The aim of the project is to establish the North Sea Cycling Route (NSCR) as a permanent entity within a secure organisational structure, offering a high-quality cycling experience and an insight into the natural and cultural heritage of the North Sea Region. In order to achieve this aim, project activities target in part assessments of the economic impact of the route and its weaknesses and in addition raising awareness and disseminating information and knowledge. Simultaneously, the idea is to initiate pilot projects with some of the partners, which would lead to implementation of low cost physical improvements along the route and secure a high-quality product for the cycling tourist. Long-term partner motivation and commitment is important for the project.

Cycle tourism gives minimal environmental impact and low demands on infrastructure with the bicycle being the most energy efficient form of transport. At the same time it offers considerable economic benefits derived from tourism. In order to secure full and lasting benefits, the North Sea Cycle Route should be established as a permanent entity within a secure organisational structure, well publicised and branded, offering a consistently high-quality cycling experience and an insight into the natural and man-made heritage of the North Sea region as a whole.

Expected Outcomes

The main outcomes will be the development of a permanent management structure to oversee the integration of the NSCR as a high quality product in the NSR, the development of a number of means to transfer knowledge including a website, newsletters, conferences and forums, and exchanges. Physical improvements of infrastructure to help facilitate those using the existing NSCR will also be undertaken, such as improvements to road surfaces, signing and access to accommodation. New services and special cycle tour packages will be also established. CO2 will also help to consolidate the NSCR as a global tourist product beyond the North Sea region.

Activities

The approach taken to CO2 is divided into two sections; Level 1- Core Topics and Level 2A-Low cost physical improvements and 2B- Product development for cycling tourists. Level 1 (Core Topics) will undertake the following eight projects. 1. Establishment of a permanent management structure that is self-financing and can survive changes in regional organisation in years to come. 2 Extension of the Route to ensure that it meets end-user requirements. 3. Development of website management and development with an Internet guide to provide practical information to end-users, feedback, links to other North Sea region projects and a historical and cultural guide. 4. Monitor Users and their economic impact on the North Sea Cycle Route (NSCR). 5. Evaluation of route weaknesses and development of a strategy for access that improves access and pinpoints possible low cost improvements. 6. Raising awareness of the Route will encourage press coverage of the NSCR, develop press packs, and encourage suppliers to provide products for cyclists. 7. Dissemination of Information and Knowledge and the Motivation of Partners, and will aim to exchange information between partners, develop a set of "best practice" examples, organise national and regional network meetings and seminars, newsletters, field trips, exchange visits, guided tours for executives, politicians and service providers and the creation of an annual European Bike Festival. 8. This project will develop synergy with other Interreg IIIB and IIIC projects, addressing issues relevant to sustainable tourism development in the region. Level 2A (Low cost physical improvements), will undertake low cost improvements in the infrastructure such as upgrading surfaces, traffic calming and safety measures along the route, as well as producing manuals, local maps and guides. Level 2B (Product development for the Cycling Tourist) will develop accommodation availability along the NSCR, increase availability and improved public and private transport services for cyclists, develop a package of tours along the NCSR and improve the signing of the route.

Reported Outcomes

The aim of the project is to establish the North Sea Cycling Route (NSCR) as a permanent entity within a secure organisational structure, offering a high-quality cycling experience and an insight into the natural and cultural heritage of the North Sea Region.In order to achieve the aim, the activities are targeting, on the one hand, to assess the economic impact from the route, its weaknesses; raise awareness, and disseminate information and knowledge. Simultaneously, the idea is to initiate pilot projects with some of the partners that would lead to implementation of low cost physical improvements along the route and secure a high-quality product for the cycling tourist. Long-term partner motivation and commitment is important for the project. The progress of the project's first phase consists of intense public relation work and the first contributions to an initial survey on the cycle route. A detailed task and time schedule has been set up to optimise all partners? shares in contributing for the next phase. Recently surveys evaluating the route weaknesses in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium have been completed. Interview surveys with local businesses in two locations of the route have been also carried out. Sweden has completed the signing of its part of the North Sea Cycle Route in June 2005. In the Netherlands, preparations for landscape improvements in the Sluis areas related to the route have been started. Furthermore, 4.500 km out of 6.500 km of the network are signposted. In order to maintain the route signs, experiments with volunteers where carried out. The enthusiastic and good work, which was done, shall be a model for the whole North Sea Cycle Route. In Rogaland in Norway innovative designs for cycle parking for beaches as well as baggage keeping facilities are being prepared. Also in Rogaland efforts are underway to improve the accessibility of cyclists' accommodations. The opening of the new Svinesund Bridge was used to focus on the North Sea Cycle Route by a three-day arrangement for several thousand cyclists, runners and the general public. Establishing the first European Bike Festival - please, note re-named North Sea Bike Event/European Calendar of Bike Events). Cycling activity have been highlighted in all partner countries. According to the application, the annual Bike Event will grow into a diverse and fun series of summer bike activity. The International Cycling Activity Day was held on the 20th of May 2006. The North Sea Cycle Route website was re-launched on 15th of May 2006. For further information, please consult www.northsea-cycle.com