Cycling Waterways Project Kicks Off in Zaragoza (Spain)

From June 25 to June 27, 2024, Zaragoza became the host for the Cycling Waterways project Kick-Off Meeting. This event marked the official start of the project. The three-day meeting brought together project partners and stakeholders, setting the stage for future activities with a series of insightful discussions, workshops, and study visits.

Tatiana Gaudes, the Environment and Mobility Counselor of the Municipality of Zaragoza, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are fortunate to be a city with three rivers that structure the entire city, with mobility revolving around them. This project represents a significant advancement in promoting sustainable mobility and highlighting the natural beauty of our waterways. We are eager to see the positive impacts this initiative will bring to our communities."

Highlights from the Kick-Off Meeting

Engaging Workshops and Networking The meeting opened with an introduction to the project's goals and expected outcomes. Workshops on sustainable tourism and waterway cycling routes for every day mobility were a key feature, highlighting the project’s potential to boost local economies and raise environmental awareness. Networking activities provided attendees with opportunities to connect and share ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

Project Management and Coordination Detailed sessions on administrative procedures, financial management, and reporting requirements ensured that all partners were on the same page. Breakout sessions facilitated brainstorming on various work packages, fostering collaboration and innovative thinking.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Effective communication strategies were a major focus, with discussions on how to disseminate project results and engage local communities. Participants learned methods to maximize their outreach and ensure community involvement.

Inspiring Study Visits The event concluded with study visits to local waterway cycling routes. These visits offered practical insights and inspiration, showing participants the real-world impact and potential of the project.

Zaragoza’s Contribution to Sustainable Mobility

Explore the good practices that the municipality of Zaragoza has already contributed to Interreg Europe during the previous period:

• Bicycle Master Plan of Zaragoza: This initiative focuses on behavior change towards sustainable mobility, promoting cycling as a primary mode of transport. Learn more
• Bizi Zaragoza: This bike-sharing program makes cycling easy and accessible for everyone in Zaragoza, significantly enhancing urban mobility. Discover more
• CTA-Z Transport Consortium: The LAZO card integrates various forms of transport within the metropolitan area, streamlining the use of public transport and promoting sustainable travel. Find out more