Velo-City Global 2010, a nyitó nap

Kedden megnyílt a konferencia, több mint 1000 résztvevovel kb. 60 országból. Csapatunk a helyszínen, igyekeznek a tanuláson kívül kapcsolatokat is építeni. Beszámoló helyett készítettek egy rövid videó jelentést, részletes beszámoló késobb. Addig is érdemes beleolvasni az ECF rövid anyagába, amit ide is bemásoltunk:

Today, the first global edition of the largest cycling planning conference series Velo-city opened its gates in Copenhagen, Denmark. For four days cycling experts, politicians, decision makers, professionals, NGOs and bicycle user representatives from all over the world will exchange and discuss ideas, opinions and latest research results about cycling.

Under the slogan "Different Gears - Same Destination," the over 1000 participants from about 60 different nations and with different backgrounds and outlooks will elaborate the potential of the bicycle to tackle global problems such as pollution, congestion, lifestyle diseases, poor life quality and global warming.

The first day started with the opening plenary session moderated by Master of Ceremony Andy Clarke from the League of American Bicyclists, who reminded the audience about the successful history of the 30-year-old ECF Velo-city conference series. The welcome speech was given by Copenhagen's Lord Mayor Frank Jensen. During his speech Jensen connected the Velo-city Global 2010 to the international COP 15 Conference on climate change last December in Copenhagen by saying: "Cities are the key to tackle the problem of climate change and sustainable urban mobility is one of the main aspects to consider."

Keynote speaker Janette Sadik-Khan (Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation) stated: "We want to double bicycle commuting by 2012 and triple [it] by 2017! We can and must change the use of space fast in favour of cyclists and pedestrians to create new public spaces!" Pan Haixiao (Professor and Director of Land Use/Transport Studies at Tongji University in Shanghai) from China showed the reverse case. With the economic growth in China, the car is more and more taking over. Mr. Haixiao stated: "We still have the biggest bicycle infrastructure in the world. Bicycle modal share is decreasing, but [is] still high." Nevertheless he seemed to be happy with the public bicycle sharing systems in Europe, because they show that cycling is the new fashion. Bo Asmus Kjeldgaard (Mayor of the Technical and Environmental Administration of the City of Copenhagen) presented Copenhagen as one of the forerunner cycling cities with 37% bicycle modal share. Nevertheless he is determined to go further in improving cycling in Copenhagen: "Our goal:
carbon neutrality by 2025 and an increase in safety by 50% at the same time, to convince cyclists to keep on cycling!"

ECF President Manfred Neun commented: "These speakers from different parts of the world illustrate clearly the global benefits with a shift towards more cycling-friendly cities, because they offer a better quality of life."

Second edition of EESC's European Cycling Lexicon launched

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) launched the second edition of its popular European Cycling Lexicon, published in partnership with the ECF. The fully illustrated booklet in traveler-friendly format contains terms useful in the world of cycling in 27 languages, including the 23 official EU languages.
Find more information and the Lexicon for download on:
http://www.eesc.europa.eu/sections/ten/european-cycling-lexicon

General facts about Velo-city Global 2010:

* Takes place from the 22nd to 25th of June 2010 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
* With the first global edition of the Velo-city conference series this year, the successful conference series celebrates its 30th anniversary. It is widely respected as the largest international conference on cycling.
* Velo-city Global 2010 counts over 1000 participants from 59 countries
* The Program includes:

1. 19 plenary speakers,
2. 82 sub-plenary sessions and workshops,
3. 10 stands in the streets of Copenhagen,
4. An Expo at the conference venue with 42 stands,
5. A bicycle parade through Copenhagen on Thursday afternoon,
6. Five optional Excursions on Friday afternoon after the official Program to experience the Danish cycle infrastructure.