| Velo Mondial (French for ‘Cycle
Worldwide’) is an international organisation dedicated
to promoting the use of the bicycle in all aspects of
life. The bicycle is the world's cleanest, healthiest,
most economical and most efficient form of transport,
and Velo Mondial seeks to increase its integration into
the economies and lifestyles of countries across the world.
Its main aim is to enhance the contribution that cycling
can have toward: |
 |
- Sustainable economic development
- Poverty relief
- Accessibility and emancipation for all communities
- Health and well-being promotion
- Road safety and overall traffic management
- Carbon dioxide emissions reduction, climate change control,
and improved air quality
Velo Mondial is built on a consortium-driven organisation
model. To reach its aims, it works in partnership with representatives
of the following groups:
- Government: local, regional, national, and intergovernmental
- Experts: consultants, academics, researchers,
- Industry: bicycle, car, insurance, road builders, oil,
- Bicycle user-groups: local, national and international
Velo Mondial facilitates dialogue among members of these
groups, and conferences serve as the platforms for this dialogue.
Only through the active and integrated involvement of these
four groups can progress be reached.
The Velo Mondial Conference Series, of which Velo Mondial
2006 in Cape Town is a part, promotes the aims of the Velo
Mondial organisation. The objective of the Conference Series
is to widen support for the organisation and its aims, and
to hold events that will contribute to the increased use of
the bicycle.
The international directors of Velo Mondial are Oliver Hatch
(Programs), who is based in London, and Pascal van den Noort
(Operations), who is based in Amsterdam. They are supported
by an international panel of non-executive directors.
Please visit the Velo Mondial website for further information.
{w} www.velomondial.net
 Velo
Mondial Initiatives
Provision of expert advice – Velo.Info,
The European Network for Cycling Expertise
Backed by the European Commission, Velo Mondial has established
a body of experts to advise cities on ways to improve their
support of cycling.
Known as Velo.Info this information resource brings together
international expertise and local knowledge and combines the
strengths of cyclists, successful cities, planning experts and
the industry in promoting the bicycle mode of transport.
{w} www.velo.info
Assistance with strategic planning –
Bicycle Master Planning
Velo.Info experts have developed a master plan to help cities
integrate cycling plans into their transport policies and to
implement and monitor action programs. Known as the Bicycle
Master Planning model, the program is aimed at reducing the
adverse environmental impact of urban transport.
Developing best practices – Urban
Transport Benchmarking
Velo Mondial participates in a research program called Urban
Transport Benchmarking, enabling cities to make meaningful comparisons
with their peers. A document is being developed to serve as
a handy benchmarking tool for urban planners.
Recognising excellence – The Cycling
‘Oscars’
To acknowledge cities around the world with the best cycling
policies, Velo Mondial plans to present ‘Oscar’
awards (comprising Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals)
to the top achievers. Local authorities will be judged according
to 17 criteria contained in the Bicycle Master Planning model.
The first awards are to be made at the Cape Town event in 2006.
Generating worldwide awareness – 360ways
A journey to understand what is meant by the
term ‘Sustainable Development’
To generate universal support for cycling, Velo Mondial has
partnered with the 360ways project – a round-the-world-bicycle
trip by two cyclists whose aims include gaining support for
the objectives of Velo Mondial. In each city they visit they
will present the ‘Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities’
to the local mayor, obtain the mayor’s interest, and
potentially, his/her acknowledgement and signature. This journey
kicked off in Paris in May 2004 and is due to end at Velo Mondial
2006 in Cape Town, two years later.
Putting cycling on the public agenda – Let's
Get Moving
The League of American Bicyclists and Velo Mondial have established
a program of projects that promote planning for non-motorised
mobility in general, and cycling specifically.
Obtaining top level commitment –
An Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities
Mayors and city officials around the world will be asked to
sign a charter entitled ‘An Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly
Communities'. By pledging their support to improving conditions
for bicycling, local authorities will be made aware of the
significant potential benefits for all communities. |
