Unique workshops on managing bicycle routes at the Marshal's Office

The event was attended by representatives of the Marshal's Office responsible for tourism and cycling infrastructure, local governments located along the routes (as many as 20 entities were invited), public institutions such as Woliński National Park , local forest districts,   the West Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organization , as well as partners from the tourism industry and the media. The whole event was moderated by experts from the Cycling Federation, which ensured a high level of discussion.  

The workshops focused on identifying problems, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the route, and searching for solutions that meet the needs of different types of cyclists, from families with children and the elderly, to foreign tourists and organized groups. This allowed participants to assess whether the current infrastructure meets users' expectations and what measures should be taken to improve its standard.  

The most frequently mentioned problems include: limited accommodation and catering facilities, and shortcomings in the accompanying infrastructure (e.g., lack of toilets).  

A survey conducted after the meeting showed that participants would like to discuss additional topics in the future and that there is a need to continue the meetings in order to develop solutions .   These include: preventing vandalism on routes, building bicycle connectors, cooperating with local businesses and Cyclist-Friendly Places, organizing rallies and events, and taking into account the needs of residents.  

At the same time, participants emphasized the value of exchanging experiences, the opportunity to learn about planned investments, a better understanding of the cycling environment, and practical ideas that can be implemented as early as the coming season.  

This unique event opens a new stage in the management of bicycle routes in Poland. Solutions included in the draft Sub-strategy for Bicycle Tourism of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism were tested. This project will be discussed at a conference in Warsaw on Friday, November 28, where the Marshal's Office will present its activities to date.   An online broadcast was also organized for those who could not attend in person. Western Pomerania is once again setting the direction, showing how to effectively build cooperation around key tourist routes.    

The workshop was the first in a series. Similar meetings are planned every year for each route in the region, giving partners the opportunity to submit comments and ideas on how to further improve the management and promotion of cycling tourism.