing and uniting the whole European continent. This is the truly sustainable Trans-European Transport Network. The objectives of ECF in the EuroVelo project are: - To ensure the implementation of very high quality European-grade cycle routes in all countries of Europe, carrying the best European practice across borders and harmonising standards;
- To communicate the existence of these routes to decision makers and potential users, promote and market their use, and provide an important port of call for information about cycling in Europe;
- In this way, to encourage large numbers of European citizens to give cycling a try, and so to promote a shift to healthy and sustainable travel – for daily trips and as cycling tourism.
EuroVelo is made up of 12 routes, totalling over 66,000 km, of which about 45,000 km is already in place. The EuroVelo routes are made up of existing and planned cycle routes at regional and national level, selected according to published criteria (see the EuroVelo Guidelines for Implementation/ Route principles for further details). A signposting system for EuroVelo routes has been developed (see the Manual Signalization for EuroVelo routes for details). The development and operation of the EuroVelo routes are carried out by national, regional and local governments, commercial service providers and NGOs in all the European countries. ECF is ready to be a partner in projects on developing EuroVelo routes and promoting their use.
The international status of routes selected to form part of EuroVelo helps in the preparation of funds and political support for construction.
EuroVelo is a registered trade mark of ECF, and only routes approved by the ECF have the right to call themselves EuroVelo; this is an important badge of quality for both the cyclist and the route promoter.
The EuroVelo project is managed by the ECF. The highest decision making body is the board of the ECF, the ECF Management Committee. The ECF EuroVelo Management is based in the ECF Office in Brussels. The ECF Management Committee has created the ECF EuroVelo Council to act as an advisory body for the ECF in implementation and operation of EuroVelo.
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