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Thessaloniki WEST: 3 neighboring municipalities' common participation at European Mobility Week
Published on 29 January 2020
Greece
Kentriki Makedonia
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About this good practice
Densely populated areas, low-income neighbourhoods, car-centric public areas, poor air quality and extreme lack of green spaces for walking and cycling are the common characteristics of the involved municipalities. In an effort to introduce new behavioural models towards a more cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly city, this coalition campaigned to motivate, connect and award cyclists, by participating in the Social Biking Challenge.
This Challenge, launched by the European Commission, aims to encourage cycling as a social habit. It promotes physical activity and, also, aims to increase the number of individuals using bikes in Europe by creating a network of cyclists.
“Thessaloniki WEST” participation in this EU project included 3 neighbouring municipalities (concerning 252.000 inhabitants in total) in the north-western part of the city of Thessaloniki who worked together as one Local Challenge Organizer and one common participating team.
The practice was based on the BikePrints tracking app which allows users to track their rides and take part in the 3-week European competition by joining the “Thessaloniki WEST” team on the app. They could ride alone, in pairs or in groups and earn the respective points based on the distance covered. The more one used his bike, the more points he earned. 30 prizes were offered through a lottery (bicycles, helmets, bicycle accessories, etc.). The probability of one’s name being selected was directly proportional to the number of his points.
This Challenge, launched by the European Commission, aims to encourage cycling as a social habit. It promotes physical activity and, also, aims to increase the number of individuals using bikes in Europe by creating a network of cyclists.
“Thessaloniki WEST” participation in this EU project included 3 neighbouring municipalities (concerning 252.000 inhabitants in total) in the north-western part of the city of Thessaloniki who worked together as one Local Challenge Organizer and one common participating team.
The practice was based on the BikePrints tracking app which allows users to track their rides and take part in the 3-week European competition by joining the “Thessaloniki WEST” team on the app. They could ride alone, in pairs or in groups and earn the respective points based on the distance covered. The more one used his bike, the more points he earned. 30 prizes were offered through a lottery (bicycles, helmets, bicycle accessories, etc.). The probability of one’s name being selected was directly proportional to the number of his points.
Resources needed
1.Awards’ cost: 1.700€ (awards were provided by a private sponsor)
2.Cycling events’ cost (within EMW): 3.750€
3.Campaign cost (posters, brochures, etc.): 500€
Human resources: Five municipal employees were involved, having worked on the project approximately 30 hours each, 150 hours in total.
2.Cycling events’ cost (within EMW): 3.750€
3.Campaign cost (posters, brochures, etc.): 500€
Human resources: Five municipal employees were involved, having worked on the project approximately 30 hours each, 150 hours in total.
Evidence of success
Despite the relatively low number of entries in the Challenge, a good start has been achieved in promoting cycling in the area, raising public awareness and encouraging a cyclists’ network creation. Also, important networking among municipal employees was achieved towards the crucial future cooperation and implementation of the 3 running SUMPs. Synergy is essential as these Municipalities are part of the same metropolitan area, of the city of Thessaloniki, forming its west side.
Potential for learning or transfer
This Good Practice describes an initiative among neighbouring municipalities of the city of Thessaloniki on the occasion of European Mobility Week. It comprises a good example of cooperation among public actors towards a more cohesive governance and urban local growth for all. As mentioned by a municipal employee involved in the initiative, it was the first step for a future synergy that is necessary for the development of the whole west side of the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki and the SUMPs’ implementation.
It may have started by a simple co-organization of a bicycle challenge, but it sets the foundation for many other more important occasions by changing the mindset and the attitude of the local public Authorities.
It may have started by a simple co-organization of a bicycle challenge, but it sets the foundation for many other more important occasions by changing the mindset and the attitude of the local public Authorities.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipality of Kordelio-Evosmos, Ampelokipon-Menemenis, Pavlou Mela
Greece
Kentriki Makedonia
Contact
Research Associate