Cycle tourism – the pleasure of rediscovery

The contemporary, globalized world, full of technological innovations, in which life seems to move faster than we perceive or can follow, has forged the post-modern, stressed man, who lives social, economic and structural pressures; a man who goes through various crises, both in his personal and cultural relationships, and even in the environment.

In this scenario, tourism presents itself as an instrument that can provide this restless man with experiences that enable him to live a healthier, better quality life.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic (which, despite numerous scientific and medical advances, has not ceased to scare us) has changed our interpersonal relationships and relationships with the planet. Commuting and travel have changed and will certainly continue to change, either due to the dynamics of life itself or the needs demanded by the different challenges we face today and that we will face in the future.

In this scenario, an old acquaintance, cycle tourism, gains new followers. Traveling using the bicycle as a means of transport provides the possibility of more direct contact of the tourist with the environment and with other people through activities that include sports, recreational, educational and formative practices of an ecological awareness, of nature preservation. It is a healthy and more sustainable form of travel because it does not use modes that produce noise and environmental pollution, diversifying mobility in cities, among other benefits. It presents itself as a democratic tourism (without distinction of social class, age, race or sex), and can be practiced individually or with more people, covering short routes of only one day or longer, without concern for the competitive aspect, but only with the pleasure of pedaling.

Also, cycle tourism interacts with various segments such as rural, cultural, gastronomic, ecotourism, sports, leisure, health tourism, among others. It also brings, as in the other types, the possibility of, with good planning of its routes, causing economic, cultural, social and environmental benefits for the residents of the areas visited.

In the international sphere, the following stand out in cycle tourism: Germany; Scotland; Ireland; Holland; United States; Canada; Australia; New Zealand. In Brazil, there are some promising initiatives. One of the best known, the Estrada Real, was established in 1999 by the government of Minas Gerais. Considered the longest tourist route in the country, with 1,630 km, the Estrada Real covers different municipalities in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and was designed for cyclists, hikers, horseback riders and 4X4 vehicles (Instituto Estrada Real).

Based on the historical routes for the flow of precious metals found in Minas Gerais, the Estrada Real is divided into four paths: Diamond Paths, New Path, Old Path and Sabarabuçu Path. For each of them, the Estrada Real Institute suggests different itineraries, with an estimated travel time and information on the composition of the available trails. For example, for the Old Way, which leaves Ouro Preto/MG to Paraty/RJ, it is estimated that cyclists travel 710 km in 15 days. Of this total extension, approximately 82% is made on a dirt road. There is also information on the altimetry of the different stretches and it is possible to download the route of the chosen path to the GPS.

It must be remembered, however, that for a city to be, in fact, bike friendly , it is necessary for the municipal executive power to invest in urban infrastructure with the construction of bike paths, bike lanes, paracycles and bike racks. For tourists, it is essential that the owners and those responsible for tourist developments located on and/or near the routes also invest in infrastructure such as exclusive spaces for bicycle storage, for example. Only in this way will the F local. The absence of infrastructure, by the way, is one of the main criticisms that the Estrada Real has faced since its creation.

Another Brazilian initiative that encourages cycle tourism is Law No. 13,724, of October 4, 2018, which instituted the "Brazil Bicycle Program (PBB) to encourage the use of bicycles to improve urban mobility conditions". Specifically, item V of paragraph 3 encourages " the implementation of safe intercity routes for cycling travel, focused on tourism and leisure " (emphasis added). Given the importance of these actions, the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development created the Seal of the Bicycle Brazil Program, " aimed at recognizing enterprises, interventions and initiatives that encourage the use of bicycles in order to improve urban mobility conditions ”. However, these measures have not yet been satisfactorily implemented.

It is worth highlighting the advantage of the use of bicycles in improving the air quality of large cities, compared to motor vehicles: travel by bus generates about 22% of local pollutants and 36% of CO2; cars account for 79% of local pollutants and 65% of CO2 released into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the bicycle represents a reduction in the use of natural resources for its manufacture and does not consume polluting fuels for its operation.

We live in times of urgency in the adoption of new ways and practices of life aimed at improving the environment that can mitigate the many damages, many of which are already irreversible, that we have caused to the planet. Once measures are adopted for the reorganization of urban mobility, with the construction and maintenance of safe bike lanes, the incentive to the practice of travel on two wheels and, in particular, cycle tourism, can certainly bring numerous and countless benefits to the sector. In addition, it will undoubtedly contribute to the physical and mental health of tourists who are willing to cycle, traveling calmly, making the most of a good that we lack today: time. And, as a bonus, they will also contribute to environmental sustainability.