Czech Cycling Cities and Czech National Cycling Strategy: Initiative of the Charter of Uherske Hradiste (Czech Association Cities for cyclists) Ing. Jaroslav Martinek, CDV +00420 602 503 617 Jaroslav.martinek@cdv.cz www.centralmeetbike.eu + www.cyklostrategie.cz cz Projekt Central MeetBike (3CE343P2) je realizován prostřednictvím programu Central Europe, který je spolufinancován ERDF. 1
Experiences from Czech Republic 22.5.2013 was approved by Goverment Czech Cycling Strategy 2.7.2013 will be created Czech Association Cities for cyclists Projekt Central MeetBike (3CE343P2) je realizován prostřednictvím programu Central Europe, který je spolufinancován ERDF. 2
NOTE Initiative of the Charter of Uherske Hradiste x Czech Association Cities for cyclists We were to lecture about an iniciative of the UH Charter but this initiative has transformed into the Association of Cities for Cyclists within the last six months, therefore, the lecture will be about the Association The difference between the UH Charter and the Association UH Charter = moral support from politicians and cities; instructions how to implement pro-cycling measures Cities for Cyclists = support specific action plans and projects; reach better conditions for obtaining grants; work together to promote changes in legislation; enforce the approval of the Cycling Strategy t and ensure its implementation ti Projekt Central MeetBike (3CE343P2) je realizován prostřednictvím programu Central Europe, který je spolufinancován ERDF. 3
Czech hassociation Cities for cyclists: Association of Cities for Cyclists will be established within the framework of the approved Czech National Cycling Development Strategy. Possibility to influence directly the implementation ti of measures stated t in the Cycling Strategy Association of Cities for Cyclists points: 1) Association has much stronger voice than individual cities. 2) Joint promotion of cycling accessible to everyone (Vision 25) 3) Better prospects to ensure funding for pro-cycling measures, PR and marketing of bicycle transport 4) Better chance to promote together necessary changes in legislation, modifications to the current rules and regulations Projekt Central MeetBike (3CE343P2) je realizován prostřednictvím programu Central Europe, který je spolufinancován ERDF. 4
CONTEXT CZECH CYCLING STRATEGY It is not just about cycling, but also monitoring the overall integrated transport concept which is based on the higher objective to improve the living conditions in a city. VISION 25 CITIES OF SHORT DISTANCES We should see the bicycle as one of the options ensuring mobility of the city residents, including children and seniors (integrated approach). 5
Organizational tools The Cycling Strategy to be functional and effective, it must be implemented at three levels, the national, regional and municipal ones, in collaboration with the private and voluntary sectors. Ministry of Transport (the bicycle transport department) is the main guarantor for the implementation of the Cycling Strategy, while the Ministry for Regional Development is the subguarantor (cyclotourism department). The other ministries participate in the implementation in a rather symbolical way, even if the Minister of Health has recently been involved in the cycling promotion very much (in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and physical activity; see the press conference on World Health Day and Cycling, Prague, April 5, 2013). 6
Organizational tools However, the key success of the Cycling Strategy is to cooperate with local authorities, since the municipalities are responsible for the cycling infrastructure. Therefore, the Cycling Strategy calls upon the cities to move from passive adaptation to the increasing traffic to the active purposeful p transport policy. This nationwide network Cities for Cyclists Association is beeing established in these days. It aims to implement the steps jointly, leading to meet the objectives of the Cycling Strategy. 7
Why do we need VISION 25 and the CITIES FOR CYCLISTS ASSOCIATION? The following opinions are still prevailing among politicians and officials: I have never been a cyclist and never will, so I do not care. Why should the cyclists be allowed to ride in the pedestrian zones, when the cars are not? Aren t the cyclists able to walk along their bicycles for the few hundred metres? People go to work by bike because they have not enough money to buy a car. The management and maintenance of roads will not maintain any cycle lanes. The issues of motorized transport must be solved first, then the ones of cyclists. It s my colleague who is in charge of sports try it in the next office. Parents who ride their bikes with children can threaten their childrens health and lives. Cyclist can be seen as a member of a current proletariat. 8
MAIN GOALS 1. FINANCIAL SECURITY OF CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE 2. INCREASE CYCLING SAFETY 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PRODUCT CZECH MOBILE Since this National Cycling Strategy is prepared based on the model of already approved German Cycling Strategy (within the project Central MeetBike), it is possible "to copy" a lot of good ideas. 9
1. FINANCIAL SECURITY OF CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE Goal 1.1 Construction and maintenance of cycling infrastructure Association of Cities for Cyclists: Goal - strive for systemic changes in financing the development of transport infrastructure in the Czech Republic in favor of cycling 10
