The Appeal of Western Pomerania (Poland) for Cycle Tourism
Purpose: The West Pomeranian Voivodeship possesses diverse natural and socio-cultural assets that create favorable conditions for the development of active tourism—including cycling tourism—within the region. Developing cycling tourism and recreation requires appropriate infrastructure; such infrastructure should not only facilitate efficient and safe bicycle travel but also offer opportunities to discover the area's tourist attractions and provide access to accommodation, dining, transport, recreational, and entertainment services. This study aims to present West Pomerania as a leader among Polish regions in terms of its appeal for cycling tourism. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining primary quantitative research conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) technique with qualitative expert opinions. The survey involved a nationally representative sample of 1,514 Polish adults aged 18–65, representative by gender, age, settlement size and region, and was conducted in June 2025 by 4P Group. The empirical analysis was complemented by an examination of reports of the Marshal’s Office, data on cycling mobility and cycling routes in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, as well as a review of relevant literature, enabling the identification of cyclists’ needs and the factors shaping the region’s attractiveness for cycling tourism. Findings: Research findings indicate a steady increase in the number of cyclists using cycling infrastructure in Western Pomerania, confirming the growing importance of cycle tourism and recreation in the region. A dynamic expansion in both the number and total length of cycling routes is evident, leading to improved accessibility across various parts of the province. A key feature of this infrastructure development is the increasing diversity of routes, encompassing local sections as well as routes of supra-regional and cross-border significance. Western Pomerania stands out among Polish provinces for the high level of connectivity within its cycling infrastructure, creating an increasingly cohesive network linking towns and areas of tourist interest. The aggregated data suggest that the expansion and integration of the cycling route network are key factors boosting Western Pomerania’s tourism potential and its competitiveness as a destination for cycle tourism. Practical Implications: The development and integration of cycling route networks should be a key element of regional tourism policy, with a particular focus on enhancing their coherence, accessibility, and diversity. A highly interconnected network of routes can be leveraged to boost the appeal and competitiveness of Western Pomerania as a destination for cycle tourism. Originality/Value: The research findings offer significant insight, highlighting the dynamic development of cycling infrastructure and the growing importance of Western Pomerania as a region for cycle tourism. The results obtained can serve as a valuable basis for further research into the spatial development of the cycling route network, as well as for the planning and management of cycle tourism in the region.