The theme of this year's 11th selection for the Jakob Award is "Innovative Cycling Experiences".
The international commission consisted of prof. dr. Janez Bogataj, President (Slovenia), Marko Lenarčič (Slovenia), Lojze Wieser (Austria) and Jožko Sirk (Italy).
The Commission selected five finalists from among 14 projects:
• The Juliana Bike - Circular Long-Distance Cycling Route – The Julian Alps Community (The Bohinj Tourism) and The Mountaineering Association of Slovenia
(The project description: The Juliana Bike is a long-distance circular touring bike route around and across the Julian Alps. Touring cyclists tackle over 300 km of marked trails and overcome 8,500 metres in seven stages. The Juliana Bike was created in collaboration with the Julian Alps Community and The Mountaineering Association Slovenia.)
• The ArheKoloVrhnika and KoloVagaBevke: Family Cycling Adventures in Vrhnika - Škrateljc, The Institute for Culture, Education and Sports
(The project description: An innovative product of family cycling tourism, with which we encouraged structured, different, and adventurous discovery of history, archaeology of Vrhnika on the one hand, and natural beauties of the Ljubljana Marshes on the other. The product is connected with all other offers of Vrhnika (gastronomy, guided tours, etc.)
• Who Prepares Your Breakfast? By Bike to The Source! – The Charming Slovenia, The Herbal Glamping Resort Ljubno
(The project description: The Herbal Glamping Resort Ljubno and the Charming Slovenia brand are famous for connecting with local providers and growers. With us, jump on an electric bike and let’s go together to those who lovingly prepare excellent ingredients for a homemade breakfast that makes you mornings better at the Herbal Glamping Resort Ljubno.)
• The Cycling Ecohotel Koroš and the Mountain Biking Park on Farms - Ekohotel Koroš (Kreatur d.o.o.)
(The project description: whereas mountain biking is “forbidden and unpopular” in some places, we have developed a modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable natural global cycling destination in an innovative way, on 7 farms, in a traditional rural environment.)
• Cycling for people with reduced mobility – The ARS VIVA, Institute for Cultural Integration and Socialization of Social Groups
(The project description: The offer of renting adapted bicycles as such is unique in Slovenia and contributes to the development of accessible tourism in the local community. Cycling for the disabled is intended for vulnerable groups and their families. Adapted cycling allows active leisure, especially for guests with reduce mobility.)
The Jakob Award for the most Innovative Cycling Experience has been rewarded to the project Cycling for People with reduced mobility ARS VIVA, of the Institute for Cultural Integration and Socialization of Social Groups. They have applied a project that offers rental of adapted bicycles, thus enabling the improvement of the quality of life to vulnerable groups, and active involvement in society.
The Commission reasoned its decision as follows:
"The project enables people with reduced mobility to spend their free time actively and get to know natural and cultural environments at the local and regional level, even for individuals and groups with reduced mobility."