Ylläs Workshop
Workshop in Ylläs emphasised crossborder and cross-sectoral co-operation in creating an attractive biking destination with regional characteristics
Around 20 participants gathered at the cross-border workshop focusing on leisure biking development in Torne River Valley region. The event took place in Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas on August 17th.
The workshop started off with interesting presentations from both sides of the border extending also to Norway. After being introduced to the experiences of recently published Arctic by Cycle Bikepacking Route and Welcome Cyclist -Program presented by Taneli Roininen and Henna Palosaari from the Finnish Centre for Cycle Tourism, we also learnt about the importance of knowledge change and cooperation in cycle tourism development in the Swedish context. Emilia Sternberg from Cykelfrämjandet presented the results of a survey done among Swedish regional and cross-municipal organisations and heads of national cycle routes. Increased cooperation especially among municipalities, local businesses as well as land owners and private road managers was seen as a tool to better evaluate the potential and the effects of cycle tourism. Lack of infrastructure, plan/strategy and connection of routes to public transportation were seen as the biggest barriers for development. One interesting example of connecting cycling to other means of transportation was given by Kristin Gaustad from Widerøe presenting their Fly and Bike concept for rental bikes at the airports. We closed the morning with Tero Kylä-Kaila’s notes on mountain biking development in Ylläs Year Round project. Food for thought on what kind of synergies can be found in different types of biking tourism.
In the afternoon we discussed the potentialities of Torne River Valley in more detail based on suggested test routes in the region. The routes were drafted as the South loop (Tornio/Haparanda – Övertorneå/Ylitornio), Center loop (Aavasaksa-Vietonen-Pello) and North loop (Pello-Pajala-Kolari-Pello). Also an extension of North route (Kolari - Ylläs - Jerisjärvi - Muonio/Muodoslompolo) was discussed.
The strengths of the region were strongly highlighted by the rich culture, history and beautiful landscapes that could be utilised when creating service packages with side events and activities. Some parts of the loops were defined as more demanding due to the lack of services and busy traffic, however, very seldom on both sides of the river at the same time. The importance of accessible advance information about the routes and services along them was emphasised in order for visitors to plan suitable routes and navigate in the region.
The workshop ended with a visit to a local bike friendly Public House Selvä Pyy welcoming cyclists with services developed especially for them. They offer bike parking racks, bike locks and some basic tools for repair. The restaurant seats are equipped with water resistant covers and you can also wash your bike on site. It’s the small things that matter to feel welcome as a cyclist!
Before closing the day with a lovely dinner at Ravintola Rouhe we had an opportunity to venture to nature, some by bike, others by foot. Thank you all for participating!
Author: Minna Nousiainen
email: minna.nousiainen@ulapland.fi
photos: Marja Uusitalo
Slow travel in northern rural landscapes
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Routes for leisure biking -project
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