Association of Cities for Cyclists 1. FINANCIAL SECURITY OF CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE Goal 1.2 Use the existing roads also for the needs of cyclists Goal 1.3 Support for construction of long-distance cycling network and EuroVelo cycle routes 11
Association of Cities for Cyclists 2. INCREASE CYCLING SAFETY The experience from abroad shows that the more cyclists and pedestrians we have in our cities, the safer the urban area is for them. Thus, the cycling promotion is one of the ways to increase traffic safety and reduce the number of fatalities. We only need a new culture of urban and transport planning which will fully respect the fundamental right of everyone to a safe cycling. 12
CZECH C CYCLING C STRATEGY Association of Cities for Cyclists 2. INCREASE CYCLING SAFETY Goal 2.3 Implementation of legislative measures to protect the safety and smoothness of cycling Association of Cities for Cyclists: Goal - strive for legislative changes in the Czech Republic in favor of pro-cycling measures; 13
websites 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Association of Cities for 14
3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal 3.1 Raising awareness of the instruments affecting cycling promotion 15
Association of Cities for Cyclists 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Association of Cities for Cyclists - Goals: encourage the exchange of experience between Czech and Moravian towns in the form of workshops (including the participation of foreign representatives); raise the visibility of cycling and help cycling reach the limelight in the field of urban planning and political considerations; inspire and encourage more and more cities to take specific steps to promote cycling, to learn from each other and to avoid the problem of discovering discovered; help provide financial resources for the implementation of concrete measures and activities in member cities through projects realized by the association; counseling for members of the association in the field of planning of the cycling development and urban mobility; exchange the experience in the area of solving, planning and promoting political efforts and practical solutions for the field; promote the urban mobility development as a system of balanced modal split as well as with PR activities in favor of cycling and cyclotourism. 16
WE ARE LEARNING = CZECH CYCLING STRATEGY 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal 3.2 Improvement of research and promotion of cycling as a part of our lifestyle Association of Cities for Cyclists TODAY: Bike to work, Bike shopping, 17
Association of Cities for Cyclists 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal 3.2 Improvement of research and promotion of cycling as a part of our lifestyle Association of Cities for Cyclists VISION: Munchen campaign 18
CONDITIONS: CZECH CYCLING STRATEGY Association of Cities for Cyclists 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal 3.3 Creating a national network of cyclists-friendly cities 1. Establish the position of the city cyclocoordinator 2. An active policy toward the bicycle transport 19
Association of Cities for Cyclists 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal 3.3 Creating a national network of cyclists-friendly cities CZECH CYCLING STRATEGY A. ASSOCIATION Create a national network of cyclists-friendly cities in cooperation with the cities Association of Cities for Cyclists: Related recommended actions for Cities for Cyclists 1. STRATEGY MEASURES - Elaborate or update local cycling strategies in municipalities, including the appointment of cycling coordinator, setting specific measures and financing proposals as well as implementation of transport plans for non-motorized transport (studies, master plans, incorporation of the routes in planning analytical materials). Regular evaluation of indicators and actions of both the local cycling strategy and the cycling plans. 20
Association of Cities for Cyclists 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BICYCLE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal 3.3 Creating a national network of cyclists-friendly cities Association of Cities for Cyclists: Related recommended actions for Cities for Cyclists 2. INFRASTRUCTURE (HARD MEASURES) - Develop a comprehensive network of existing routes for non-motorized transport, providing a relatively quick and especially secure connection of important travel destinations, not only recreational but also from home to the workplace, which also allows for the expansion of zones with a speed limit of 30 km / h and the shared roads common to the motor and nonmotorized transport. Provide a cyclist with the possibility of safe and easy bicycle parking as close to his/her destination (school, work, shops, public transport station, sports facilities, etc.). Plan the development and construction of cycling infrastructure in relation to public transport, especially the rail transports. 3. CAMPAIGNS (SOFT MEASURES) - Promote cycling through a series of "soft" measures under the Communication Plan of the Cycling Strategy (campaigns, leaflets, maps, etc.) 21
Association of Cities for Cyclists 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PRODUCT CZECH MOBILE 22
Thank you for your attention Ing. Jaroslav MARTINEK Jaroslav.Martinek@cdv.cz tel. (+420) 602 503 617 23