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New Routes, Route Extensions and Itinerary Changes

it is possible to apply to ECF to make a major extension to one of the existing EuroVelo routes or to add a completely new route to the network every three years.

The application process is set out in a document called New Routes and Major Extensions Manual. This document has been updated in 2024.

This document includes a detailed explanation of the process, as well as a presentation of the basis for decision-making to ensure a consistency in the network as a whole.

Network development priorities

In line with the route network work programme set out in the EuroVelo Strategy 2030, the main priority for this decade is to improve the quality of existing EuroVelo routes. Quality will be privileged over quantity, with the aim to bring as many sections of the network to a sufficient route quality standard as possible.

However, the objectives of EuroVelo for the current decade also include encouraging the development of a more geographically balanced EuroVelo network, sharing European best practices, and bringing cycling and cycling tourism to areas less developed in this regard. This belongs to the broader objective of achieving more sustainable policies and practices in the transport and tourism sectors.

The objective of encouraging the development of a more geographically balanced EuroVelo network therefore indicates that new route proposals shall be supported primarily in areas of Europe where there are currently few EuroVelo routes and connecting to capitals and major cities currently not represented in the EuroVelo network.

More details can be found in the detailed document.

Criteria

The process may take three or six years, depending on the level of development of the proposed route or major extension, and the level of support from relevant authorities. Before applying, the following basic criteria must be fulfilled by the new route or major section, where relevant:

  • At least two countries are involved (for new routes);
  • The total route length is at least 1,000 km (for new routes);
  • The proposed route number is consistent with the numbering system of the EuroVelo network;
  • The candidate route contributes to achieving a geographically balanced EuroVelo network (particularly covering areas currently without any European routes);
  • It is easy to communicate, with internationally recognisable identity and name and consistent branding with co-branding options with EuroVelo;
  • It contributes to increasing the marketing value of the EuroVelo network;
  • It is based on existing or already planned national or regional cycle routes;
  • It starts, ends and goes through attractive and well-known destinations, connected with public transport hubs, and/or connected to other EuroVelo routes;
  • Signing is/will be implemented in accordance with the EuroVelo Transnational Signing Manual and the regulations of the respective nations and/or regions, continuously and in both directions;
  • All NECCs, as well as other relevant stakeholders, along the route are supportive of the proposal, members of the consortium are clearly identified, as well as the share of responsibilities within the partnership and an operational contact point is provided. Administrative organisation to fulfil the payment of the mandatory fee is well anticipated;
  • 90% of the route or major section (daily sections) meets the essential criteria of the European Certification Standard (ECS) by the end of the process – at the point at which the new route or major section officially joins the network – a clear plan has to be presented to guarantee how this criteria will be guaranteed (official EuroVelo Route Inspectors to be trained, planning of on-route survey, plans for analysis of the results and reporting to ECF).

Submitting an application

Applications for new and changed routes can be submitted to the ECF every three years. The next deadline for submitting applications is 15 January 2026.

There are cost implications for ECF for evaluating and (potentially) approving new and changed routes or sections, as well as for supporting new routes and major section proposals in areas of Europe where cycling tourism is less developed or less of a priority, in the case of a six-year process. These costs include the time spent on the application and site visits of the route, support and lobby work, guidance on route development process and action planning, communication and branding activities.

The information that must be included in an application depending on the type of action, as well as the details of the costs, can be found in the New Routes and Major Extensions Manual.