June the 3rd, 2022 - A brand new Croatian bike traffic development plan is soon set to come about, which will be related to the development of all forms of bicycle traffic.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Suzana Varosanec writes, the Republic of Croatia will soon receive the first planning document related to the development of all forms of bicycle traffic, the adoption of which is a prerequisite for the quality and comprehensive development of this type of traffic in the future, according to the Ministry of Maritine Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure.

Minister Oleg Butkovic is drafting the National Plan for the Development of Bicycle Traffic for the period from 2022 to 2027, which plans a number of measures, including those for improving infrastructure, increasing cyclist safety, developing cycling tourism and encouraging the use of bicycles in everyday travel.

The goal of the for the Croatian bike traffic development plan is the development and encouragement of cycling as one of the preconditions for the development of a low-carbon economy, sustainable tourism, the improvement of the spatial planning system, and ultimately healthier, more active and better lives of all people.

For the Croatian bike market, which is growing by about 15% per year, this will be a significant development impulse. According to the average price of a bicycle, it is estimated that the market is currently worth around 30 million euros.

For now, the physical growth of the market isn't expected in the coming years, but the growth of value, mostly due to the growing share of electric bikes, most certainly is. In a similar volume market, for example, neighbouring Slovenia has a value of approximately 60 million euros.

Here in the Republic of Croatia, the share of electric bikes accounts for about 10% of total bike sales, so there's great potential, because the EU average is about 30-40 percent, and in the most advanced member states over 50%, even in terms of number of bikes actually sold, not only in terms of the share.

However, these market estimates don't include new business opportunities based on development inputs prepared by the state through national action measures. The drafting of a strategic document and an Action Plan with 10 defined measures is now in its final phase, while in the coming period, it will be necessary to coordinate the sources of financing individual measures with the competent ministries.

This will be followed by a consultation with interested members of the general public and the adoption of the final document. In addition, rising fuel prices are stimulating the growth of urban cycling, which will only further promote the Croatian bike traffic development plan as a whole.

Particularly innovative solutions are those offered by the City of Varazdin, the first Croatian member of the network of cities and regions of the European Cycling Federation. In Croatian terms, Varazdin is the leader in the solution in this sphere, which, they claim, they will gladly share with others.

"Croatia will quickly catch up with developed countries where cycling has become an urban theme for decades," they stated from the Office of Varazdin's mayor, Neven Bosilj.

As the preparation of the Croatian bike traffic development plan is now very much underway, Varazdin expects that this will create the preconditions for the country to catch up with the rest of Europe and unlock the raising of cash from EU funds in order to strengthen the country's overall cycling infrastructure. In addition to encouraging the service and purchase of new bikes with budget funds for years, Varazdin also plans to build new cycling trails.

In addition to all of the above, there are also some other innovative methods involved, as Varazdin is initiating the procedure for obtaining the ''Employer - Friend of Cyclists'' certificate. The certification process is carried out by the very active Cyclists' Union. Under the title “Bike to work”, Varazdin proposes the creation of a legal basis that would enable employers to financially motivate employees to come to work by bike, following the shining example of more developed European countries.

The City of Varazdin, as a local government unit, has shown its readiness to co-finance bike transport to work for the employees of the city administration, and later for all budget users, but they point out that there are no legal possibilities for that yet.

Among the planned measures in the Croatian bike traffic development plan is the inclusion of Varazdin in various European Union projects. The City Walk project has recently been completed, and the start of the new Erasmus plus project "Booster Cities" is also expected soon, in which one of the topics is the development of cycling and cycling infrastructure.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

May the 31st, 2022 - Thanks to social media, the Heart of Velebit bicycle race has become a bike standard, shining a light for all lovers of hiking and cycling in Lovinac and gorgeous, mountainous Lika.

As Novi list/Marin Smolcic writes, Croatia continually attracts lovers of active tourism, from hiking to cycling and everything in between. While the sweltering heat of the height of the summer season commands little else but lying around and moving only to swim in the Adriatic, the pre and post season are excellent times to engage in some more active choices when spending time in any part of this geographically blessed country.

As such, over this long weekend in the wider area of ​​Lovinac and South Velebit, the traditional Heart of Velebit bicycle race was held. The wider Lovinac Municipality has, as a result, become among the first choices of destination for lovers of mountain biking and the magnificent beauty of Velebit and the Lovinac area.

