ECF Velo-city conference

The video shall promote the next Velo-city cycling conference 2009 in Brussels, organised by the European Cyclists' Federation. Velo-city is THE platform for user organisations, public authorities, city planners and industrials to share new concepts on cycling. Munich 2007 welcomed about 1,000 participants from 50 countries.
www.ecf.com

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• cycling
• European
• Cyclists'
• Federation
• mobility
• bicycle
• cycle
• bike
• Brussels
• Brüssel
• München
• Munich
• 2007
• 2009

[mpromber]

I think the footage of this video is quite ironic. A lot of it shows the cycle paths along Ludwigstr/ Leopoldstr in Munich. I used to cycle there regularly - they are far too narrow for safe overtaking of another cyclist, and as you can see in the video, often peds wander into your path. Fine for slow/leisure cycling, but really painful if you want to get somewhere. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to ride on the wide two-lane road, given that cyclepaths are obligatory in Germany.

[brusselmkg]

The thing that is good about separate paths/ lanes is that people feel welcome, cared for, and in some instances they give cyclists priority. So they can boost cycling, and through *Safety in numbers* boost safety. But a usable network of segregated facilities is not a prerequisite for cycling promotion, unlike what the Copenhagen mayor seemed to say. One can start with e.g. traffic calming and training cyclists and motorists for coexistence.

[dalospet]

I share your thoughts brusselmkg! Segregation of transports modes are not the way to make the network safer.

[brusselmkg]

Very nice video. I think that the Copenhagen mayor is wrong when he gives the impression that cylepaths and cycle lanes are the only way forward. Safety in numbers, traffic calming,training and a clear message on "share the road" seem to be at least as well founded in science as a basis for increasing cycling and safety.