Hungarian cyclists’ movement leader died before Christmas after ten years of tireless work

Hungarian cyclists owe a lot to László János, former president of the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club, who passed away on December 23rd 2015. He worked hard, not for cyclists’ privileges, but to improve cooperation among road users: he used to say there are no cyclists and car drivers, only people who use different road vehicles. He fought for a more respectful and courteous relationship between all road users, and a few years ago he launched the We travel together! campaign, trying to include pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers in a comprehensive framework.

László also succeeded where many failed: to create a movement based not only on volunteers, but on employees, with a proper office supported by more than 2000 paying members. This may appear almost normal in Brussels, but it surely isn’t (or wasn’t) in Eastern Europe and up until now the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club is the only one succeeded. Relentlessly active on anything related to the cycling world, he brought cyclists’ claims on the political scene, something unprecedented in Hungary. Under his leadership, the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club lobbied successfully for Budapest’s first on-street cycle lanes, for the installation of Budapest’s first bike boxes and bicycle counter. Together with Adam Bodor, ECF’s director, László demonstrated that cycling is economically convenient; as a result the Hungarian government will invest in the cycling sector nearly € 300million between 2014 and 2020. Not only the cycling infrastructure built in the past but also those that will be in the next few years are a direct result of his efforts.

After ‘only’ 10 years of advocacy activity, László János has revolutionised the Hungarian cyclist movement, succeeded in bringing its claims to decision-makers and presented it positively in the media reaching millions of citizens. Representing the Hungarian Cyclists Club as a member of the European Cyclists’ Federation, he granted the status of honorary member of his organisation to Manfred Neun, ECF President, who repeatedly admitted is something he will never forget.

In his memory, hundreds of Hungarian cyclists rode in Budapest city centre, and raised their bike over their heads on January 3rd 2016. And we want to remember him as a great and extremely active contributor to the Hungarian and international cyclists’ movement.