Every day from the early morning, groups of cyclists have continued to pass at speed through the Lovinac area, who, with the watchful eye of the volunteer guides of the Heart of Velebit hunting association, enjoyed bicycling and cycling-mountaineering trails of various technical and fitness requirements.

The Heart of Velebit cycling race started on May the 27th, 2022, with the bike & hike tour of Sveto Brdo. More than 40 of the most experienced and prepared cyclists embarked on a multi-hour adventure which took them through wild and beautiful mountainous landscapes, all of which was documented on social media, attracting more would-be cyclists.

The popularity of this race has been spreading rapidly because the photos shared by the participants are the best indicator of their enthusiasm and guarantee the arrival of new lovers of cycling and hiking in Lovinac and Lika.

Cycling tourism in Croatia is otherwise certainly growing, with many locations along the mainland and on the islands promoting cycling as being among the best ways to see the glorious Croatian landscape, be it coastal or continental.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

April the 11th, 2022 - A brand new Podstrana public bike system has been introduced as part of a wider European Union (EU) project called ''Choose a bike!'' (Croatian: Biraj biciklu!).

As Morski writes, Podstrana has become the first municipality in Split-Dalmatia County where the system of public bicycles financed from the EU project "Choose a bicycle!", With a total value of 13.6 million kuna, started operating recently.

Two terminals with six electric and six classic bicycles have been set up as part of the new Podstrana public bike system. One terminal is on Strozanac next to the bicycle path by the sea and car parks, and the other near the Petricevo playground, along the edge of Mile Gojsalic street.

''It's a great advantage that the citizens of Podstrana will be able to use the public bike system for recreation as well as in combination with public transport, such as to get from home to the bus station and back. The City of Split plans to set up a terminal in Zrnovnica, which will significantly improve people's mobility, as well as the connection with the first neighbouring municipality,'' said project manager Toni Jerkovic from the Department for International and EU Projects of the City of Split.

The Municipality of Podstrana was the first among the cities and municipalities to provide the location and everything needed to set up such a public bicycle system, and its mayor claims that Podstrana has nurtured cycling as an alternative form of transport for years, with zero CO2 emissions.

''We plan to work in the future on the construction of bike paths and to revamp the existing ones, in order to connect all of the local settlements within the municipality, but also to achieve better connections with neighbouring cities and municipalities,'' noted Mayor Mijo Dropuljic.

Judging by statistical indicators, Split is the record holder in the number of users of public bicycle systems in the Republic of Croatia, and it is to be expected that this trend will continue thanks to new terminals and bicycles in the agglomeration.

''In the last year, we've seen over half a million rents on 300 bicycles in Split. Among their 40,000 registered users, many of them are from Podstrana. They use the system every day, so with these terminals we'll primarily improve the quality of system use for existing users, and then acquire a number of new users. We've already secured the entire contingent of 242 bicycles financed from this project and we're looking forward to expanding the system to other municipalities and cities because the figures confirm that people really want that,'' said Ante Gustin, the director of Sustav javnih bicikala d.o.o., a representative of Nextbike.

The annual subscription for renting a bike is 200 kuna and allows unlimited use of the new Podstrana public bike system throughout the year, with the first half hour being free for everyone. After 30 minutes, the price is ten kuna for an electric and five kuna for a classic bike, for every half an hour of use.

In addition to Podstrana and Split, the system of public bicycles will be expanded to the area of ​​Trogir, Kastela, Solin, Klis, Dugopolje and Dicmo with a total of 41 new terminals and 242 bikes. The great value of the project "Choose a bike!" lies in the fact that a study of the development potential of new bike roads will be created.

The total value of the project "Choose a bike!" stands at 13,609,435.83 kuna, and the project is being co-financed by the European Union from the Cohesion Fund.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

January 26, 2022 - As part of the construction of the new Cycling Information Center on the hill of Mađerka, a lookout tower will accompany it to offer visitors a vantage point that will allow them to enjoy a privileged view of the natural beauties of Međimurje, and the bordering countries.

The works on the construction of the new Cycling Information Center with a lookout tower on the hill of Mađerka will be completed soon, reports HrTurizam.hr. The idea of ​​the lookout tower came from the choice of a location that can present the natural beauties of upper Međimurje and its geographical position.

