Testing Audio Stories to Promote Cycling and Low-Carbon Mobility Along Waterways in the Kranj Area

The pilot action builds on and adapts the Danish good practice “Åsteder – location-based audio storytelling” to the Kranj area, focusing on cycling routes along waterways. The pilot will implement 10 location-based interpretive points along selected cycling routes. At each point, visitors will access content via QR codes, linking to high-quality, short audio stories and written texts available in Slovene, English, German and Italian. The content will highlight waterways, landscape features, and local heritage, creating an engaging and accessible experience for both local residents and visitors. No additional physical infrastructure will be installed on-site, as space is limited and environmental protection requirements restrict new installations; the pilot therefore relies on low-impact digital solutions.

To ensure visibility and user uptake, the pilot will include targeted communication measures through tourism websites, a printed leaflet and a short promotional video, encouraging users to explore less-known routes by bike.

The pilot will test:
- the effectiveness of audio storytelling in encouraging cycling and walking instead of car use,
- its capacity to shift visitor flows from over-visited areas to the Kranj area, activating underused routes,
- its impact on user experience and engagement along waterways-based cycling routes, including enhancing route attractiveness and linking mobility with nature-based wellbeing,
- its potential to increase the visibility and attractiveness of lesser-known areas.

User behaviour and uptake will be monitored through QR code scans, cycling counters and user feedback.

Building on interregional learning from Denmark, the pilot will adapt and upgrade the model by introducing shorter, multilingual content and a stronger focus on behavioural change and mobility outcomes. The result will be a tested and scalable prototype supporting low-carbon mobility, heritage visibility and a more balanced territorial distribution of tourism.