This year, the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) is once again participating in “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” in Milan, the fair that promotes sustainability and responsible tourism. EAVF will have a stand to present numerous new developments, including new strategic partnerships. One of the highlights will be the official announcement of the agreement with FIAB – the Italian Federation for Environment and Bicycles – and Movimento Lento, which will take place on Sunday, 16th of march at 12:00. This significant collaboration stems from the shared desire to develop and promote the Ciclovia Francigena, a cycling route that follows, as much as possible, the path of the historic Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome and continued all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca.
FIAB is joining the long-established and now well-established partnership between EAVF and Movimento Lento, the Slow Tourism Network, a project conceived and coordinated by ItinerAria Srl, which has supported the Via Francigena since 2016, with the first event trip undertaken to highlight the now passable Ciclovia Francigena.
The route is currently being developed and improved, designed for cycling tourists who wish to traverse scenic landscapes, historic villages, and natural areas along the ancient pilgrimage trail. Unlike the pedestrian Via Francigena, which follows paths and dirt roads, the Ciclovia is designed to ensure safety and accessibility for cyclists, prioritising low-traffic roads and existing cycle paths.
The collaboration with FIAB, the key organisation for the EuroVelo 5 Via Romea (Francigena) route, from Pavia to Rome, also aims to encourage cycling mobility in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee. The project seeks to connect various regions of Italy, offering new opportunities for cycle tourism.
EAVF and FIAB, united in promoting cycle tourism along the Via Francigena
FIAB is an environmental organisation that advocates for the bicycle as an eco-friendly mode of transport, encouraging active mobility in everyday life and cycle tourism, promoting sustainable lifestyles for the health of the planet and the well-being of people. FIAB brings together 180 local associations across Italy, and on the international stage, it coordinates with the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF). Since 2011, FIAB has been the contact point for EuroVelo, the network of cycle routes across Europe, and since September 2024, it has served as the Coordination Centre for EuroVelo in Italy. In this role, it engages with regional authorities and both public and private partners to develop and strengthen the routes that cross the country.
FIAB carries out advocacy activities with events and projects aimed at making roads and cities more livable and safer, as well as promoting cycle tourism and the culture of responsible travel.
The future of sustainable tourism
The agreement with FIAB and Movimento Lento strengthens collaboration between institutions and associations to promote slow, sustainable mobility. During the event, EAVF will present best practices for enhancing walking routes and green paths, illustrating the role of the Ciclovia Francigena in the development of active tourism. This will be an opportunity to explore the potential of these routes for local communities and to spread a model of tourism that respects the environment and values the territories and communities that inhabit them.
