DCC Cycling Product Club and relation to the national networks in the Lower Danube region Tomislav Panenić Sofia, 28 October 2014

Step 1 (2014): Establish stakeholders list for all 4 countries (Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania Undertake cycle and public stakeholder consultations Forming a coalition responsible for the cycle tourism development in the project region (national networks + DCC Cycling Product Club) Coordination with the Eurpean Cyclist’s Federation Expected result: Agreement on the establishment of the Coalition and on overall future activity framework GIZ support to the DCC Cycling Product Club

Step 2 - Identifying Scope of Work for the Coalition for The plan should be based on a combination of data from ECF, national associations and other organizations; review of relevant plans, projects, and policies within the study area; field gathered data of engineering and environmental conditions; and broad engagement with the public and stakeholders There will be analyzed current situation and identified potential to upgrade tourism products in the course of project's implementation Expected result: Integrated Activity plan, including strategic and operational plans GIZ support to the DCC Cycling Product Club

Step 3 - Execution General Project framework for EU (and similar) calls Proposal on infrastructure measures/instruments Maps, promotion activities, materials etc. Network of local experts in each respective country responsible for providing on-ground support to municipalities. Expected result: The bicycle tourism infrastructure is improved and the region is being promoted as a joint tourism destination. GIZ support to the DCC Cycling Product Club

Facts: Bulgarian Cycling Association as a member of ECF, together with Ecoobshtnost have reached an agreement to act as а National EuroVelo Coordination Center. Bulgarian Cycling Network, established by 18 cycling related organizations. Currently, the network has no legal status and no funds previewed for sustainable operation. Numerous activities are undergoing for getting support and attention from european, national, regional and local authorities (preparation and launching of Bulgarian Cycling Strategy, launching KERABAN and INSPIRED initiative, leadership programe from ECF to trigger the above mentioned initiatives and plans, etc.) Bulgaria - State of the art of country

Steps: Bulgarian Cycling Network – empower development of sustainable and self- financing network of organizations working on EuroVelo/cycling development –Improve composition - bring together representatives of relevant public bodies, tourism organisations, cycling organisations, public transport operators and service providers Participation in the DCC Cycling Product Club - signing memoranda/ agreement between DCC and BCN –Set up a common working model to be used for all countries in the region –Further lobbing and funds raising Bulgaria - Follow-up

Support to the BG EV NECC: –Route coordination – identify, plan, develop and maintain the official EuroVelo routes. Look for resources to undertake necessary improvements. –Signposting coordination – ensure that EuroVelo signposting is incorporated into the national signposting standards and that the routes are signed. –Communication – promote EuroVelo at a national level and provide detailed information for people wishing to cycle the routes. –Etc. Bulgaria - Follow-up

Support to national coordinations/initiative groups (ROM, SER, CRO) –National meeting in Croatia –National conference/meeting in Serbia Study trip for national network representatives to the EV NECC practices Following activites

Questions&Answers / Discussion Warp-up (important conclusions, findings and recommendations) Final words…

Thank You for your attention! Tomislav Panenić