Description
The project addresses the need to promote alternative transport and good cycling infrastructure, raise the public awareness of safe cycling and bring together the cycling organizations in a network. The project aims at setting up a network to enable Bulgarian cycling organizations to work together, share data and good practices and initiate joint advocacy actions to improve the cycling environment. First, 15 cycling organizations in at least 6 other cities will be contacted and visited on site. Second, online communication tools will be set up between the network members (Facebook, Google groups, Dropbox, forums). Third, safe cycling methodology will be developed and published. Finally, a national meeting of the cycling organizations will be held to identify common issues, develop a strategy and organize safe cycling trainings. The project will benefit not only the main target group, the cycling NGOs, but also the public raising its awareness of sustainable urban transport.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the need to promote alternative transport and good cycling infrastructure, raise the public awareness of safe cycling and bring together the cycling organizations in a network through creation and application of formats for engagement of citizens in the NGOs work and enhancement the civic activity in actions for improvement of the conditions for cycling transport in the cities. These outcomes have been reached by a set of communication instruments prepared by the project – internet forum, mailing list and database storage. A handbook with training methodology for safe urban cycling was prepared along with completion of other planned activities – meetings with interested cycling organizations, a national meeting for establishment of the network, coordination and functioning of the network, and a final online conference call. Cycling NGOs being the main project beneficiaries were directly involved in meetings and in the establishment of the network. Furthermore, they participated in forum discussions and the organization of joint activities. Informal groups of cyclists were also involved - in the course of the project one of them was officially registered and another one is in the process of registration. Five cycling organizations asked to join the network after its establishment. The communication instruments prepared under the project are expected to enable the joint work of cyclists on issues with national scope and significance.
Summary of bilateral results