Klicke hier für die deutsche VersionAn Interreg South Baltic project for the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises
Baltic Biking Upgrade
An Interreg South Baltic project for the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises
The Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU) project, a project co-funded by Interreg South Baltic, aims to promote cycling tourism along the southern section of the EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route and Baltic Sea Coastal Cycle Route. Over a period of three years (2023-2026), nine partner countries, including Belgium as the headquarters of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) in Brussels, will work together with six other countries to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As part of the project, the town of Barth is offering to create a free flyer for bicycle-friendly businesses in the region. If you are interested, companies can contact us by 30 May 2025 at the following email address:
.png)
Promotion of SMEs in the South Baltic region: The project officially started on 1 September 2023 under the leadership of the Pomorskie Tourist Board. It includes five countries along the southern part of EuroVelo 10 (Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, Germany), covering more than half of the 9,100 km route. The main objectives of the BBU project are to support SMEs in the development of cycle-friendly services, the creation of cycle tourism products and the development of international markets.
Challenges and solutions: BBU will address the challenges faced by SMEs in the South Baltic region, including a lack of knowledge, underdeveloped bicycle-friendly standards and a lack of business networks. Through targeted training, guidelines and campaigns, the project will help to create attractive bookable offers and increase the visibility of the region in the international cycle tourism market.
The BBU project partners are:
- Pomorskie Tourist Board, Polen (Lead Partner)
- Westpomerania Regional Tourism Organisation, Polen
- Visit Lolland-Falster, Dänemark
- Danish Cycling Tourism, Dansk Cykelturisme, Dänemark
- Klaipeda Region Association, Litauen
- Region Blekinge, Schweden
- Swedish Cycling Advocacy Organisation, Cykelfrämjandet, Schweden
- City of Barth, Deutschland
- European Cyclists' Federation, Belgien
Associated partners are:
- Pomorskie Voivodeship, Polen
- Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, Polen
- Polish Tourism Organisation, Polen
- Warmia and Masuria Tourist Board, Polen
- Visit Denmark, Dänemark
- Finnish Cyclists’ Federation / The Finnish Center for Cycling Tourism, Finnland
- Citybike Ltd., Estland
- Vidzeme Tourism Organisation, Lettland
- Larsson Bike, Dänemark
- Jan-Pol, Polen
- JSC Baltic Bike Travel, Litauen
Project-Baltic Biking UPGRADE in the Vineta City
Meeting with small and medium-sized enterprises in Barth
In February 2026, the city of Barth hosted an inspiring workshop for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the Baltic Biking Upgrade (BBU) project. The event brought together participants from all partner countries, creating a truly international atmosphere filled with exchange, collaboration, and fresh ideas.
Throughout the workshop, we had the pleasure of welcoming a wide range of engaging expert contributions. Among them were insightful presentations by Michael Maier from ADFC and Alexandra Fournier from the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), who shared valuable perspectives on cycling infrastructure, user needs, and innovative service approaches.
The workshop provided a unique platform for participants to connect and network with one another. Together they explored how to improve bicycle-friendly services and developed new ideas to make cycling more accessible and attractive.
Beyond the presentations, the event fostered meaningful dialogue and cross-border cooperation. The exchange of experiences and expertise highlighted the shared commitment across the Baltic region to promote cycling as a key component of sustainable mobility.
We are grateful to all contributors and participants for making this workshop such a success and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.
Download here:
Developing Cyclist-Friendly Services Scheme
Creating Cycling Tourism Products and Offers
Training and Practical Guide
Participants meet in Barth
On 27 and 28 February 2024, the second meeting of the partners of the international project ‘Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU)’ took place in Barth, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In the city of Vineta, the Terffen in Gdansk, which aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating a new bicycle-friendly offer along the southern part of EuroVelo 10, the so-called Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route, was discussed. The project is funded by the Interreg South Baltic programme.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 9 partners from all the countries in the southern Baltic region. The European Cyclists' Federation, which is responsible for coordinating the European EuroVelo routes, was also represented. The diversity of participants reflects the transnational co-operation and shared commitment to promoting cycle tourism.
Various topics were discussed during the meeting, including best practices in the field of cycle-friendly services. These best practices will be presented in national workshops to SMEs and other stakeholders interested in developing bicycle-friendly services. The discussions enabled an intensive exchange of experiences and helped to develop ideas for the implementation of the BBU's objectives.
The meeting also served to plan the next steps of the project and to ensure that the goals set are achieved.
Overall, the meeting of BBU participants in Barth was an important step towards strengthening cooperation between the project partners and promoting cycle tourism along EuroVelo 10.