Mađerka is a hill above Štrigova, towards the border with Slovenia, at 341 meters above sea level, and only three meters lower than the highest point of Međimurje. The advantage of Mađerka is that you can see as many as four countries - Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia, and in good weather, you can see Sljeme.

Photo: Međimurje County

"With the desire to raise the entire tourist offer to an even higher level, to offer tourists top tourist content, the municipality of Štrigova in cooperation with Međimurje County has designed a project to build a lookout tower with the aim of being a visitor center, cycling resort and presentation/tasting center for the Međimurje Wine Road", said Međimurje County Prefect Matija Posavec.

After its completion, which will give Međimurje another tourist destination, the final works in the new Cycling Information Center and its equipment will follow. At the location, visitors will have access to information about the tourist offer of the whole of Međimurje, and cyclists will have at their disposal a rest area equipped with a service station, adapted to e-bikes.

The new Cycling Information Center with a lookout tower is one of the components of the CycleSeeing Attractour - CSA project, co-financed from the cross-border program, implemented by the Municipality of Štrigova in partnership with the Tourist Board of Štrigova and the City of Nagykanisza.

"As there were no open tenders from national funds at that time, we applied for the cross-border program Interreg Croatia Hungary, and the project was assessed as very high quality and received the approval for co-financing of 85% of the total project value of 7,395,000 kuna," Posavec added.

Photo: Međimurje Bike

In order to attract as many tourists as possible, not only for short-term visits but also for longer stays, three tourist packages have been designed - a bicycle package, a health and wellness package, and an eco-tourist package. These packages will contribute to making the project area a more attractive tourist destination, not just a transit one. Tourists will get acquainted with the newly built attractions, but also with the existing cultural and natural heritage of the destination.

"The project is in the development phase and we expect it can be completed by May this year. Terme Sveti Martin is close to Štrigova and all this is important for further development of the overall tourist offer of Međimurje, since I believe that it will awake the great interest of domestic and foreign guests, and will further present the beauties of Međimurje and develop continental tourism.", explains Posavec.

The new Cycling Information Center with a lookout tower is located on Pušipel's bicycle route. It is a circular trail that connects Štrigovo with Čakovec and passes through the wine-growing area of ​​the county, so it is ideal for e-bikes.

Međimurje abounds in attractive and well-kept bicycle paths and is located at the crossroads of international bicycle routes. Recreational and fun cycling is ideal for family vacations, but also for socializing. Međimurje offers something for everyone, easier and more demanding sections, road and off-road routes, and there are also customized terrains for XTC and cross driving.

"We were the first in Croatia to introduce Cyclist Welcome Quality, a brand accepted by neighboring Varaždin and Zagreb counties, and applied in Hungary. Accommodation facilities are fundamental to the quality of the overall cycling offer of a destination and therefore their services are classified into five quality classes up to five gears", emphasizes the director of the Tourist Board of Međimurje County, Rudi Grula and adds that in Međimurje, in addition to groomed trails, there are a number of equally arranged rest areas, charging stations for e-bikes and other facilities that attract cyclists from all over Europe.

The emphasis, as he says, is on foreign guests, but also those from nearby destinations from which they can come to Međimurje by bicycle, and the e-bicycles, which are becoming more and more popular in Europe. For example, guests from Graz, which is 70 to 90 kilometers away, can cross the section by e-bike in one day, and then cycle around Međimurje, neighboring counties, or cross to Slovenia and Hungary. Namely, the desire is to make Međimurje a kind of base in which cyclists would spend several days and explore the whole area.

''Our plan is to connect the Goričan Border Crossing with a bicycle path along the Trnava River, with Čakovec, and then Varaždin. The bicycle path would avoid road crossings and move along the river bank.", Grula announced.

Cyclists aim not only to ride but also to rest, and such visitors are the target group of the tourist offer of Međimurje County. Ecological sustainability, reduction of carbon footprint, the offer of local producers... this is something that cyclists take special care of when choosing their holiday destination, and Međimurje is a region that can provide them with that.

If you want to learn more about everything Međimurje County has to offer on your next trip, be sure to check out Total Croatia's guide, Međimurje in a Page.

For more, check out our travel section.

September 28, 2021 - The CRO Race 1st stage finished on Tuesday on a 237-kilometers-long route from Osijek to Varaždin. On Wednesday, cyclists will ride from Slunj to Otočac.

