Validation diagnosis of the Caiçara Cycling Route paths

Abstract

The study aimed to diagnose and classify the segments of the Caiçara Cycle Tourism Route on the coast of Paraná, focusing on cyclists' perceptions and the guidelines of NBR 15.509-2 Cycle Tourism, Part 2: Route Classification (ABNT, 2017). The research involved a 430 km expedition for data collection and segment classification based on criteria such as environmental severity, orientation, technical difficulty, physical effort, and spatial analyses. Results identified critical segments like Superagui – Praia Deserta, Antonina – Morretes – Limeira, and Limeira – Garuva, which had higher severity due to the lack of shoulders, slippery surfaces, and poor road conditions. Conversely, segments such as Matinhos – Pontal do Paraná and Garuva – Guaratuba – Matinhos were classified with lower severity despite challenges like compromised safety and inadequate signage. This study provides a preliminary foundation for implementing the Caiçara Route and supports the development of cycle tourism and sustainable mobility along the Paraná coast.

Keywords: cycling mobility; sustainable development; sustainable mobility; territorial sustainability; community-based tourism.