17.09.2017
A “Bicycle Tour” was organized by IMM in cooperation with Istanbul Bicycle Association within the scope of European Mobility Week events on Sunday 17th. Bicycle lovers gathered in front of Istanbul Bicycle Association building at 09:00am at Yenikapı and the group started the tour at 09:30am. They pedalled from Yenikapı to Eminönü and then crossed to Kadıköy Pier by ferry which was dedicated for bikers. The cyclists, who pedalled along Kadıköy – Bostancı coastal road, returned to Kadıköy via Bağdat Street and got on the ferry again at Kadıköy to get back to Eminönü. The tour, which continued along the coastal road, ended at Yenikapı Istanbul Bicycle Association building.
Cocktail which was prepared for cyclists started at the end of the tour. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IMM) Secretary General Dr. Hayri Baraçlı, Yunus Emre Ayözen who is Head of Transportation Department of the IMM, IMM’s Traffic Manager Hamit Polat, the general managers of IMM affiliate companies, Matej Zakonjsek who is Head of the European Commission Transport and Mobility Cabinet, François Begeot who is Head of Economic and Social Development Department of European Union Turkey Delegation Unit, Team Coordinator Göktuğ Kara and many cyclists participated to this Cocktail and enjoyed themselves by listening to live music.
After the cocktail, Dr. Hayri Baraçlı and Matej Zakonjsek gave speeches on “Clean, Shared and Intelligent Mobility” topic which is chosen as the theme for European Mobility Week 2017. They talked about studies in Istanbul, in Europe and in the world regarding this year’s theme and emphasized that European Mobility Week events raise awareness about environment-friendly, sustainable transport applications globally.
Following the speeches, award ceremony started. Dr. Hayri Baraçlı who is IMM’s Secretary General, Yunus Emre Ayözen who is Head of Transportation Department of IMM, Muhammed Alyürük who is General Manager of ISBAK Inc., Arif Emecen who is General Manager of IETT, Nurettin Korkut who is General Manager of ISPARK Inc., Assistant General Manager of Metro Istanbul Inc. and Murat Kazanasmaz who is Head of Istanbul Bicycle Association and Matej Zakonsjek were awarded for their support and contribution to the organization and environment-friendly, smart transport applications deployed in Istanbul.
After the award ceremony, Matej Zakonjsek and managers of IMM organized a meeting and exchanged information regarding IMM’s ongoing environment-friendly, sustainable transport solutions and projects. IMM’s Deputy Traffic Manager Esma Dilek provided information to Matej Zakonjsek and François Begeot about Roadmaps for Energy (R4E) Project, which is an EU funded project under the Horizon 2020 programme and aims to develop a new type of energy strategy through visions and roadmaps for the eight partner cities, in co-creation with relevant local stake holders. Esma Dilek shared R4E Project reports with Matej and François so that they could have a better understanding of the project. Both Matej and François expressed their satisfaction about IMM’s ongoing projects and commitment to realize green transport solutions in Istanbul.
Bicycle Tour event, which bicycle lovers enjoyed, raised awareness about bicycle use in Istanbul and ended with “Bikes vs. Cars” movie screening.
European Mobility Week Bicycle Tour Program on Sunday, September 17th
09:00am – Meeting at Yenikapı Istanbul Bicycle Association Building
09:30am – Start of Bicycle Tour
01:30pm – Cocktail at Istanbul Bicycle Association Building
02:00pm –Speeches about European Mobility Week
02:30pm – Award Ceremony
03:00pm –"Bikes vs Cars" Movie Screening
