Vienna – Bratislava by bike

Since the Schengen Agreement dispensed with border controls between Austria and Slovakia, the cycle path between the two capitals, Vienna and Bratislava, has really come into its own and this stage of the Danube cycle path is becoming increasingly popular. In future, the aim is to intensify the exchange of ideas and information between the two cities concerning cycling policies, as the mayor of Bratislava, Milan Ftáčnik, confirmed to Vienna’s deputy mayor Maria Vassilakou during a two-wheeled visit to Vienna at the beginning of June 2011.

During a biking excursion together, the mayor of Bratislava and the Viennese deputy mayor tried out the Vienna City Bikes (public hire bikes) and held talks about transport and cycling. Milan Ftáčnik’s interest was focussed on cycling policy and traffic safety. He mentioned that he saw Vienna as a major role model for Bratislava in terms of bicycle traffic.

Collaboration between the Twin Cities

Vienna’s deputy mayor Vassilakou stressed the importance of collaboration between Vienna and Bratislava, due to the ever closer ties between the two cities, citing the need to work together on urban planning and transport policy. For the first time this year, the Vienna cycling map included Bratislava and the area surrounding Vienna.

In April 2010, a new ‘Twin City Agreement’ was signed in Vienna’s City Hall. The first agreement between Vienna and Bratislava was signed as early as 1999.

Reducing greenhouse gases

“The City of Vienna has recognised that promoting cycling in Vienna is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality in Vienna, and so is pressing ahead with schemes to increase bicycle use,” said Vassilakou. “I’m particularly pleased that other European capitals now want to follow the same path.” During the visit, the Vienna City Bike scheme was presented and parts of the new Ring cycle path were viewed.

Velo-city Conference

 “I am delighted that Bratislava’s mayor Milan Ftáčnik has agreed to support our bid to host the Velo-city Conference with a letter of intent,” Vassilakou finished by saying. “The Conference would be a huge opportunity for Vienna and all our supporters.”

The Velo-city Conference is the largest international conference on the subject of cycling policy. It is organised in collaboration with the European Cyclists Federation (ECF). The Velo-city Conference offers participants the chance to discuss and develop new strategies and thus makes an important contribution to developing and improving bicycle traffic. Around 1,100 delegates from 60 countries now take part in the event. In contrast, just 300 participants attended the first Conference in Bremen in 1980, when the ECF was founded. This year, the Velo-city took place in Seville in March and preparations are already underway for next year’s big conference in Vancouver, Canada.