Ankara, Turkey – The ‘My Dear Bicycle’ cycling tour, organized by the Ankara Kent Konseyi (AKK) Bicycle Council, concluded with strong participation under the theme ‘Pedals Carry Love’. The event, held yesterday in Ankara, aimed to highlight the need for improved cycling infrastructure and greater awareness for cyclists on the roads.
‘Pedals Carry Love’ Tour Concludes with Strong Message
The tour commenced at Kurtuluş Park and concluded at Gazi Park, drawing in numerous cycling enthusiasts and citizens. Participants pedaled for love, friendship, and solidarity, while also emphasizing traffic safety.
AKK Bicycle Council Advocates for Enhanced Infrastructure and Awareness
Murat Görücü, President of the AKK Bicycle Council, stated that the tour, conducted with a spirit of friendship and solidarity, sought to increase the visibility of cycling as a lifestyle and strengthen the culture of collective action. Görücü highlighted the strong love for cycling demonstrated during the ‘My Dear Bicycle’ tour, emphasizing the need for central and local governments to approach bicycle transportation with sensitivity, openness to cooperation, and representation.
Görücü also stressed the importance of motor vehicle drivers and all traffic stakeholders adopting a more careful and respectful approach towards each other and cyclists. He stated, “It is necessary to increase bicycle paths and parking areas, and to widely implement ‘Notice the Cyclist’ signs for awareness and visibility.”
Call for Stronger Legal Protections for Vulnerable Road Users
Addressing traffic safety, Görücü further added, “To halt deaths among cyclists and pedestrians, it is crucial for legislation to include a clear, distinct, and protective definition of ‘unprotected/vulnerable road user’. Additionally, it is important for more severe penalties to be applied in collisions involving these users. Such an approach will increase drivers’ awareness and sense of responsibility, contributing to a safer environment for everyone in traffic. Traffic safety must be treated as a societal responsibility.”
The event concluded with a group commemorative photo session.
Key Demands from the AKK Bicycle Council:
- Increase in dedicated bicycle paths.
- Expansion of bicycle parking areas.
- Widespread implementation of ‘Notice the Cyclist’ signs.
- Legislative changes to include a clear definition of ‘unprotected/vulnerable road user’.
- Stricter penalties for collisions involving vulnerable road users.
The ‘Pedals Carry Love’ event underscores a growing movement in Ankara for a more cyclist-friendly urban environment, urging authorities to take concrete steps towards creating safer roads for all.
