Safe road cycling holidays

Why the right route choice is the foundation of safety

The foundation of safe road cycling holidays lies not in your helmet or your brakes, but in the line you draw on the map. Nothing ruins the atmosphere and the feeling of safety faster than lorries whizzing closely past you on a busy provincial road. As an individual cyclist, you are often dependent on apps like Google Maps or Komoot. Although this technology is fantastic, it sometimes misses the local nuance. A road might look like the shortest connection on the map, but in practice be a dangerous traffic artery without a hard shoulder.

At CvA travel, we believe in the power of ‘scouting’. That means we or our local partners have physically ridden the routes in advance. We deliberately look for backroads, country lanes, and climbs that are unknown to the general public. You will barely encounter any cars here. This sometimes means a detour of a few kilometres, but those extra kilometres in peace and quiet far outweigh the stress of a busy main road. A safe route is a route where you can cycle broadly, where you have the space to corner properly, and where you don’t have to constantly look over your shoulder. It gives you the mental space to enjoy the scenery, which is ultimately what you are on holiday for.

Destinations with the best cycling culture and infrastructure

Safety is also embedded in a country’s culture. How do motorists interact with cyclists? Is there mutual respect? Because this varies hugely per region, your choice of destination is crucial for a relaxed experience. We highlight two regions that each excel in cycling safety in their own way.

Spain and Italy: Respect for the ‘ciclista’

In Southern Europe, and particularly in Spain and Italy, cycling is not a hobby but a religion. Motorists here are often cyclists themselves or have family members who cycle. This creates a very different dynamic on the road than what we are sometimes used to in Northern Europe. In Spain, for example, it is legally required for cars to keep a distance of 1.5 metres when overtaking, and this is generally well adhered to. During safe road cycling holidays in regions such as Girona, Tuscany, or the Dolomites, you will notice that cars often wait patiently behind you until they can pass safely. There is rarely any aggressive honking. Moreover, the tarmac in these popular cycling areas is often of excellent quality, which minimises the risk of crashes due to potholes or loose gravel. It feels like a warm welcome where you, as a cyclist, are truly embraced.

Surprisingly safe: Rwanda and Asia

It might sound contradictory, but destinations like Rwanda or Vietnam can feel safer than a busy country road in the Netherlands. In Rwanda, the roads outside the capital are extremely quiet, and the tarmac is world-class. There is simply very little motorised traffic. The cars that do drive there often drive slowly. In Asia, such as in Vietnam, traffic might seem chaotic at first glance, but it is an organised chaos. Speeds are low (often no faster than 40 km/h) and people anticipate each other incredibly well. Because everyone is used to two-wheelers, they take you into account. You are part of the flow, rather than an obstacle. With the right guidance and route knowledge, you experience a form of safety here that stems from harmony on the road, rather than from rules and signs.

Insurance and medical back-up

Finally, the boring but essential paperwork. No matter how well prepared you are, accidents can easily happen. A fall abroad can become an administrative and financial nightmare without the right documents. Before departure, always check whether your travel insurance covers ‘hazardous sports’ or cycling specifically. This is often excluded from standard cover. Repatriation (flying back home in case of illness) must also be well arranged.

Within Europe, the EHIC card (that blue card from your health insurer) is handy to have with you for medical care. Are you travelling to far-flung destinations like Africa or Asia? Then we at CvA travel provide a list of emergency numbers and we know where the best private clinics are. When booking, we also always ask about any medical specifics or allergies. Not out of curiosity, but for your safety. Should anything happen, we can inform the emergency services immediately and accurately. This invisible layer of safety ensures that you can put your feet on the pedals with peace of mind and enjoy the freedom of the bike.