Bike & Boat: Intermodal mobility for improved connectivity of coastal towns
About this good practice
The practice addresses the challenge of integrating sustainable tourism, eco-friendly mobility, and intermodal transportation along the Slovenian coastal towns. The need to reduce car traffic in coastal towns and encourage environmentally conscious travel triggered the introduction of this service. Furthermore, the Slovenian coastal towns are part of the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route, making the option to combine cycling with boat transport a valuable addition to the overall cycling experience.
The primary objective is to promote sustainable and accessible mobility along the coast while enhancing the tourist experience. This is achieved by operating a passenger boat service that connects key coastal towns (Ankaran, Koper, Izola, and Piran) and allows bicycles on board.
The implementation process includes:
‐ Defining routes and »hop-on hop-off« points.
‐ Securing funding to support the establishment and operation of the service.
‐ Regular communication and promotion to inform potential users.
Stakeholders:
‐ Local municipalities (Ankaran, Koper, Izola, Piran) involved in planning and funding.
‐ Boat service providers (operating the boats and managing the logistics of passenger and bicycle transport).
Beneficiaries:
‐ Local residents who benefit from reduced car traffic and enhanced mobility.
‐ Tourists seeking eco-friendly, intermodal transport options.
‐ Cyclists who gain access to convenient transport for longer or multi-destination trips.
Resources needed
The service, co-funded 80% by the EU and 20% by 4 coastal municipalities, was organized by the Regional Development Centre of Koper.
In 2023–2024, costs were 65,000 EUR/season. Promotion used social media, media outreach, and marked boat points. Initially free, tickets later cost 1–5 EUR.
Evidence of success
Integration of sustainable mobility with tourism, promoting eco-friendly, intermodal transportation.
Outputs include high usage rates during the tourist season, with over 12,000 passengers transported each season (June-September). The boat, with a capacity of 70 passengers, was mostly fully occupied, especially from June to mid-August. Positive feedback from municipalities and users highlights its effectiveness in promoting connectivity and environmental sustainability.
Potential for learning or transfer
Key success factors include:
‐ Integration of transport modes (bicycle and boat) allowing intermodal mobility.
‐ Cooperation between the development agency (initiator and organiser), municipalities and transport operators to ensure a seamless user experience.
‐ Affordable prices and clear communication to attract locals and tourists.
A potential challenge is ensuring funding to ensure the service operates every season. Regional development centre of Koper first introduced the service in 2020, with financing from the Interreg Italy-Slovenia program. This funding was essential for the establishment and operation of the service. However, municipalities have recognized the service as an important product for sustainable tourism and mobility. Therefore, it is anticipated that they will contribute to financing the service in the future, ensuring its continued operation even if project funding is no longer available.
