Mandatory conditions for the certification of accommodation units
For the Velo Popas certification, it is necessary to meet all the mandatory criteria. Below you will find the description of each criterion so that you can more easily assess to what extent your facility meets the criteria or what elements are missing to meet the mandatory criteria.
1. Possibility of accommodation for one night
Minimum criteria:
- One-night stays at higher rates are accepted, provided this is standard for all tourists.
2. Safe shelter/parking for bikes and luggage
Minimum criteria:
- An enclosed space is accepted, even unsecured, where tourists can secure their bicycles with a safety chain
- It is accepted to store bicycles overnight in indoor spaces (hallway, rooms, etc.)
Ideal criteria:
- Enclosed space, inside the accommodation unit, with spaces specially designed for bicycles, secured at night (with security or cameras)
* Example of ideal space for storing bicycles.
- Important! Please consider that some cyclists may require additional safety criteria for their bicycles or may appreciate more options for safe bicycle storage.
3. Bicycle tool kit
Minimum criteria:
- A kit can be a box like the one in the picture, containing some items needed by cyclists. The minimum mandatory list is below:
Tools
- Multitool set (minimum 6 hex sizes)
- Patent tool
- Straight screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Camera levers
- Pump with pressure gauge, minimum 8 bar, for two types of valves
- Chain wrench (can be included in the multitool set)
- Wrench for pedals
- Roulette
Supplies
- Chain oil
- Wheel patch
- Tape
- Plastic collars
- Latex gloves
- Wipes
Other products that can be added to the mandatory list (the list is not exhaustive):
Tools
- Hex and star keys of various sizes, in T
- Brake disc and pinion straightening wrench
- Chain gauge
- Sprocket wrenches
- Spoke wrench
- Cable pliers
- Chain pliers
- Wheel centering stand
- Gear shifter
- Fixed spanners, various sizes
Supplies
- Wheel chambers of various sizes (MTB, road, trekking)
- Hydraulic brake oil
- Gears
- Pedals
- Anti-wedge liquid
- Spokes of various types and lengths
- Chain or chain links
- Brake and shift cables
- Sleeves for brake and shifter cables
- Solutions for cleaning and maintaining your bike
- Cloths for drying
Important !
1. for consumables, you can also request payment for the products used (partially or fully), in order to permanently maintain a stock of consumables.
2. it is very important that cyclists have easy and quick access to tools and supplies.
Ideal criteria:
Ideal criteria for cyclists include semi-professional equipment and bike repair stands, as in the images below:
4. Possibility to wash/clean the bikes
Minimum criteria:
- In general, the provision of a bucket of water, a brush and dry cloths are the minimum requirements for a cyclist to clean their bicycle and accessory equipment.
Ideal criteria:
- Water pressure system and solutions for degreasing/washing bicycles.
Important !
1. Bicycle washing and the use of specific consumables (shampoo, degreaser, etc.) can be paid services.
2. It is accepted as fulfilled the condition that this service cannot be provided at the accommodation, but there is a system (free of charge or for a fee) in the immediate vicinity of the accommodation unit, i.e. at a maximum distance of 200m.
3. We want to promote environmentally friendly solutions, so we support any idea that discourages the waste of resources or uses reusable resources. For example, we assess whether water collected from rain or equipment that reduces water use will be used to clean the equipment.
5. First aid kit
Minimum criteria:
- The first aid kit is a mandatory element in any accommodation unit, so by having this mandatory kit you also meet the minimum conditions for this mandatory point.
Ideal criteria:
- Ideally, in the bicycle repair area there will be a dedicated kit, which will have several bandages and compresses for cleaning and protection, extra scissors and tweezers, healing agents, a larger supply of wet wipes, disinfectant, etc.
Important !
As with the tool kit, cyclists need quick and easy access to their first aid kit.
6. Ability to clean/dry clothes and equipment
Minimum criteria:
- Detergent and water for washing; place for drying.
Ideal criteria:
- Next day cleaning service. This service may also be provided outside the accommodation unit by other service providers and may be charged.
7. Breakfast or the possibility to cook
Minimum criteria:
- Provision of a kitchen with minimal equipment, where tourists can prepare their own food.
Ideal criteria:
- Ideally, tourists can have a restaurant or space where they can prepare their food as they wish.
8. Information for cyclists (print or electronic): routes in the area, information, weather conditions, etc.
Minimum criteria:
- General information, similar for all tourists in the accommodation unit.
Ideal criteria:
- Personalized information for cyclists, including:
- Detailed cycle routes starting from the accommodation unit, with the possibility of downloading to your own guidance devices
- Weather information
- Information on the nearest bike service, bike shops, accessories and parts
- General tourist information: museums, tourist attractions, restaurants, local events
Optional conditions for certification of accommodation units
For the Velo Popas certification, it is necessary to meet all the mandatory criteria. The optional criteria are recommended to facilitate the choice of stopping places for cycle tourists.
Below is a description of each optional criteria so you can more easily assess how well your facility meets the criteria or what elements are missing.
