The Verona Garda Bike Business Network was established with the goal of supporting and promoting cycling tourism on the shores of Lake Garda. It has been established in 2012 and continues to operate with renewed commitment and new businesses joining. They have implemented projects for the three-year periods of 2016-2019, and 2020-2023. Their objectives include encouraging the use of bicycles and alternative mobility, promoting sustainable land use, and boosting tourism throughout the year. They aim to enhance bicycle routes and itineraries, disseminate information through maps and thematic apps, and sponsor events and initiatives to increase visibility and awareness of bicycle tourism as a source of economic development. The Network focuses on the Verona area of lower Lake Garda and target both local residents and foreign tourists visiting the territory who are interested in discovering the culture, history, food and wine peculiarities, beauty, and fun offered by the area while riding a bike. The network addresses the need to promote biking and expand the tourist offer in the region. They have implemented mechanisms such as maps, thematic apps, and sponsorship of events to provide information on cycle-tourist routes and engage stakeholders. The practice takes place in the Veronese and Garda territory, which offers a rich heritage of artistic, cultural, tourist, and enogastronomic resources. The network has enhanced the visibility and awareness of the Veronese area as a cycling tourism destination. The collaboration with Bianchi, a renowned bicycle company, has resulted in the creation of a 98-kilometer route for e-bikes, offering a unique cycling experience. The network has distributed maps free of charge in the area, featuring the “Celeste Bianchi” route. They have also installed bike battery recharging columns along the route, providing convenience for tourists. The collaboration between the network, Bianchi, the Veneto Consortium, and Garba has led to the development of a comprehensive map featuring 600 kilometers of cycling tourism routes. These outcomes have contributed to the promotion of cycling tourism internationally and the economic development for the city of Verona and nearby.
