On standardised daily stages of 50 kilometres each, the ADFC examines all features and weights positive or negative sections of the route, whereby the assessment is made solely from the perspective of cycle tourists. Ten criteria are included in the assessment. After the evaluation, the long-distance cycle route, which should be at least 100 kilometres long, is awarded one, two, three, four or five stars.
The ten test criteria:
1. unique name
2. "National rank": awareness, package deals, length
3. trafficability: width, circulation barriers, bollards, steps, stairs, danger spots
4. road surface: material, sliding sections, transverse grooves, large holes
5. signposting: type of signposting, wrong direction, missing signs,
Poorly legible lettering, contradiction to the StVO
6. routing: noise pollution, odour nuisance, dust nuisance,
Detours, topic missed, metres in altitude, monotonous tour
7. motor vehicle traffic load: car-free, classes according to motor vehicle load, unsecured crossings
8. tourist infrastructure: accommodation structure, campsites, catering, bed & bike businesses, tourist information, information boards, parking facilities, bike box/bike station, playgrounds, shelters, rest areas
9. connection of the route to public transport: frequency of long-distance rail transport with bicycle transport, frequency of public transport with bicycle transport, bicycle bus
10. marketing: existing maps and information material, depending on scale and up-to-dateness, internet presence
There are currently 17 ADFC quality cycle routes in Germany, two with five stars, nine with four stars and six with three stars. We present a selection of eight long-distance cycle routes with a seal of quality in our holiday planner.
