[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>cyclists bring business to local shops, cafes, and services as they stop to rest, eat, or explore villages. However, to encourage more riders to visit, villages need better facilities like bike racks and clean water fountains.</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;”></p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;”>Cycling also opens up a variety of job opportunities. These include bike repair and maintenance services, bike rental shops, and guided cycling tour</p>

[Sasha]

We have met quite a few tourists in this village, so yes, it does have good potential. Also a lot of suitable infrastructures are already present. In order to improve tourism from the bicycle point of view, the roads could be improved and bike repair stations could be put in place.

[Sasha]

Since we drove through several villages, I think multimodality is possible and even good enough

[Sasha]

It was<span style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-size: medium;”> mostly safe and pleasant. The first part went through quiet village streets with little traffic, which felt comfortable. From Penagos, we used a footpath that was clearly marked and had reflectors, making it safer, especially in low light. Other parts of the route had enough space on the road for bikes, and some paths were shared with pedestrians. We enjoyed beautiful views, benches to rest on, water fountains
</span><span style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-size: medium;”>But there were some problems. The footpath from Penagos is only for walking, not officially for bikes, even though it was the safest option. One water fountain near the church had poor water quality. The village didn’t have bike racks, so parking bikes is difficult. Also, a fallen tree blocked part of the footpath, forcing us onto the road, which was dangerous.</span><span style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-size: medium;”>
</span>

[Sasha]

<span style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-size: medium;”>There’s also job potential: from bike rentals and repairs to tour guiding, education</span>

[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-start=”364″ data-end=”567″>Despite all the challenges, the route offered stunning views, a strong connection with nature, and moments of real community support. It also had potential as a training route for experienced cyclists.</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-start=”569″ data-end=”903″ data-is-last-node=”” data-is-only-node=””>With basic improvements, more trees, rest areas, fountains, lighting, and clear bike signage, this trail could become a valuable local asset. Better Google Maps data and route planning would help too. With the right infrastructure and services, this path could grow into a sustainable tourism route</p>

[Sasha]

At most it’s tractors or horses that pass sometimes, but you can also arrive at the beginning of the mountain by bike and do the hike on foot, if we can call it multimodality

[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>Although the route offered incredible views and a strong connection to nature, it was originally designed for hiking, not cycling. That became clear very quickly. There were also several basic elements missing that made the route feel unfriendly to cyclists and families. There were no fountains to refill water, no shaded areas to rest, and very few designated resting spots at all. Several curves had low visibility and felt unsafe, especially without proper lighting or signs. Even navigation was difficult. A route that excludes beginners, children, or those with less physical ability isn’t truly accessible.</p>

[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>Encourage schools to offer cycling training, fostering skills and jobs in the community, is the only way that comes to my mind</p>

[Sasha]

<span style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-size: medium;”>I wouldn’t say that the route we took is particularly noteworthy for tourists, and all the necessary infrastructure (excluding cycling-related) that might be needed for children is already in place.</span>

[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>Not everyone can or wants to ride a bike the whole way. Some live too far, others might face tough weather or hilly terrain. That’s where good connections come in:</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;”>Being able to safely ride a bike to a bus station, park it, and continue by public transport</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;”>Having bus stops with space for bikes or even bike racks</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;”>Protected bike paths that lead directly to key points</p>

[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>This week’s route took us along the way many children walk or bike to school – and from their perspective, it’s clear that there’s still a long way to go to make it safe and welcoming. By 9:00 a.m., the traffic is heavy, and there’s no bike lane. You’re riding just a few centimeters from speeding cars, and drivers have to veer into the opposite lane to avoid hitting you. That’s scary for everyone.There is a pedestrian sidewalk, which feels safer—but it’s not meant for bikes, and it’s often narrow or crowded. So where should a kid ride? Near the school, there are some signs reminding cars to slow down to 30 km/h, which helps—but that only works if drivers actually follow them.</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;”>So it’s an important point to teach kids how to ride safely and understand traffic. Also painted lanes or protected crossings would help kids feel more visible and protected.</p>

[Sasha]

<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-start=”0″ data-end=”436″>In our case, the bar in Lloreda was the only place along the route where we could rest and have something to eat. This shows that there is significant potential for local businesses, as cycling is quite popular in Cantabria. At the same time, the growing cycling culture opens up new employment opportunities, such as bicycle repair and maintenance, bike rentals, and the organization of events (bike festivals, races, community rides).</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-start=”438″ data-end=”588″>These jobs can support young people, encourage the development of green entrepreneurship, and help rural areas remain vibrant and economically active.</p>
<p style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;” data-start=”590″ data-end=”912″ data-is-last-node=”” data-is-only-node=””>To fully unlock these benefits, investment is needed in cyclist-friendly infrastructure, clear route signage, and support for small businesses that want to cater to cyclists. With the right support, cycling can become a tool not only for sustainable transport but also for sustainable development and community resilience.</p>

[Sasha]

The towns of Cayon do have many beautiful and natural places, but still I don’t think it has good global tourism potential, maybe just local. Safe and well-marked bike paths connecting villages and key attractions could help locals. Also signposts of cultural, historical and natural attractions already exist, but they could be more visible, e.g. with maps or more detailed descriptions of these places.

[Sasha]

I can’t say that multimodality really existed, what has really improved this situation is the integration of bicycle-friendly facilities such as ramps, bike racks, repair points, clear, safe and direct connections between bike routes and public transit stops, consistent schedules and accessible apps for convenient multimodal trip planning (e.g. adding matching features to Alsa). This not only reduces traffic and pollution, but also creates a more sustainable, inclusive and healthy mobility system for all.

It will lead us to routes that don’t just get us from A to B, but connect us.

[Author]

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