The new eBike Area Vallombrosa is now a concrete reality for cycling tourism and environmental enhancement of the Reggello area. The project was presented on the occasion of the Vallombrosa Trail, a non-competitive rally dedicated to MTBs and E-MTBs that takes place in the beautiful Vallombrosa Biogenetic State Natural Reserve, immediately becoming a point of reference for the sustainable use of the forest.
An ambitious initiative, born from the collaboration between the Municipality of Reggello,L ‘ASD Babbobike, the association Vallombrosa – The Forest of Florence and the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department of Vallombrosa, with the aim of creating a virtuous model of use of the trails, capable of combining sports activities, environmental protection and enhancement of natural heritage.
Eleven routes to discover the territory on two wheels
The eBike Area provides 11 bicycle touring trails, three of which are entirely within the nature reserve. The trails are designed to provide a complete, safe and accessible experience for different levels of fitness.
Each route is marked in the area with darts and technical directions according to IMBA standards and has a QR code that allows you to download GPX tracks and access key information: difficulty, trail characteristics and useful directions for rescue.
To support the infrastructure, paper maps of the entire area are available, while the project will install eBike charging and maintenance points in later phases to serve residents and visitors.
The heart of the project: the recovery of the old cogwheel train track
A symbolic and identifying element of the eBike Area is the recovery of the historic cogwheel train track that, in the early twentieth century, connected the Sant’Ellero station to the village of Saltino, the main gateway to Vallombrosa.
A route that for decades represented the tourist development of the area and, after a long period of neglect, is now reborn as a bicycle and pedestrian route. Narrative panels have been installed along the route that tell the story of the little train and restore memory and cultural value to an infrastructure that has marked the area.
A shared project, by the community for the community
The new eBike Area Vallombrosa is the result of a participatory path, built thanks to the confrontation between associations, entities and local realities. A collective work that aims to relaunch Vallombrosa in a contemporary, sustainable and inclusive way.
Those involved include, in addition to the Florence CAI, the Pro Loco Saltino and Vallombrosa, the Circolo di San Donato, the Circolo di Sant’Ellero,ASD BabboBike the Carabinieri Forestry Department and theVallombrosa – La Foresta di Firenze Association, promoter of the Festival Foresta Maestra.
Trekking in Vallombrosa: 4 loop trails to discover the forest on foot
Alongside the bicycle touring offer, there is also a map dedicated to 4 loop trekking routes, designed for those who wish to explore Vallombrosa by walking. The routes pass through monumental forests, historic trails and scenic spots, offering proposals suitable for different levels of fitness.
The trails are marked and accessible via map, representing yet another opportunity to experience the forest in a slow, conscious and environmentally friendly way, complementing the area’s outdoor offerings.
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An extraordinary opportunity to experience Pratomagno and Vallombrosa among sports, nature, history and new visions.