The Bicikademija project represents an innovative and interactive approach to promoting an area as a desirable cyclotourism destination. Bicikademija is composed of a web platform and mobile application through which the user register (Bike Student), receiving a virtual grade book. The book is composed of studies representing certain areas. Every study is composed of tests (locations), Hrturizam.hr reported on November 13, 2016.
The mission of the Student is to register and log in, cycle through the locations, check in and take a selfie and in that way pass the exam. After completing all exams in a study, the Student receives and award from the sponsor, Giant Croatia. Exams need not be taken in a certain sequence, while the Bicikademija is taking place in five Slavonian counties and the Istrian region. Since 2016, a mobile app is in use, free for all users.
What makes Bicikademija different and unique is that all locations, or exams, represent the cultural and natural heritage of an area, a complete tourism product.
The entire platform should be supported by towns, counties and tourism boards as it gives them the tool which encompasses everything, from cycling routes and tourist attractions, so together they can complete the development of cyclotourism. Naturally for more serious development of cyclotourism a development and infrastructure investment strategy is needed to form a well rounded tourism product. Unfortunately in most cases, the first two ingredients are missing.
The entire project is not recognised enough in Slavonia by towns and tourism boards, they simply haven’t tried using it, while they should as Slavonia has enormous potential for cyclotourism. But to tell a story, it takes at least two. Until more favourable winds in Slavonia, the project is expanding into Istria who knows quite well the potential of cyclotourism.
In any case, Bicikademija is an excellent innovative and interactive project which can together with partners be an excellent story. The first step is made, it is up to others to support it financially and logistically.
It is in the interest of tourism boards, the product is nearly complete, embrace it and tell stories. Take a look yourself and support Bicikademija at www.academi.bike.
