Transport minister pledges to create more bike paths

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades on Sunday join hundreds of members of the diplomatic core and citizens on a 13km bike ride into the centre of Nicosia to promote moving around on two wheels, pledging to do more to support its use in Cyprus.

The journey started from Aglandjia and passed through Strovolos before ending in the centre of the city.

Vafeades committed to move forward with the introduction of safe bike paths that would enable easy bicycle access to the city and stressed how this means of transport is not only a quick and easy way to move around town but also great exercise and a way to reduce vehicular pollution.

“I’m thrilled to see the excitement in this group for the benefits of urban cycling. The bicycle is a symbol of freedom, and initiatives like Cycling in the City and Bike2Work (another joint initiative between the Ministry and the Embassy) make it accessible to everyone,” Dutch ambassador Elke Merks-Schaapveld added.

Chairman of the House transport committee Marinos Moushouttas said it is ready to support the plans of the government for a greener, more user-friendly transport system and help mitigate the existing congestion problems of the country.

CYcling in the City 2023 is an initiative of the Dutch Embassy and was organised with the ministry of transport, communications and works.

Also taking part in the ride were chairman of the of the House environment committee Charlambos Theopemptou and the mayors of Nicosia, Strovolos and Aglandjia.