We launch a brand new article series on Partner Sessions at Velo-city 2018! Through this article series we will be taking a closer look into sessions coordinated by ECF partner organizations and institutions, and discuss with the main speakers on their expectations and thoughts about Velo-city 2018.

First, we take a look at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), a long-standing partner of ECF in the sustainable transport world. ITDP works around the world to design and implement high quality transport systems and policy solutions that make cities more livable, equitable, and sustainable. ITDP has offices in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States.

The ITDP session will feature Ms. Dana Yanocha, Senior Research Associate at ITDP Washington DC, and Mr. Thiago Benicchio, Active Transportation Manager in ITDP Brazil, who will share best practices and recommendations for designing successful bikeshare systems. The session will explore local topics, such as improving equity and public sector engagement, and preparing Brazilian cities for dockless bikeshare, as well as provide broader guidance on planning, designing, and implementing bikeshare informed by ITDP's 2018 update to its Bikeshare Planning Guide.

A quick chat with Dana Yanocha:

a. What does Access to Life mean to you?

Optimizing quality of life rests on equitable access to jobs, schools, hospitals, entertainment and recreation. A major factor in achieving equitable access is an affordable, reliable, safe transportation network that works for all - and cycling can be a major part of that network with proper infrastructure, planning and connectivity. We need to prioritize these types of investments in order to expand "access to life", especially to those groups who have been historically underserved.

b. What cycling lessons will you bring to Rio?

On behalf of ITDP, we're pleased to be launching the updated Bikeshare Planning Guide at Velo-city this year, and look forward to sharing new analysis and guidance on how to plan, design, and implement a successful bikeshare system - with particular focus on key topics such as ensuring equity, integrating bikeshare into the transportation network, and policy approaches to regulating dockless bikeshare.

c. What are you looking forward to the most at Velo-city 2018?

Given this will be my first trip to Rio and Velocity, I'm looking forward to engaging with local organizations, city representatives, and advocates to learn about (and hopefully replicate) strategies that position cycling as a viable, affordable, healthy transportation mode in any city.

The ITDP session is scheduled for Day 3 of Velo-city 2018; Thursday 14^th June 2018 at 11.40-12.40.

More on the Velo-city 2018 Programme here.
Registrations are now open! Register now here.
*Stay up to date by following us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and join our group on LinkedIn