Velo-city 2018 article series featuring mini interviews on plenary speakers continue with Ciarán Cuffe, plenary speaker for the closing plenary: Governance.

Ciarán Cuffe chairs Dublin City Council's Transport Committee. He is passionate about walkable, bikeable, and livable cities. He has served two terms in Ireland’s national parliament, and was a Minister of State with responsibility for climate change, planning and sustainable transport. He teaches Urban Regeneration and Development at the Dublin Institute of Technology and holds degrees in architecture and urban planning from University College Dublin.

A quick chat with Ciarán Cuffe:

·              What does Access to Life mean to you?

Cycling is one of the most fantastic tools ever invented to give access to life. Just look at the expression on a child's face when they master the skill to balance on two wheels. When I look at the outdoor freedom that bikes bring to people of all ages I can see lives being lived more fully than you could ever imagine. Everyday cycling keeps you fit, and lets you explore your community in a way that opens you up to new experiences.

·              What cycling lessons are you bringing to Rio?

In Dublin, Ireland we've seen a massive increase in cycling in recent years. Lower speed limits, and a tax incentive for employees who purchase bikes has fueled this growth as well as taking heavy trucks off crowded streets. We're struggling to keep up with the infrastructure, but we've put in place good cycle lanes beside one of our canals, and we're rolling out a new walking and cycling path along the edge of Dublin Bay. Two new countryside cycle routes have brought a huge boost in tourism, and now we're rolling out  practical cycle safety and skills training in our schools.

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

I want to see how one of the world's great cities is promoting cycling. Are new groups of people being attracted to cycling, and is new infrastructure the key, or are there other factors? Sometimes 'bike ambassadors' like Enrique Peñalosa in Bogota lead the way, but in other cities there are many different factors at play. I'm dying to see how Rio is doing, and to discover how we can attract people from all backgrounds and communities onto two wheels. I am particularly interested in how we can get more children, and immigrants cycling.

·              What do you think is the added value of a global interdisciplinary approach to cycling?

Far too often we sit in our silos and don't communicate with others. It is crucial that engineers, planners, politicians and planners sit down and discuss schemes before everything is decided. We all want to see the same result, but sometimes key messages between different disciplines get lost in translation. I'm really looking forward to seeing how South America does it, and what lessons we can bring back to Europe about implementing new ways to get people on their bikes.

·              What will you visit by bike in Rio?

The  Corcovado route is definitely on my hit list but I'm also looking forward to a leisurely cycle along the coast, and maybe stop for a dip at Praia Vermelha . I also want to take in the  Vista Chinesa if the weather is right, and grab a few snaps of the panorama from the top, and then relax with a Rabo-de-Galo afterwards.

The “Governance” closing plenary is scheduled for Day 4 of Velo-city 2018; Friday 15^th June 2018 at 16.40-17.40.

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