Policy Aims – Responsible Travel Policy

At Ride With Pete, we believe cycling is one of the best ways to experience Portugal. Our aim is to provide small-group guided cycling holidays that support local communities, encourage responsible travel and showcase the country’s quieter roads, landscapes and traditions.

We work with locally owned accommodation, cafés and restaurants wherever possible, keep our groups small to minimise our impact and encourage visitors to enjoy Portugal at a slower pace while respecting the people, places and environment that make it special.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Cycling itself is a low-impact way to explore Portugal, and our tours are designed around travelling by bicycle rather than motor vehicles wherever practical. We operate small groups, carefully plan support vehicle movements to avoid unnecessary journeys and encourage guests to bring and use their own bicycles where possible. We also work with local suppliers and accommodation to reduce unnecessary transport between services throughout the tour.

Protecting and Restoring Nature and Biodiversity

At Ride With Pete, we believe responsible travel is about more than simply visiting a destination. It is about leaving a positive impact on the communities that welcome us. Wherever possible, we work with locally owned accommodation, cafés and restaurants, ensuring that our guests’ spending directly benefits independent Portuguese businesses rather than large international chains.

We also encourage our guests to travel responsibly by carrying reusable water bottles, respecting local communities, following Leave No Trace principles and treating Portugal’s landscapes, wildlife and villages with care throughout the tour. As part of our commitment to the local community, we are proud to support Canil de Portimão, our local dog and cat rescue centre.

When guests book one of our tours, they are invited to make an optional €10 donation, with 100% of every donation passed directly to the rescue centre. The donation is entirely voluntary and has no impact on the cost of the holiday. Every euro collected goes towards helping provide food, veterinary care and shelter for abandoned and rescued animals.

As Ride With Pete grows, we hope this initiative will grow with us, allowing our guests to leave not only with unforgettable memories of Portugal but also knowing they have made a small contribution to the local community.

Providing Local Benefits from Tourism, Especially to the Marginalized

Ride With Pete is committed to supporting local businesses throughout every tour. We choose locally owned accommodation, cafés and restaurants wherever possible, helping visitors spend money directly within Portuguese communities rather than with large international chains.

We introduce guests to authentic local food, culture and hospitality, creating meaningful interactions that benefit both visitors and the communities we travel through. As our business grows, we aim to continue expanding our partnerships with independent local suppliers across Portugal.