For the Kyiv Cyclists’ Association (AVK), the Ukranian member organisation of ECF, 2016 was a very busy and successful year, advocating for a better cycling environment in the Ukraine and their efforts are paying off: the number of cyclists increased by 10% in Kyiv and the Kyiv Cyclists’ Association have proven themselves as a valuable expert in sustainable transportation and were one of the key developers of the revised draft of the Kyiv Development Strategy 2025. Read more about the milestones of the organisation from the year 2016 below!

A big milestone for the Kyiv Cyclists’ Association was to work on developing the transport strategy in the revised draft of Kyiv Development Strategy 2025, which has revolutionary and of much better quality compared to the previous version.

AVK held three days of Bike to Work, Girls’ Ride, Cycling-friendly office Contest, Bike Mentors Program (free lessons were held in different parts of Kyiv on Sundays), master classes of bike service, and city bike tours. In autumn, Kyiv Cyclists’ Association joined the celebration of the European Mobility Week by organizing a series of car-free days. AVK established an art propaganda campaign called “Pedal Your Bike, Kyiv” and started community meetings of the same name. At these meetings, we inspired people to go cycling through stories about traveling on bikes and interesting lectures about urban culture.

National wins of AVK

The Kyiv Cyclists’ Association coordinated the process of implementing changes to street design standards, which would require cities to design and build streets more suitable for cyclists. AVK joined the campaign, “For Safe Roads,” which aims at strengthening motorists’ responsibility for speeding and reducing non-fines for cars exceeding 20 km/h. A Ukrainian cycling network, which brings together cycling organizations from different cities was initiated and the Veloforum 2016 was held in Kharkiv and gathered more than 100 representatives of executive authorities, engineers, experts and students from Ukraine and the European Union.

In the same year, the Kyiv Cyclists’ Association was recognized at the European level when the coordinator of AVK in Kyiv, Ksenia Semenova, was elected first vice-president of the European Cyclists’ Federation.

New partnerships for a stronger voice for cyclists

Last year, the Kyiv Cyclists’ Association intensified cooperation with volunteers, businesses and other NGOs. AVK began to cooperate with the NGO, Motohelp, which helps cyclists in accidents. In 2016, we set up the position of coordinator to help cyclists injured in accidents. The coordinator formed a rapid response team of volunteers.

The Kyiv Cyclists’ Association thanks everyone for their support in strengthening the cycling movement. Together, we continue to promote cycling victories in Kyiv and make the city more convenient and comfortable to live in!

Read the full AVK annual report here