The first and longest stage of the sixth edition of the CRO Race has been completed. The 237-kilometer stage started from Osijek with the finish line in Varaždin, reports HRT.

German Phil Bauhaus, a member of the Bahrain Victorious team, justified his status as one of the favorites to win and was faster than Dutchman Olav Kooi (Jumbo-Vism) in second and Norwegian Kristoffer Halvorsen (Uno-X) in third.

In the second stage, which will take place on Wednesday from Slunj to Otočac, Bauhaus will take the red shirt of the leader in the overall standings. This is his ninth victory in 2021.

"I positioned myself well before the finish. My team did a great job because it was a windy stage. I expect that the stage winner will be decided by the sprint on Wednesday, although there will be many more climbs ahead of us," said Bauhaus.

The longest stage of this year's race started as expected. Very soon after the start, a group of five drivers was formed, which stood out from the peloton and created a significant advantage. Among them was Croatian cyclist Fran Miholjevic (Team Friuli), accompanied by Poles Pawel Franczak (Voster ATS Team) and Marceli Boguslawski (HRE Mazowsze Serce Polski), Italian Mattia Viel (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec), and German Tim Oelke (Metalltechnik).

At the first passing goal to Slatina after 84 kilometers, the Frenchman was first ahead of Viel and Boguslawski.

But the four "World Tour" teams competing in the race did not allow the advantage to grow too much, and the maximum difference was 4:45 minutes.

Fifty kilometers before the finish line, Boguslawski stood out from the leading group, who had a minute advantage before the only ascent in the stage in Ludbreški Vinogradi. By the top of the climb, Boguslawski had a 15-second lead over second-placed Miholjevic and third-placed Franczak and became the first green jersey holder at this year's CRO Race.

On the descent towards Ludbreg, Miholjević overtook Boguslawski and was the first to cross the passing goal in Ludbreg. As expected, soon after the second passing goal, 28 kilometers before the finish in Varaždin, the peloton caught the last two cyclists who spent more than 200 kilometers at the head of the race.

"The team plan for this stage was to try to get into an escape. I was the first to try, and that escape immediately succeeded," said 19-year-old Miholjević, who has never mastered such a long section as he had on Tuesday.

After the original escape, two Euskaltel drivers, Xabier Azparren and Luis Angel Mate, stood out from the leading group. They managed to hold out in front of the peloton up to eight kilometers before the finish line.

The best-placed Croatian cyclist was Josip Rumac, who finished the stage in 14th place. The young Fran Miholjević drove an excellent first stage and was first in the bonus sprint and second in the mountain passing goal. He finished the stage in 54th place. 

On Wednesday, the second stage will run from Slunj to Otočac in the length of 187 kilometers.

CRO Race 1st stage results:

1. Phil BAUHAUS TBV 5h52'06''

2. Olav KOOIJ* TJV

3. Kristoffer HALVORSEN UXT

4. Antonio ANGULO SAMPEDRO ANTONIO EUS

5. Mick VAN DIJKE* TJV

6. Itamar EINHORN ISN

7. Michel ASCHENBRENNER* PUS

8. Sanz Gotzon MARTIN EUS

9. Milan MENTEN BWB

10. David PER ADR 

TOTAL:

1. Phil BAUHAUS TBV 5h51'56''

2. Olav KOOIJ* TJV +4''

3. Kristoffer HALVORSEN UXT +5''

4. Markus HOELGAARD UXT +7''

5. Fran MIHOLJEVIĆ* CTF

6. Marceli BOGUSLAWSKI MSP

7. Pawel FRANCZAK VOS

8. Anders SKAARSETH UXT +8''

9. Stephen WILLIAMS TBV +9''

10. Antonio ANGULO SAMPEDRO ANTONIO EUS +10''

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.

September 22, 2021 – From cycling and kayaking to hiking and an epic zip line, see the fantastic natural landscape that holds active Šibenik's thrilling offer.

When temperatures ease off, the Croatian coast welcomes a whole different type of guest. Spring, Autumn and Winter is the favourite time for sports enthusiasts and fitness fans to visit. And, few places on the Mediterranean have an offer complete like active Šibenik.

