• How can cycling be used in the fight against climate change?
• How can countries increase the number of people who cycle?
• Which financial sources exist to invest in cycling, and what more financial investment is needed to boost cycling?

After two and a half years of cooperation, nine countries in the Danube region are producing an investment plan for an attractive and safe cycle route network for the Danube region. This transnational cycle route network – the Danuvelo network – was defined during the INTERREG Danube Cycle Plans project (DCP). Based on a comprehensive study of current infrastructure standards we know which sections need to be upgraded or completely new built and which quality of infrastructure will be expected by the cyclists!
The infrastructure standards will be added by presentation of the new updated Cost-benefit analysis and general positive effects of cycling. 
We would like to present these findings and the consequences resulting from them to an audience consisting of political representatives as well as representatives of international financing institutions.

Moderated by: Jill Warren, CEO, European Cyclists’ Federation

To register, please send an email to rezervace@dobramesta.cz.

The programme is available > HERE <

What is the aim of the event? 

Over the past few years, the EU has seen a considerable increase in cycling driven by citizens across the continent who are willing to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport in the context of growing awareness of the climate change and air pollution issues. The COVID-19 crisis, the rising challenges of congestion in European cities, and the soaring cost of energy in recent times have made cycling more attractive and more relevant than ever in the EU’s history.

Member States, Regions and local authorities are making considerable efforts through investments and plans to support cycling. 

There is more money needed to have more people cycling in Europe! Billions will be necessary in the next years to provide an attractive and save cycle route network for the Danube region.

The good news is: we know where we have to invest the money and how the infrastructure will look like! Thanks to the Danube Cycle Plans project a transnational cycle route network – the DanuVelo network – was defined for the nine participating countries of the Danube region. Based on a comprehensive study on current infrastructure standards we know which sections need to be upgraded or built completely new and which quality of infrastructure is expected by the cyclists!

Other good news is: investments in cycling are highly beneficial! Cycling produces global benefits of 150 billion euros per year. More than 90 billion euros of these are positive externalities for the environment, public health and the mobility system. To increase the number of cyclists and decrease the negative externalities of motorised road transport, not only an integrated European policy framework, but also adequate funding is needed.

There is only one thing missing: the commitment of all relevant stakeholders from the local, regional, national and European levels to raise the necessary money for these investments! This is what the investment event on October 13th, 2022 will be about. 

This event is made in terms of Danube Cycle Plans project which aims to implement the Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion. Project activities include the development of National Cycling Plans based on a common transnational Danube Cycling Strategy, defining a Danube cycle route network, cycling infrastructure standards, an investment plan to provide adequate financial support and increasing the awareness of relevant stakeholders for the needs of cyclists. More at the official website of the project.