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Why Cycling Tourism Is Great for the Planet: Sustainable Travel on Two Wheels

Why Cycling Tourism Is Great for the Planet: Sustainable Travel on Two Wheels

Discover how cycling tourism helps the planet — from reducing carbon emissions to supporting local communities and eco-friendly travel in...

Why Cycling Tourism Is Great for the Planet

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of travel, cycling tourism has emerged as a cleaner, greener, and more meaningful way to explore. At Eat Sleep Cycle, we believe that discovering the world by bike isn’t just an adventure — it’s an act of sustainability.

1. A Low-Carbon Way to Travel

Flying and driving are among the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. Cycling, however, produces almost zero CO₂. On average, cyclists emit less than 10 grams of CO₂ per kilometre — compared to over 250 grams from a car.

Even when using e-bikes, emissions remain minimal, particularly when batteries are charged with renewable energy. Every pedal stroke replaces fuel with clean, human-powered energy.

2. Supporting Sustainable Tourism and Local Communities

Cycling tourism encourages slow travel — taking time to connect with the landscape, the people, and the culture. Cyclists often stay in small, family-run accommodations and enjoy locally produced food. This approach keeps tourism income within the community, reducing reliance on high-impact resorts and mass tourism.

At Eat Sleep Cycle, we partner with local hotels, guides, and restaurants across our destinations — from Catalonia to the Dolomites — ensuring that every tour supports local livelihoods and preserves cultural heritage.

3. Protecting the Environment Through Eco Travel

Cycling is one of the few forms of tourism that allows you to experience nature without harming it. Bikes don’t produce noise or air pollution, nor do they require the large-scale infrastructure of cars and buses.

Cyclists move at the perfect pace to appreciate the natural world — riding through vineyards, forests, and coastal roads creates a connection that inspires environmental awareness and protection.

4. Reducing Urban Congestion and Pollution

Cycling tourism also promotes sustainable mobility in cities. Many cycling-friendly destinations — such as Girona or Ljubljana — have developed bike lanes and green infrastructure that benefit both tourists and locals.

The result? Cleaner air, fewer cars, and healthier, more liveable cities that embrace sustainability year-round.

5. Inspiring a Greener Lifestyle Beyond the Tour

A cycling holiday often sparks long-term change. Riders return home inspired to cycle to work, make more eco-conscious choices, and travel responsibly in the future. Cycling tourism doesn’t just reduce emissions during your trip — it helps shape a greener mindset that lasts a lifetime.

6. The Joy of Simple, Conscious Travel

Cycling tourism embodies the art of slow living. It’s about being present — feeling the wind, the terrain, the local scents and sounds. It’s a reminder that meaningful travel doesn’t require luxury or speed.

Exploring by bike means connecting deeply with every place you visit, and protecting it for future generations.


Ride Green. Travel Better.

At Eat Sleep Cycle, sustainability is at the core of what we do. From carbon-conscious tour design to supporting local economies, we believe that every cycling holiday can be a step towards a cleaner, fairer planet.

Join us for an eco-friendly cycling holiday in Europe and be part of the movement for sustainable travel.

Written by Lee

I am co-founder of Eat Sleep Cycle. For 8 years we have created custom cycling experiences in Europe and beyond. We help our guests experience the very best cycling in Europe including Girona, the Pyrenees, Tuscany and the Dolomites, the French Alps, Andalucia and beyond. We specialize in customizing cycling experiences for groups, agencies and our corporate partners.We believe in empowering and motivating the local community to cycle so we also run vibrant Cycling Hubs in Girona and Málaga. Our Hubs are a place you can find all your cycling needs from bike hire to cyclist friendly food and great coffee.Through 10 years working as an engineer, operations manager and sales manager, the bike was always my escape – venturing to new places, meeting new people, seeing amazing things, suffering a bit. Now my focus is helping others to enjoy that same escape, whatever the level, age or nationality.I believe that cycling brings people together and Eat Sleep Cycle was born through this desire. Our vision is to bring down barriers through exploring the world on 2 wheels.

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