The Algarve’s tourist authority and its mayors’ group, AMAL, are now partners in the project "Atlantic by Bike - a unique cycling tourism destination for sustainable growth", in which the transnational EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route is the basis for promoting tourism.
The Portuguese partners of this project, which brings together 18 entities from seven countries, "will manage a total budget of €350,000 over 36 months," around 75% of the total budget for the Algarve.
"According to the project, the specific objectives of this initiative are: to stimulate, structure, promote and monitor the offer to tourists in the Algarve; increasing tourist demand by boosting the local economy and generating employment; and provide conditions for tourists and residents to enjoy cycling as a leisure activity," according to RTA, the regional tourist authority.
"From east to west, EuroVelo 1 crosses the Algarve along a 200 kilometre route called the Ecovia do Litoral, leading cyclists across the magnificent landscapes of the Algarve coast.”
Even the national press is aware that the Algarve’s cycling route is an embarrassing patchwork with the 200 kilometre Ecovia do Litoral unfinished after ten years of inaction leaving cyclists risking their lives on the EN125 road which has few cycle paths despite an extensive reconstruction.
“Under the current circumstances, there are serious risks of someone being run over,” stated Público on the news of the launch of the new Atlantic route.
The head of the Portuguese federation of bicycle tourism, José Manuel Caetano, said there are many deficiencies in the way the Algarve’s transport and mobility policy is handled, singling out the Ecovia do Litoral as the main culprit.
On the EuroVelo Portugal section’s website, cyclists can obtain complete information on this route which is divided into sections, with descriptions and information on public transport, signage, road code, GPS routes and bicycle rental.
The EuroVelo network currently has 15 long distance cycling routes linking the entire European continent, which can be used by holiday cyclists and residents on their daily commutes.
"Many of these routes are completed, but others are still under development. It is estimated that by 2020 the network will be complete," concluded the RTA.
The Atlantic Coast Route is described thus: 'Following Europe’s mighty western border, the Atlantic Coast Route combines for around 9,100 km the majestic fjords of Norway, the wild Irish coastline and the sun-kissed beaches of Portugal. You will not only be seduced by bustling port cities and cosy fishing villages but you will be impressed by dramatic landscapes and also enjoy the best seafood each country has to offer.'
See: EuroVelo
and from March, 2017: 'New western Algarve cycling route to boost tourism in the great outdoors'
and from September, 2016 'Algarve's ecovia cycle route finally to be joined up 'whatever the cost''
and from April, 2016 'Algarve wants more cyclists but many routes are not safe'
Comments
Information on the Ecovia website is sparse, and what there is is in Portuguese. The interactive map is not easy to use and the actual path does not always follow it precisely. What you need to know is that the path is marked in a number of ways: a blue line on the road to lead you to the route and, on the route itself, white or yellow bicycle symbols painted on the road or 1 metre high yellow-topped grey poles. There are also infrequent, taller pillars with a map of the route in the locality. But there are long stretches with no way-marking at all, either because the road has been resurfaced, obliterating the on-road signage, or because no one has got around to it yet. This means that, to have a hope of staying on the right track, you will either need to print off maps from the website or download GPS co-ordinates for key points on the trail.
Looks like typical local management.
It strikes me that the Algarve Way could easily become a cycle route, which might ensure its survival.