Bike Friendly Days Rethymno 2022 – Rethymno Cycling Days

The foundations of Cycling Tourism have been established in Rethymno.
The foundations of Cycling Tourism have been established in Rethymno.

With the conclusion of the multi-day “Rethymno Bike Friendly Days” events, organized by the Municipality of Rethymno in collaboration with NatTour AMKE from April 26 to 30, 2022, which focused on the use of bicycles for the sustainable transportation of tourists to various points of interest, the Municipality’s commitment to promoting Cycling Tourism was reaffirmed.

During the main event on Friday, April 29, 2022, two important studies were presented, highlighting the significance of cycling tourism for any tourist area, especially during the low season. Additionally, the Sports Tourism file, compiled by the Tourism Department of the Municipality of Rethymno, was introduced.

Following the presentations and an in-depth discussion, two key pioneers of Cycling Tourism in Rethymno were honored: Mr. Tasos Papadourakis, representing the Iviskos Hotel, a model bike station with services for its guests, and Mr. Nikos Galanis, a bicycle store entrepreneur.

Cycling Tourism not only attracts athletes and cycling enthusiasts, but it also appeals to all tourists who wish to explore Rethymno’s beauty by bike.

According to the Deputy Mayor of Rethymno, Mrs. Pepi Birliaraki: “With the Rethymno Bike Friendly Days, we complement the efforts of the Municipality for sustainable mobility, alongside the European Mobility Week held every September. In the spring, at the start of the season, we aim to directly engage local tourism professionals and visitors by promoting soft mobility, educating professionals on the latest developments, and offering authentic experiences to our visitors in both the city and its countryside. The Rethymno Bike Friendly Days are another step toward advancing Cycling Tourism. Although they took their first steps in April 2022, we hope they will soon accelerate the results of our efforts.”

The Municipality of Rethymno and the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Department expressed gratitude to various organizations and individuals who supported the event, including the Rethymno Police Department, Traffic Police, Port Authority, and the Volunteer Network of the Municipality. Other contributors include the Rethymno Cycling Sports Club Atlas, local artists, photographers, and the cultural associations of Rethymno’s villages. Media outlets were also thanked for their coverage of the event.

The municipality also extended thanks to its internal departments, including Finance, IT, Cleaning and Greenery, and Technical Services, for their contributions to the event’s success.