Filenews 2 March 2021
The main provisions of the "Action Plan for the Promotion of the Use of Bicycles" were developed today by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Giannis Karousos, at the press conference held at the Ministry of Finance, in the presence of the Mayor of Bicycle Nicosia and Ambassador of Road Safety Marina Kyriakou and the President of the Cyprus Cycling Federation Mr. George Georgiou.
The Minister stated that "the effort of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is to introduce bicycles into the everyday life of the citizen as a safe and reliable means of transportation as well as sports or entertainment". It pointed out, at the same time, that "cycling promotes improved quality of life and improved health, reduces gaseous pollutants, reduces urban noise, saves energy and contributes to the decongestion of the road network".
Referring to the "Bicycle Use Promotion Action Plan for the period 2021-2023", Mr Karusos stressed that this Plan is not a piecemeal action, but is part of the wider commitment of EU Member States to decarbonisation, as stated in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030, which provides for climate neutrality by 2050.
Drawing attention to the need for drastic decisions to limit greenhouse gas emissions, the Minister stated clearly that "the measures and policies included in the final National Energy and Climate Plan submitted to the European Commission on 21 January 2020 are also the 'shift of vehicle movements to sustainable means of transport through policies and measures'.
"In this context, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works," said Mr. Karusos, "through the Sustainable Mobility Branch of the Department of Public Works, is working extensively to reshape public transport. In a country such as Cyprus, with its short distances and Mediterranean climate, cycling can become an alternative transit option, beyond a means of sports and entertainment."
Presenting the "Action Plan to Promote the Use of Bicycles for the period 2021-2023", the Minister stated that the budget amounts to €4 million and concerns the following 17 actions:
1) Expansion of cycling infrastructure, especially those leading to all levels of schools, sports, shopping and administrative centres.
2) Reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h in neighbourhoods and historic cores or cores of a special nature, as well as in city centres in order to make the use of bicycles safer and friendlier on the road.
3) Concession/recovery of road width from the traffic lanes for the creation of bike lanes on selected roads.
4) Traffic arrangements for cyclists as well as an appropriate signage system and lamp setting to ensure continuous flow.
5) Day of use of bicycles e.g. Sunday, (car-free Sundays) and possible closure of the center of each city for exclusive use for bicycles once a month, in cooperation with the Local Authorities.
6) Implement a system for renting electric bicycles on favourable terms or borrowing bicycles in selected locations.
7) Free transport of bicycles by public transport vehicles.
8) Creation of a map of cycling infrastructures available through telephone applications or other navigation devices and through the traffic management platform of the Department of Public Works.
9) Construction of sheltered and safe bicycle buildings.
10) In order to encourage workers to go to the workplace by bicycle, they will: (a) indicate locker rooms in privately owned government buildings and (b) new government buildings that will either be purchased or rented will be provided for the existence of clothing and bicycle facilities.
11) In cooperation with the Department of Urban Planning and Housing, the policy for the construction of clothing/showers and bicycle facilities in various business premises, shopping centres, hotels, etc. will be promoted. to encourage private sector workers to go to their workplace by bicycle.
12) Promote the "I'm going to work by bike" project. Companies that promote the use of bicycles by their employees as a means of transport and/or have facilities to serve visiting cyclists will be evaluated and certified as an indication that it contributes to climate neutrality through its action and thus strengthens its social corporate responsibility.
13) Incentive and grant plan for the purchase of a new bicycle and a bicycle repair and maintenance grant.
14) Creation of a website exclusively for cycling where there will be, among other things, special references to grant projects, existing cycling routes, the company certification plan "I go to work by bike" - Bike2Work, information on cycling events and actions.
15) Providing free training courses on the proper use of bicycles and the Road Traffic Code, as well as culture culture through educational programs, films, experiential workshops and general promotions in relation to the use of bicycles.
16) Updating markings and standards e.g. where guidance signs need to be replaced in relation to cycle paths, etc.
17) Purchase of electric bicycles for service use in government departments. In the first phase, 100 bicycles will be purchased.
In addition to the above, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works implements additional projects and actions from state resources and at the same time claims EU funds for the further implementation of projects.
"With the above actions the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works launches the effort to change the culture of movement of citizens and integrate bicycles into their daily lives" stressed Mr. Karusos.
Nicosia Bicycle Mayor and Road Safety Ambassador Marina Kyriakou said in her brief greeting that "sustainable development requires the promotion of mild means of transport. The use of bicycles, as has already been demonstrated in many cities around the world, helped to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants, and helped them to acquire an anthropocentric character."
Finally, the President of the Cycling Federation, Mr. George Georgiou, after thanking, on behalf of the Cyprus Cycling Federation, the Minister of Transport for the initiative he took to promote the pioneering actions related to cycling, said that the Federation would provide all possible assistance to support this vision. "Ultimately everything is as simple and logical as the bike itself, as long as there is a vision, and it seems there is a vision," concluded Mr Georgiou.
Source: eyenews
