From Spain to Leipzig and Vancouver, the message "Cycling makes sense," goes global.
With a pen as energy bar, the dignitaries and participants of the Velo-city 2011 signed the "Charter of Seville" and the closing ceremony of the 17th international conference on urban cycling and the successful policies of same.
In May, the "Letter of Seville" aims to convince all Transport Ministers attending the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig. This year representatives of 53 countries attended the ITF will focus on "Transport and society." In light of this theme, the "Letter of Sevilla" calls Transport Ministers to recognize the documented benefits and the benefits of bicycles as a daily mode of alternative transportation. constructive debate and I live in Sevilla - among the delegates and representatives of 47 countries in various panel discussions, workshops and plenary sessions - ultimately led to a 15-point concise list of advantages and benefits of cycling.
Manfred Neun, President of the ECF (European Cyclists' Federation), Antonio Rodrigo Torrijos, First Deputy Mayor of Sevilla, Manel Villalante, Director General of Inland Transport Ministry of Development, Bob Paddon, President TransLink and Mary Vassilakou, Vice-Mayor of Vienna and Vice-Governor, took the initiative to sign this document innovative. Manfred Neun invited all participants of the 17 th Conference Veil of the city to join him in signing the Charter of Seville. " stressed that:" After all, it contains The immediate results of all our ideas and experiences. Together we must keep up the good work and give a strong call to get all the bikers to fight for a better and sustainable future for all, and most importantly, our children and grandchildren ". Bernhard Ensink, Director and Secretary General of the ECF, stressed:" It may not be an innovative concept, but it is certainly the first time that cycling as a means of transport is on the agenda of the ITF. And what is best, is the first time that the ITF will take a closer look at the social aspects of transport policies and focus less on technical aspects. "
Sevilla City was the perfect setting for Velo-city 2011 as an example to show clearly the importance of integrating cycling in sustainable mobility policies. As the world continues to debate about need to develop sustainable infrastructure and the need to find new energy sources, Sevilla managed alone increased use 6.000 to 60.000 daily cycle trips in just three years.
Ensink added that "Cycling needs the commitment and investment of all of us. Partnerships largest bicycle companies, scientists, consultants, political, regional and national authorities and international institutions, we must all join forces to successfully promote cycling as a way forward towards a sustainable future. "
In largely overwhelmed by the success of the conference, an enthusiastic master of ceremonies, Guillermo (Gil) Peñalosa, said: "We have accomplished much and we must continue. Cycling means happiness, cycling is the community building and as everyone can have a bike, cycling is democracy. can be an example to the world. So we can all serve as examples. "
Since 1983, all previous conferences on the urban bike have demonstrated the enormous potential and benefits of cycling and Velocity Conference Seville was no different.
120 issues have been presented and discussed during the plenary sessions, workshops and roundtables. More than 900 participants representing 47 countries, mainly from Spain, Benelux and Germanic countries, Scandinavia and North America, including associations of cyclists, city, architects, politicians, NGOs and industry representatives bicycle. Together they discussed how the politics of the bicycle can be integrated into urban transport planning and how you can promote to different target groups.
Manfred Neun officially closed the 17 th Conference Veil Seville when symbolically passed the bike Velocity representatives of Vancouver, the next town where will the next congress, Mike Anderson and Bob Paddon. Velo-city 2012 will be held from 26th to 29th of June in Vancouver, Canada. Hans-Juergen Becker, Director of Velo-city 2012 concluded with the words: "Vancouver is a melting pot of different cultures. Therefore, it is the perfect place to share knowledge with the world cycling. Good luck in Vancouver and the use of Urban cycling keeps growing! "
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| Iron Bridge of San Juan de Aznalfarache, Day metropolitan bicycle, Sevilla. For a gangway on the Se-30 |
As final jewel, on Sunday celebrated the fifth ganciclovir, where thousands of Seville with the organizers and participants of Velo-city 2011 roamed the city. People of all ages enjoyed the freedom and fun one of the major avenues of the city liberated from motorized traffic for people! The ganciclovir culminated with a parade of bicycles throughout the city, which coincided with the metropolitan of the bicycle with a total of 6,000 participants.
Mispelon Chloé, Communications Officer
www.ecf.com
Paul