We encourage you to start the certification process even if you do not meet all the criteria. This way you can benefit from our assistance to choose the best option for both the cyclists and you.
1. Bicycles for rent
In order to meet this criterion, an accommodation unit must not have its own bicycles, but must be able to provide bicycles for cyclists upon request. This service may be provided by other providers nearby.
Minimum criteria:
- Bicycles for short rides near the accommodation
- Cyclists must not travel more than 200m to pick up their bikes
- Knowing in advance the rental conditions (rate, type of bikes, etc.)
Ideal criteria:
- Cycling bicycles (trekking, touring, mountain bike, gravel bike, e-bike, etc.), functional for long-term use and long distances (minimum two days, minimum 100 km), of several sizes, well maintained, checked at least once every 6 months.
- Free rental for cyclists staying during their stay
2. Transport of luggage/equipment and/or people
As in the case of bicycle rentals, this service can also be provided by other providers, provided that tourists do not have to travel more than 200m to the place of departure.
Minimum criteria:
- Transport of luggage and/or bicycles with means of transport
- Knowing the conditions in advance (mode of transport, tariff, etc.)
- For the transport of people – meeting the legal conditions for the transport of people
Ideal criteria:
- Transport conditions dedicated to the type of transport (bike rack, luggage space, etc.)
- Authorized passenger transport company
- Scheduling transportation according to the schedule of tourists
3. Takeaway food
This service is justified for cycle tourists who want to leave very early, sometimes before breakfast. In addition to these, if there are not many options for lunch or picnic along the next route, the option of preparing a packed lunch is helpful for tourists.
Minimum criteria:
- Early communication of conditions (cost, what it may contain, etc.)
- Sandwich or cold food, plus a drink (water or soft drink)
- For the transport of people – meeting the legal conditions for the transport of people
Ideal criteria:
- Multiple options to choose from
- The possibility of taking a hot drink in a thermos
- Ergonomic package, to take up as little space as possible in tourists' luggage.
4. Bicycle components/parts
The option to purchase bicycle components, parts and accessories is quite a difficult service, considering that bicycles are very different and anticipating the needs for certain parts or components is difficult. However, certain components, parts and accessories may be made available for a fee. If you want to ensure a minimum stock of such components, our team can assist you in purchasing them at favorable conditions.
The list below is by way of example and may be extended:
- Parts that can be replaced on bicycles: chain, spokes, brake and shifter cables, pedals, tires, tubes, etc.
- Accessories: mudguards, lights, pump, jack,
- Gear: rain gear, bike bags, helmet, cycling jerseys and pants, hand and leg warmers, gloves, etc.
- Consumables: chain oil, camera patches, bike cleaner, degreaser, petroleum jelly, etc.
5. Socket for powering electric bicycle batteries
Access to electricity to power phones and e-bikes is one of the easiest services, which is why many “Cyclists welcome” certifications include it as a mandatory criterion.
Minimum criteria:
- Access for a fee to 1-2 sockets
Ideal criteria:
- Free access to multiple outlets for all cyclists, even if they are not staying or using other services.
6. Tourist or bicycle maps of the region (print or electronic)
Access to tourist maps of the region can be helpful in keeping cycle tourists longer in the area and returning them in the future.
Minimum criteria:
- Some maps or guides with the main tourist attractions in the area, free of charge or for a fee
Ideal criteria:
- Multiple options for spending a vacation in the area, both for cyclists and other travelers
- Free of charge
- Print and electronic
7. Bicycle paths nearby
The existence of bicycle routes near the accommodation point can be a long-term advantage.
Minimum criteria:
- Access to 1-2 cycle routes, not very close to the accommodation unit
Ideal criteria:
- Multiple possibilities to go out by bike
- Marked trails
- Very close to the accommodation point
- Upload routes to phone/gps
- Guide services
8. Free Wi-Fi
This service is present in most accommodation units, restaurants, etc. and it can become an advantage for any accommodation unit that makes it available to tourists.
9. List of accommodations/goals in the region that have Velo Popas criteria
A list of the nearest certified stops can be of great help to cyclists, who will be able to make their schedule in the area easier. Even if the cycle tourists will only stay at your place for one night, the existence of such a list can benefit you in the long term.
10. Free drinking water for cyclists
Providing drinking water for cycle tourism is a simple gesture, but with which you will gain a great appreciation from them.
11. Tent camping option
There are cycle tourists who want to spend the night in a tent or cannot afford the cost of a room. If conditions exist to provide this option safely, it can be added to the list of optional criteria that you insure.
Minimum criteria:
- Straight pitch, safe for tourists, luggage and bikes
Ideal criteria:
- Free access to toilets, water, showers, electricity, etc.
* Optional criteria for campsites and glamping
12. Possibility of picnic in the tent area
Although this criterion is not mandatory, it is a common option for most campsites.
13. Nearby shopping options
In the absence of shops or options for purchasing goods nearby, campsites can organize vending machines for the sale of products for their own tourists.