Escaping to the countryside on a bike ride has been a joy for most of us since we were children. But with cycle pathways now criss-crossing most major cities, bicycles are used less and less to escape the daily grind but rather to journey to it. For those looking to really escape, the network offers riders the chance to get away for days at a time. Consisting of 15 long distance cycle routes that interconnect, it makes the entire European continent now accessible by bicycle.

These cycle paths allow tourists and travellers to enjoy the sights and natural wonders of the continent free from the confines of a car or train. They can wander through countries, along rivers and oceans, and see the landscape up close at a slow and leisurely pace.

The EuroVelo 6 route is a path that explores the European rivers. Connecting paths that follow sections of the Loire and the Danube Rivers, EuroVelo 6 runs from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. As one of the network’s most popular routes, cyclists are treated to stunning views of coastlines, rivers, and castles along the 4,400 km long route.

For the European Velo Stops competition the participants are asked to design rest stop cabins for long-distance cyclists.

VELO TOURISM

Velo tourism has become increasingly popular, receiving funding from the EU to help improve routes and accessibility for those looking to explore the European continent by bicycle. A study commissioned by the European Parliament in 2012 estimated that there are over 2.2 billion cycle tourism trips and 20 million over-night cycle trips made every year in Europe, with an estimated economic impact of €44 billion.

As a form of sustainable tourism, velo tourism helps not only improve the health and wellbeing of travellers, but works to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment, all while generating significant revenue for the countries involved.

E6 ROUTE

The EuroVelo 6 cycle route traverses the width of Europe, running all the way from the Atlantic ocean to the Black Sea. The route also passes through four UNESCO sites, along six rivers, runs over 3,500 km in total, and passes through 10 different countries, each with their own unique sights to experience.

Countries

  1. France
  2. Switzerland
  3. Germany
  4. Austria
  5. Slovakia
  6. Hungary
  7. Croatia
  8. Serbia
  9. Romania
  10. Bulgaria

european-velo-stops-route

REQUIREMENTS

Cost-effective, environmentally responsible and energy efficient construction for remote areas with no road access. No/minimal excavation.

Space efficient

Maxiumum allowed building footprint – 20 m2. Landscape elements, outdoor bike racks and information signs are not considered to be buildings.

Recognisable

Logo, font, sign system, coherent color scheme and other identity elements to allow travelers to recognise the rest stop.

Conservable

Buildings will be available for use in late spring, early autumn and summer months only.

Adaptable

As the availability of local maintenance services will vary greatly between rest stop locations, building functions and elements need to be arranged in modules, allowing each site to include as many functions as they can maintain. For instance, not every rest stop along the route will be able to maintain sleeping cabins, and so suitable options should be provided for those rest stops that only provide basic facilities such as bike racks and a fireplace without offering overnight accommodation.

RECOMMENDED FUNCTIONALITY

  • Very basic, safe, comfortable, and mosquito-proof sleeping space for 4 guests
  • Counter to prepare food
  • Covered bike rack for 4 bikes
  • Toilet; shower
  • Counter to prepare food
  • Landscape elements (benches; fireplaces etc)
  • Information panel 100 cm x 70 cm

The project functionality listed above is a suggested minimum; the competition brief is open to adaptation and improved development strategies, addiitonal functionality can be proposed.

It is recommended that participants demonstrate how their designs could be adapted in various scenarios. For example, a “Basic” rest stop that would include only bike stands, tables and seating; a “Level 1” rest stop that would include a covered bike rack and table; a “Level 2” rest stop that would include a fireplace; a “Deluxe” rest stop that would include a secure sleeping area, solar panel, lights, USB charger, bike repair stand and pump, etc.

Website: velostops.beebreeders.com