We continue our mini-interview series with the Velo-city 2019 Keynote Speakers! #VC19Keynote #MeetTheSpeakers #CyclingForTheAges

Klaus Bondam has been the CEO of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation since 2014, representing the interests and working to improve cyclists’ conditions in Denmark.

Klaus Bondam has a wide-ranging career spreading from nationwide famous actor, to Mayor of Technical and Environmental Affairs in Copenhagen and now to representative of the millions of everyday cyclists in Denmark. During his years as a political leader, Mr. Bondam contributed significantly to establishing Copenhagen as a game changer, on the international everyday cycling scene with some of the best possible conditions for cyclists. Copenhagen is today a living proof of a city with a modern sustainable mobility and a strong focus on liveability.

What does “Cycling for the ages” mean to you?

Cycling is indeed for everyone; young and old, big and small; but it is also the mode of transportation that corresponds with a timely request for a more sustainable development these years. For me cycling and especially urban everyday cycling is an essential contribution to reducing CO2-emissions,  improving public health and creating more liveable cities.

How will the city of the future look like taking into consideration the gaps in the developing and developed world?

In my eyes I think we as people in the developed world have to realize that we made huge mistakes in lettting the personal indiviudal car into every single part of our cities. Cities should be for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. We have let the individual car take our cities as hostages. We must help the developing world not repeating our mistakes understanding– what the car industry wrongly made us believe – that the individual personal car does not equal freedom; no ..true freedom is the access to mobility.

What do you expect from Velo-city 2019 Dublin?

I look forward to insigths from the everyday cycling world that is increasingly becoming a respected and integrated solution maker, when it comes to facing the challenges of modern sustainable cities.

Mr. Klaus Bondam is a speaker in the first plenary session of Velo-city 2019 Dublin, entitled “The City of the Future” to take place on Tuesday June 25th 2019 at 09.15-10.15.
More info on the Velo-city 2019 Programme, Speakers and Sessions at: https://www.velo-city2019.com
Early Bird Deadline 1st April 2019 – don’t miss it! https://www.velo-city2019.com/registration