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

Ádám Bodor is currently the Advocacy and EuroVelo director of the European Cyclists` Federation.

He holds master degree in geography and economics, worked earlier as the managing director of an industrial park, project manager on the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and as an independent consultant on EU Funds. His cycling carrier started as the board member of ECF in 2004 and he was the first “ministerial commissioner responsible for cycling” and the co-chair of the inter-ministerial working group for cycling in Hungary form 2005 to 2010. He coordinated the preparation and implementation of the first national cycling strategy of Hungary for the 2007-2013 period which served as a basis to allocate 180million Euros to construct 2000km new cycling infrastructure, the first national standard and the GIS-based monitoring system of cycling infrastructure, introduce a more cycling friendly highway code, start cycle training for kids, bike to work campaign and cycling-friendly cities, employers schemes. Since working for ECF he reorganized the management of EuroVelo and achieved its first recognition by the European institutions. Since 2016 he coordinates the advocacy work of ECF and the preparation of the EU cycling strategy.

What does ‘Cycling for the Ages’ mean to you?

We are in the 3^rd century of cycling, the bicycle became a well-known solution for several challenges, but we still don’t use its full potential. In order to do so, we need to provide the right conditions for cycling for all age groups.

How do you link this theme to cycling tourism?

Tourism faces significant challenges currently and cycling can provide a solution to many of them by spreading the tourism flow from an overcrowded spot off to rural areas, prolonging the season and generating income at local small and medium enterprises. In order to enable it, we need to make cycling tourism available and attractive to wide audiences.  

What do you think of the EuroVelo initiative of creating a European network of cycling routes?

EuroVelo, the European cycling route connects major European cities and tourism hotspots by providing attractive, safe, comfortable, direct and coherent routes for people on bikes in all ages. Where it's realised it provides the backbone of national, regional and local cycle route networks motivates people to ride. The EuroVelo is more than an idea by now, as it already unlocked hundred of millions of Euros investments in active mobility.  

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

I believe in every successful city the physical and mental wellbeing of its citizens is in the focus already. In case of other cities would like to follow their example they should change their priorities as well and will reallocate public space for active modes, minimalize the generation of (individual motorised) trips. In the developed world it will mean significant investments in high-quality cycling infrastructure, demolition of car-centered infrastructure and in the developing countries smart solutions with less financial costs and (hopefully) avoiding any new (expensive) construction facilitating car traffic.

What do you expect from Velo-city 2019?

I am sure Velo-city 2019 will provide inspiration for decision makers, practitioners, scientists, (cycling) advocates and the entrepreneurs to deliver innovative and effective solutions to make cycling available for all. I believe Dublin is the right place for this not only because in Ireland we are witnessing increased investment in cycling infrastructure, reallocation of public space etc., but also because it's one of the tech capitals of Europe which can give a boost to modernize cycling in its 3^rd century for all ages.  

Adam Bodor is a speaker in the fifth plenary session of Velo-city 2019 Dublin, entitled “Cycle tourism” to take place on Thursday, June 27th 2019 at 17.00-18.00.
For more information on the Velo-city Programme, Exhibition and Registration go to: https://www.velo-city2019.com 
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