Outside of the peak season, the stunning nature that surrounds Šibenik is free from the bustle of visitors. Cyclists and runners speed by unobstructed. Maybe they'll pass a couple of hikers enjoying the same trails and spectacular views?

St Anthony's channel, St Nicholas Fortress and the cycle and walking path that reaches it via an island © Šibenik Tourist Board

In the evenings, during their rest time, active Šibenik's guests have the city's best hotels, restaurants and charming Old Town almost to themselves. They share the cafe, bar and restaurant terraces only with Šibenik residents, relaxing once more now the city is returned to them.

Key to Šibenik's year-round appeal for fitness and sport fans is the city's unique landscape. No place in Croatia has natural assets like Šibenik. It is surrounded on all sides by a remarkable and startlingly varied topography.

Firstly, between Šibenik city harbour and the open Adriatic is a long waterway – St. Anthony's Channel. It is bordered on either side by two huge stretches of wild nature. Then, at the rear of the town, elevated up from sea level and next to Barone Fortress, the area of Šubićevac. Here, the entrance to the vast Šubićevac Forest Park, much of it an untamed, natural landscape. Thirdly, the vast Krka National Park, which lies just 10 kilometres north-east of Šibenik

Active Šibenik: St Anthony's Channel

Sailboats and speed boats sharing St Anthony's channel © Marc Rowlands

An epic 2000 metre long waterway, St Anthony's Channel is both a gateway to the open sea and the entrance to the city for anyone sailing into Šibenik. It is 140 – 220 metres wide and is bordered on each side by near untouched Dalmatian nature. On one side, sheer cliffs for one wall of the channel. At the top, dense pine forests, walking, hiking and cycling trails. Also, the famous recreation site of Martinska.

Cycle paths of Šibenik © Marc Rowlands

On the opposite side of the channel, a very different layout of the land. Here, the pines are much lower and closer to the channel. Between the two, idyllic beaches - the best in Šibenik – line a pathway designated for running, walking and cycling. Those on bicycles drop down from small hills on the interior. After following the path at the side of the water, their ultimate reward is the spectacular St Nicholas' Fortress. On both sides of St Anthony's Channel you'll see incredible views of Šibenik, its harbour and the side opposite.

Cycling across a section of St Anthony's channel © Marc Rowlands

For those who prefer recreation on the water, St Anthony's Channel is perfect to explore by kayak. It's also one of the easiest ways to discover all of Šibenik's best beaches. Sticking close to the pine-sheltered coast, beautiful sailboats pass you in the centre of the channel, on their way to or from the city.

Active Šibenik: Šubićevac Forest Park

View over Šibenik, with Šubićevac Forest Park at the rear of the city © Šibenik Tourist Board

To visitors, Šubićevac Forest Park is the least famous of all Šibenik's recreational areas. A huge stretch of forestland, much loved by city residents, it rises above the city near Barone Fortress. The section of forest closest to the Šubićevac is designated as a city park. Within this part, you'll find a children's playground, specially designed to be accessible to all, including children with special needs.

Easily accessible section of Šubićevac Forest Park © Javna ustanova Športski objekti Šibenik

Throughout this section, designated paths for cycling and walking. Running to the southeast, a much larger area of near untouched forest. Here, a wilderness ripe for runners or hikers to explore. It's worth seeking out the tiny Church of St Michael here.

Paths through forest wilderness © Javna ustanova Športski objekti Šibenik

Residents say the very best views of Šibenik come from Šubićevac Forest Park. Certainly, they are breathtaking.

The best views over the city? It's a tough one to call - Šibenik has many contenders © Javna ustanova Športski objekti Šibenik

Active Šibenik: Krka National Park

Island in Krka National Park © Šibenik Tourist Board

A series of wide pools, fed by cascading waterfalls, Krka is one of Croatia’s best known and most spectacular National Parks. Famous water features like the unforgettable Skradinski Buk dominate the park's postcard images. You'll find it near the park's most southerly entrance, very close to Šibenik. But, beyond this eye-catching introduction lies a further 109 square kilometers of spectacular National Park to discover. The best way to experience it is by walking, hiking or cycling.

Countless captivating viewpoints © Krka National Park

Hiking and walking trails of Krka National Park

Walking and hiking trails © Krka National Park

The park's hiking and walking trails give you the most thrilling views of this epic landscape and its wealth of flora and fauna. At the side of the trails, educational panels detailing the plants and animals you pass.

