Slovenia on the Move: Intermodality and Tourism in Focus

The importance of spatial integration of high-speed cycling connections in urban areas was a central topic at this year’s 4th Slovenian National Cycling Conference, held in Velenje, Slovenia in early June. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy in collaboration with the Municipality of Velenje, the conference emphasized the role of high-speed cycling routes in promoting daily commuting by bike in and around Slovenian cities.

Minister Bojan Kumer highlighted the government’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility. Since 2019, nearly €200 million has been invested in over 500 kilometers of new cycling routes, primarily in urban areas. Local initiatives like Velenje’s free bike-sharing service and inter-municipal cycling connectivity show how cities are leading by example.

International speakers stressed the need for coordinated efforts beyond city boundaries. Representatives from the Netherlands and Denmark shared best practices on cycling superhighways, commuter-friendly infrastructure, and the importance of safe and attractive cycling routes away from heavy traffic. As Herbert Tiemens of Utrecht noted, “Slovenia has a strong base. The next step is to ensure safety and comfort to make daily cycling more attractive.”

Annika Morath of the Active2Public Transport project echoed these insights. She presented country-specific results from the Danube Cycling Tourism Survey, highlighting Slovenia’s strengths and areas for improvement. According to the findings, foreign visitors were highly satisfied with the country’s scenic routes, accommodation, and culinary offerings. However, there is room for growth in infrastructure integration, particularly when it comes to transporting bikes by train and connecting cycling routes with public transport options. She emphasized that while Slovenia is well known among international tourists as a cycling destination, there is a unique opportunity to better integrate domestic cycling with public transport. Improvements in infrastructure would encourage more locals to cycle, not only for leisure, but also for daily commuting.

All presentations from the conference are available on the website.

Photo credit: © Daniel Novakovič, STA
Text by Tina Rajh