BiH application approved for EuroVelo, becoming part of a transnational cycling route for the first time

(Patria) - The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) has confirmed: the application led by the HerzegovinaBike Association has been approved, and Bosnia and Herzegovina has an open path to become part of the prestigious transnational cycling route network – EuroVelo – for the first time in history!

From Vision to European Recognition

The road to this success was neither short nor easy. It all began with an initial meeting in Jahorina, where the City of Mostar, the Municipality of Pale, and the Cycling Federation of BiH gathered regional leaders with one goal: to transform the historic Ćiro railway line into the lifeblood of European cycle tourism. The idea of a route connecting Dubrovnik and Belgrade soon grew into an even more ambitious project – a transnational route of 1,015 kilometers connecting Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje, Nikšić, Podgorica, and Shkodër.

After months of intensive mapping and strategic coordination activities, led by Ivica Sivrić, Đani Rahimić, and Toni Zorić, the HerzegovinaBike Association took on the responsibility of the lead applicant and coordinator of the regional consortium. Through this process, partners from Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania were successfully brought together to meet the rigorous criteria of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF).

Key Presentation at the ECF General Assembly

The entire process gained significant momentum in April of this year when our representatives participated in the Annual General Meeting of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF). Our delegation consisted of Petar Janak, a long-time delegate and member of the HerzegovinaBike Association, and Đani Rahimić representing the City of Mostar.

It was at this assembly that an excellent presentation was given, where the potential of our route was explained in detail to the ECF's expert council. This presentation on transforming historical heritage into a modern tourist product generated extremely positive reactions and was a crucial step towards the final approval of the application. The professional approach and clear vision of our team on the international stage once again confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the capacity for the most demanding European projects.

Official Confirmation from Brussels

Years of effort culminated in an official letter signed by Agathe Daudibon, Director of the EuroVelo Network and Cycle Tourism.

"We are delighted to confirm that your application for a candidate EuroVelo route has been approved by the EuroVelo Council. Congratulations!"

This confirmation means that BiH is entering a six-year certification and implementation process, directly connecting our country to EuroVelo 8 (the Mediterranean Route) in Shkodër, opening doors to thousands of cycle tourists from around the world who exclusively follow official EuroVelo corridors.

What Does This Mean for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Inclusion in the EuroVelo network brings:

- Global Visibility: BiH will be featured on official European cycling corridor maps.

- Development of Rural Areas: The route passes through smaller towns, stimulating the development of local crafts, accommodation, and hospitality.

- Sustainable Tourism: An environmentally friendly way of traveling and preserving natural heritage is promoted.

- Regional Cooperation: The project has united four Western Balkan countries around a common economic interest.

The HerzegovinaBike Association, with the support of the City of Mostar, REDAH, and partners from the region, continues its work. This is not just a victory for cyclists – it is a victory for tourism, the economy, and the international reputation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From an idea in Jahorina to a triumph at the ECF General Assembly – BiH is finally on the European cycling map!