Epic landscape © Krka National Park

There are three circular trails: Skradinski buk (1900 m), Roški Slap (1360 m) and Krka Monastery (2100 m). A walking/cycling trail also leads to Skradinski buk from the Skradin bridge (3400 m), while from Lozovac, it is possible to take a forest trail (875 m) down to the park's longest waterfall.

Walking over waterfalls © Krka National Park

The shortest trail is 300 m long and leads to Bilušića buk, while the longest trail is Stinice-Roški slap-Oziđana pećina and covers 8.5 kilometres. In total, there are 7 spectacular waterfalls to find as the river Krka descends through the park.

Cycling routes of Krka National Park

Breathtaking views on the cycling and walking routes © Krka National Park

Bicycling through Krka National Park is a journey of endless enjoyment. If your perfect cycling route offers stunning landscapes, then this is the place for you. But, if you're curious to learn about the park's cultural and historical heritage, then cycling also helps you unlock these park secrets.

Cycling © Krka National Park

No less than fourteen cycling routes crisscross the park. They are divided into three types:

Road route - perfect for racing bikes and dedicated cyclists

Trekking & family route - a mixture of paved roads and gravel paths, perfect for city bikes, mountain bikes, families with children and cyclists of any age and ability.

Mountain biking route – a mixture of gravel paths and unarranged forest paths, with sharp ascents and descents, designed for mountain bike enthusiasts in good physical condition and with advanced cycling skills.

Cycling above Skradin © Krka National Park

Šibenik zipline

On the northeast corner of the park, stretching across an epic canyon, one of Croatia's most thrilling ziplines. Flying from cliffs hundreds of metres above, so vast is the canyon that you can barely see the thrillseekers at the end of the first line. And, after that, there are still another two to go!

For more information and/or booking any of these activities, visit/contact Šibenik Tourist Board here

For more on great things to do in Šibenik, be sure to check Total Croatia News's dedicated pages here

August the 26th, 2021 - Cycling Croatia is a fantastic way to see and get better acquainted with this country's stunning biodiversity. The rugged Croatian coast is spectacular from whichever angle you look at it and on any form of transport, but cycling Croatia is one way to get up close and personal with nature. The EuroVelo 8 route will let you cycling the entire Croatian coastline, from Istria all the way down to Dubrovnik.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Crnjak writes, as cycling tourism is in increasing demand in Croatia, the number of public and private initiatives for its development is only growing. On Tuesday, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) announced the start of the Bike, Explore and Enjoy! here on the Croatian market.

The campaign focuses, among other things, on the EuroVelo 8 route, which covers the entire coastline, from Istria down to the country's southernmost city of Dubrovnik. The activities within the campaign will be carried out for one month, via both online and offline channels.

“We have a very high quality resource base for cycling tourism, we're integrated into the EuroVelo network of bicycle routes, and the part of the route that passes through Croatia includes all seven Adriatic counties and covers a total length of 1116 kilometres. I believe that with this campaign, we'll encourage Croatian guests even more to discover this country in an interesting, healthy and sustainable way,'' concluded the director of the CNTB, Kristjan Stanicic.

This Friday, in Zagreb, there will be a presentation of the cycling concept Bikademy, an interactive product that has recently expanded to the areas of Zagreb, Berlin and Sibenik, and creates added value to the tourist offer and promotes the use of the bicycle as a valid and helpful means of transport.

Bikademy is based on a free mobile app, and everyone who registers on the app becomes a Bike Student. Each Bike Student within the app has a virtual index with Bikademy Studies representing a particular region, county or city.

Within each study, therefore, there are different exams, or locations or places of cultural or natural significance to explore. It is necessary to cycle to each Exam, take a selfie and upload a photo to the app.

After passing all the exams of a particular Studio, Bike Students receive a prize. Bikademy currently has more than a thousand Bike Students from across Croatia and Europe.

For more on cycling Croatia, check our our dedicated travel section.

June the 5th, 2021 - Croatian bicycle exports have shot up as people choose a more active and outdoor-oriented lifestyle as a result of the ongoing public health crisis taking the world by storm.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Brnic writes, the bicycle business is becoming very profitable due to the consumption that exploded with the onset of the pandemic, even causing a shortage on the global market, but European manufacturers, especially Italian ones, are facing a dilemma as to whether to risk things and invest in new capacities, and they are cautious because they estimate that such interest could last two more years.

