The Via Francigena will also become a cycle-tourism destination, with dedicated signage along its 1,000 km of route, thanks to a crowdfunding campaign that raised 12,000 euros.
The Via Francigena is set to become a signposted cycling route too, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign and the determination of several active travel organisations, including Slow Travel Network. While institutions have yet to draw up a plan to turn the pilgrims' path into Italy's longest cycling route equipped with signage and cycling infrastructure, work on the signage has already begun: 150 kilometres have already been marked with signs.
The ten-thousand-euro target was comfortably reached thanks to the enthusiasm of supporters, who donated a total of twelve thousand euros on the Eppela platform. The project was backed by UnipolSai Future Lab, which guaranteed funding of five thousand euros once 50 per cent of the budget had been reached and surpassed.
The walking route has proved so popular that it has begun to attract cycle tourists keen to explore this path steeped in history and spirituality. A route suitable for cycle travellers was gradually mapped out and recognised by the European Association of the Via Francigena. The GPS track, however, needs to be turned into something tangible and clearly visible, which is why at least three thousand signs are needed along the route. The CicloVia Francigena would thus become Italy's longest signposted itinerary: more than a thousand kilometres from the Great St Bernard Pass to Rome.
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"Some of us have been working for more than ten years to promote the Via Francigena," they write on the Eppela crowdfunding page, "mapping the route, producing maps, writing guides, organising trips. We intend to bring the same care that many have put into signposting the walking route — which has been made accessible to everyone — to this project." The day on which the signage is installed will be a dedicated journey, during which a video reportage will also be produced to highlight the work done and promote the Via Francigena route.
This project — three thousand waymarkers to be installed along the Via Francigena — is perfectly timed, given that we are in the year of the extraordinary Jubilee called by Pope Francis. A way of bringing together believers, slow travellers and cyclists who love routes far from traffic and full of restorative potential.
Depending on the amount donated, a reward was available. Notably, ten out of ten expected supporters donated 150 euros, four out of five donated 250 euros, and three out of three donated 500 euros: these backers gained the opportunity to become corporate sponsors of the CicloVia Francigena (for 10, 25 and 50 kilometres respectively). The majority of supporters, however, donated ten euros rather than the minimum contribution of five, receiving an eBook with CicloVia maps complete with a personal dedication.