Skåne's efforts to become Sweden's best cycling region are strengthened when the South Coast Trail receives status as a national cycling tourism trail.
In 2019, the new trail that runs along the coast of Skåne between Helsingborg and Simrishamn will be inaugurated, connecting the already existing Kattegattleden and Sydostleden cycle trails. This will offer tourists and residents 900 kilometers of continuous, high-quality cycle trails between Gothenburg and Växjö, via Skåne.
– This positions Skåne as one of the better cycling regions in northern Europe. The role of cycling in Skåne is strengthened, which is beneficial to the people of Skåne, says Ulrika Geeraedt, Development Director, Region Skåne.
Behind this lies a focused investment of over 130 million SEK through the Cycle Route Plan for Skåne 2018-2029.
– But we need to continue our work to increase the proportion of bicycle trips, improve road safety and increase cycling among children and young people, says Ulrika Geeraedts.
High demands
The requirements for approval as a national cycle tourism route are high in terms of attractions, service and road safety, for example. The Swedish Transport Administration is behind the classification, and Skåne can now boast that all national cycle tourism routes in Sweden touch Skåne.
All national cycle tourism routes in Sweden pass through Skåne. Photo: Region Skåne.
The cycling trail complements Region Skåne's work with the Skåneleden and its investments in mountain biking.
International price
The Kattegattleden and the Sydostleden attract great international interest, and the Kattegattleden was recently named the best cycle route of the year at the Fiets en Wanderbeurs fair in the Netherlands.
The new trail will be officially inaugurated on June 3, 2019, on ”World Bicycle Day”.