All bicycle manufacturers across the world are facing a big problem with the supply of the necessary key parts for bike production, such as gears and gearboxes, even for the well-known Japanese manufacturer Shimano, which meets as much as two thirds of the world's needs.

So far, manufacturers have been waiting for four months for the delivery of the ordered quantities from Shimano, and now that time has been increased to one year. A solution is sought in collaboration with other manufacturers to increase production.

Demand is growing

Statistics also show a massive increase in general demand for bicycles - from the United States, where demand jumped 120 percent, and the United Kingdom, having jumped to 45 percent, and according to Eurostat data, trade in bicycles is growing across EU member states, especially in trade for electric versions.

43 percent more bikes were exported than in 2019, almost 274 thousand of them with a total value of 427 million euros, while their imports were at the same time higher by 19 percent, and more than 839 thousand, worth 721 million euros in total, were imported.

Exports of "classic" bicycles produced in the EU also grew by as much as 35 percent, a total of 1.3 million worth 471 million euros were exported, while imports, unlike the overall global trend, were about 3 percent below the level of the previous year. This is a large amount - the import of almost 5 million bicycles worth 930 million euros.

The main market for European bicycles of all types, pedal and electric, was the United Kingdom, where more than a third were sold, and Switzerland, while almost a quarter of imported "classic" came from Cambodia, and more than half of electric bicycles are imported from Taiwan.

When it comes to Croatia, last year, according to Eurostat data, we imported 86 percent more bicycles, a total of 16.4 thousand worth 1.5 million euros, and Croatian bicycle exports increased by 122 percent - 1.7 thousand bikes worth half a million euros were exported.

An unsurprising lack of incentives in Croatia

When it comes to electric bikes, both Croatian bicycle exports and imports decreased when compared to pre-pandemic 2019, but their financial value is significantly higher. It is also interesting to note that in this case, the export realisation is higher than that of the imports - 354 electric bicycles worth 272 thousand euros were exported, and 286 worth 182 thousand euros were imported.

There are several producers who have entered this niche here in Croatia - Mate Rimac, and the young innovator Mate Ljubicic from Runovic. The demand for electric bicycles in this country would probably also grow quite significantly if people were granted incentives as part of encouraging e-mobility.

Last year, and this year as well, in the recently published public invitation of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, no non-refundable support is provided for the purchase of electric bicycles among electric vehicles.

However, regardless of the fact that the state decided to exclude bicycles in relation to other categories of vehicles, the example of the Italian city of Rome proves that there are other forms of incentives to be offered - such as up to 500 euros for the purchase of all types of bicycles.

For more, follow our dedicated business section.

 May 26, 2021 - As part of an effort to strengthen adventure tourism on the peninsula, a Pelješac interactive map is available with five circular mountain biking routes and six hiking routes.

As stated by turistickeprice.hr, tourist communities from Pelješac united at the end of last year to develop tourist products of Pelješac. Specifically, they approached the development of outdoor offers through hiking, cycling, and windsurfing, and five thematic festivals are planned in which visitors would enjoy the flavors of Pelješac, traditional dishes, and the well-known Pelješac wine.

As part of the development of the Outdoor Program, an interactive map of mountain cycling and hiking routes in Pelješac was made. There are currently five circular mountain cycling and six hiking routes on the map. Additional route extensions are planned, as well as the addition of catering facilities and wineries to the map so that guests can easily find their way around the area and get to know the complete offer of Pelješac. Pelješac is rich in wineries and traditional taverns and restaurants, so the combination of outdoors and traditional flavors is quite natural.

On the map, you can see information about the difficulty of the route, the type of surface, description, photos and you can download the GPX track that can be used in various mobile applications and smartwatches. There is also a link to the OsmAnd mobile app on the map, as a suggestion. Otherwise, the app is free to download and works offline.

Pelješac Interactive Map with Cycling and Hiking Trails (Screenshot)

The map shows a total of five mountain bike circular routes with a length of 184 km and six hiking routes with a total length of 39 km. The Tourist Boards of Ston, Janjina, Trpanj, and Orebić note that they have developed an interactive map that cyclists and mountaineers can study without coming to the info center, or looking at the websites of tourist boards. In addition, the trails were made in collaboration with local cyclists who know the terrain best, and thus end-users will be able to discover the most interesting parts of Peljesac, which hides many natural beauties.

