Three bicycle counters to collect data and analyze cycling flows along the main routes between Italy and Slovenia in the Gorizia–Nova Gorica area, with the aim of enhancing sustainable mobility and the cycling infrastructure developed in the area in recent years. This is the pilot project activity carried out by the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) of the municipalities of Gorizia, Nova Gorica and Šempeter-Vrtojba – EGTC GO, within the framework of the project BorderLabs CE – Participatory cross-border governance for managing transition in Central European regions.

The project, involving partners from Central European countries, focuses on improving local policies through participatory processes and pilot actions related to sustainability and ecological transition in border areas.

The three bicycle counters were supplied by Tattile srl and are currently being installed by the Municipality of Gorizia at locations in the city agreed with the authority. A fixed device has been placed on Corso Italia, next to the cycle path near the Parco della Rimembranza. The other two devices, which are mobile, will instead be positioned at various strategic locations throughout the city to capture different flows over time; the pilot action foresees that they will be relocated at least once more. Initially, they will be installed on Via del Rafut, at the corner with Via Giustiniani—an area used both for daily commuting and by cycle tourists and sports users—and on Via degli Scogli, just before the border, in a zone that captures both local flows and those linked to cross-border cycling routes developed by the EGTC GO within the ITI Isonzo-Soča project.

The devices, purchased and installed by EGTC GO within the project at a cost of €22,610 (VAT included), will be maintained by the Municipality of Gorizia, as agreed between the two bodies, even beyond the conclusion of the project activities, thus ensuring their continued use over time. In addition to monitoring cycling flows, bicycle counters also play an important awareness-raising role, as they make the presence and trends of cycling traffic visible to citizens, helping to promote the bicycle as a sustainable means of transport.

This project activity is part of a broader analytical and planning effort that includes the study of an extensive cross-border cycling network, integrated with public bike-sharing services, and the assessment of related investment needs. At the same time, the project also includes an evaluation of the feasibility of sustainable accommodation facilities at a cross-border level, with the aim of building an integrated model of cycle tourism capable of connecting territories, cultural heritage and lesser-known natural areas of high environmental value.

A key element of the project is the participatory process involving local, regional and national stakeholders, tourism operators and service providers, with the aim of co-designing shared solutions for sector development. The final result of the pilot action will be the definition of an integrated cross-border model of sustainable tourism based on cycling, which will be formalized in an action plan scheduled for November.

This context also includes the workshop held on Thursday, 2 April 2026, in Gorizia at the GO! Center, dedicated to cross-border cycle tourism between Italy and Slovenia and organized by EGTC GO within the aforementioned project. The meeting enabled the sharing of experiences and best practices, as well as the collection of contributions useful for the co-design of innovative solutions to strengthen cycling and tourism connections between the two countries, with particular attention to enhancing cross-border potential and developing a sustainable and integrated tourism offer.