A new project for the development of urban cycling was presented in Minsk

A new project for the development of urban cycling was presented in the capital. Why is the EU funding the initiative and what are the benefits of cycling, learned the correspondent of the agency "Minsk-Novosti" on the thematic press conference.

The project "Development of urban cycling in the interests of the public of the Republic of Belarus" is designed for 30 months: it started in March of this year, the completion is planned for August 2019. It is being implemented by the Minsk Cycling Society and the Center for Environmental Solutions. The European Union allocated more than 580 thousand euros to finance the initiative.

- We expect the project to strengthen Belarusian cycling organizations, increase the efficiency of the profile infrastructure, integrate into the transport system and develop the Belarusian part of the route within EuroVelo-2, - Philippe Bernard, manager of the “Environment and Climate Change” program, told the European Union delegation to Belarus.

EuroVelo-2 Is one of the projects of the European Cyclists Federation for the development of a network of cycling routes. Also called "Capitals Route", runs from Ireland to Russia across 7 countries, including Belarus.

The organizers have a lot of ambitious plans. Infrastructure development is predictably at the forefront.

- The question has ripened for a long time - said the chairman of the board of the Minsk Cycling Society Pavel Gorbunov. - In addition, it is necessary to improve the rules of the road for cyclists, to build a dialogue between the authorities and the townspeople, to improve the cycling culture.

The last point sounds somewhat blurry. Let's clarify how they are going to inform the Minsk dwellers and not only the basics of behavior? Will the matter be limited to standard displays of politeness or expect more serious measures at the legislative level?

- It’s worth starting with the usual manifestations of politeness, ”the interlocutor replied. - Let's say with a nod to thank the motorist for the pass. But in some cases, just a good infrastructure will help avoid conflict situations. For example, well-laid bike paths that will not cause discomfort to either pedestrians or motorists. In my opinion, the location of cycle paths along the carriageway of the streets will help to level the problem of the so-called "right turn". The cyclist in such a situation becomes more predictable for the motorist, in contrast to the current situation.

Within the framework of the project, a new position may appear in Belarus - a bicycle officer.

- This is an employee who will be a contact person for all cycling initiatives in Belarus, as well as an intermediary between local authorities and public organizations, - explained the deputy director Center for Environmental Solutions Daria Chumakova.

They also plan to equip profile intercepting parking lots.

Another important task is to form a working group that will implement the project, create an electronic information center, a map of Belarusian cycling routes. It will include representatives of ministries, local authorities, traffic police, and the public.

In the list of useful and pleasant things that may appear as a result of the development of cycling, not the last place is occupied by economic benefits.

- Every 100 km of travel by bike is almost 6 times cheaper than by car, - 8 euros against 50, - said Pavel Gorbunov, referring to a study conducted in Copenhagen in 2015. - Comparison includes road maintenance costs, road accidents, climate change, time, traffic congestion.

With the answer to the question, what benefit is obtained in Belarus, the chairman of the board of the Minsk Cycling Society asks to wait six months.

Thanks to the new project, Minsk will finally be able to accurately count all cyclists.

- A special counter will be installed on the bike path and will work 24/7, - Pavel Gorbunov explained. - It is a rack with special sensors. You can see how many people have traveled at one point or another in a day, month or even a year.

To clarify, the project "Development of urban cycling in the interests of the public of the Republic of Belarus" involves the development of programs for the development of the profile movement; cycling routes and recommendations for their creation; a massive information campaign - annual conferences, educational camps for bicycle activists, lectures by experts, internships and training in the EU and CIS countries. Events are planned both in the capital and in three regional cities - Brest, Grodno and Mogilev. At the same time, the organizers emphasize that any city can join the initiative.

200 - there are so many participants in the evening bike traffic on Independence Avenue;
400 - evening bike traffic on the central bike path;
800 - so many bike rides in Minsk.
140-160 km - this is the number of bike paths in the capital (this includes Veloban, adapted and non-adapted bike lanes on the sidewalks).
According to experts, 500 km is the amount necessary for comfortable cycling in the capital.

The project "Development of urban cycling in the interests of the public of the Republic of Belarus" is being implemented by the Center for Environmental Solutions and the Minsk Cycling Society with the support of the European Union.

Photos by Tatiana Kuznetsova.