You can find the English version of the interactive map of Pelješac HERE, and the Croatian version HERE.

You can learn everything about what the Pelješac peninsula can offer you on your next trip, in Total Croatia’s Pelješac peninsula on a page, HERE. Total Croatia’s articles are now available in your language!

For more information about cycling in Croatia, go to Total Croatia's dedicated page.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 26, 2021 - This weekend is surely a special one for the heart of Velebit. The Sveti Rok MTB Tour bicycle competition through the fields of Lika and the area of Velebit around Cnropac will celebrate five successful years of organization with several races, exhibitions, and a Matej Meštrović concert.

As reported by turistickeprice.hr, Sveti Rok MTB Tour is the name of the traditional, fifth in a row bicycle race through the fields of Lika and the area of Velebit around Crnopac, Tulovi Gredi and Zira. This is the first activity this year out of a total of seven that will be held under the common name ‘‘Srce Velebit’’, or ‘‘Heart of Velebit’’. Every day, as part of the Sveti Rok MTB Tour, three cycling or cycling-hiking tours with guides from the Heart of Velebit will be offered. One of them will be an easier, family route through the Lika fields, while two will be more demanding on Velebit.

Credit: Heart of Velebit

On the first day of the cycling race, on May 28, the new bike & hike Staza Malog Princa (Trail of the Little Prince) will be presented. It is intended for the most prepared, and this very difficult trail is covered by 40 kilometers by bicycle, and participants will then have another four hours of walking on very demanding terrain. Due to the complexity of the terrain and the safety of the participants, the number is limited to 30 participants.

For participants with less driving experience on difficult terrains, a light route, Suvajski bunari (Suvajski wells), with a length of about 35 kilometers with an altitude difference of 350 meters has been prepared. The third route offered on the first day of the cycling race is the Velebit šišmiši (Velebit bats), and it is a night bike ride through Velebit for participants with previous experience and equipment for night driving, who should expect 25 kilometers of forest roads.

Credit: Heart of Velebit

Tulove Grede - bike & hike is the first route in Saturday's offer of cycling. The lighter version via Mali Alan is 42 kilometers long with 2 and a half hours of ascent and descent from the top, and the more advanced one goes along the Road to Hell route through Male Jasle, 60 kilometers long with 2 and a half hours of ascent and descent from the top. The Heart of Velebit Epic is very heavy, fitness, and technically demanding. Perhaps the most beautiful route in Croatia. It is 62 kilometers long, from 553 to 1211 meters above sea level, and a descent to the starting point. Winnetou - from Lika to the sea, is medium and technically demanding, 37 kilometers long. The reward for the effort is a descent from 1050 meters to the sea, for swimming.

On Saturday, May 29, a special program was prepared to mark the first five successful years of the Heart of Velebit. A celebratory concert of the famous pianist Matej Meštrović (author of the album Sounds of Velebit) will be held for all participants at the Cvituša Excursion Site, with video recording and millennial photography with a camera and drone.

On the last day of the Sveti Rok MTB Tour, on Sunday, May 30, participants can expect Zir - bike & hike, an easy route that everyone can ride, 40 kilometers of Lika fields with springs and rivers, then the Mile vode / River Deep Mountain High, which is a difficult route of 65 kilometers and Mali Epic, a shortened difficult and technically demanding bike route. From the initial 553 meters above sea level, there is an ascent along the Master Road to 1001 meters, then to 1230 meters, followed by a descent along a forest road to 580 meters above sea level, rewarding the cyclists with a road descent to Sveti Rok through the forests and paths of Velebit.

Credit: Heart of Velebit

As part of the cycling race, Lika family farms will also present themselves. In front of Hostel Sveti Rok, there will be a sales exhibition of delicacies and souvenirs before leaving for home.

Those interested can participate for one, two, or all three days. You can find more about the cycling race and how to register HERE.

Velebit Nature Park is one of the 12 natural parks in Croatia, and you can learn more about them in Total Croatia's Guide to National and Natural Parks in Croatia, HERE. Now you can find Total Croatia articles in your language!

For more information about cycling in Croatia, go to Total Croatia's dedicated page.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.