Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

Baku Transport Agency (BTA) is taking measures to create infrastructure for organizing cycling in the capital of Azerbaijan.

For this purpose, bicycle trails are planned to be created at the first stage in the territories in the direction of Boyukshor Park - the Olympic Stadium, the Academy of Sciences, Seaside Boulevard, at the second stage - Icherisheher, the Winter Park, the territory of the former “Sovetskiy” sports and concert complex named after H. Aliyev, Dede Gorgud Park, Ataturk Park, N. Narimanov Park, White City, Sahil Park, Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center.

One of the projects under consideration is the creation of an 18-kilometer bicycle path around the Baku Olympic Stadium and Lake Boyukshor. An analysis is also being conducted on the creation of a bicycle road network that will cover the center of the capital.

Bicycle paths and parkings will be created in Baku in the coming years.

The establishement of bike trails on the roads will contribute considerably to the reduction of accidents on the roads. It will also help the development of bicycle as a real transport and sport means in Azerbaijan, that most of people regarded as an entertainment tool, so far.

It should be noted that in the Yasamal residential complex of the State Agency for Housing Construction (MIDA) cycling trails and parking have already been provided for the use of residents.

Presently the harming to the environment caused by transport vehicles is one of the most pressing problems in the world. Cars hold leading position in environmental pollution (by more than 90 percent) as well as cause traffic jams that keep people on track for hours.

Many countries have already realized the seriousness of the situation and eye using alternative kinds of transport as a solution to this challenge.

Bicycle is a type of transport that plays an important role in protecting the environment, reducing traffic jams and improving human health.

The bicycle is the second most common technical product that has been produced and distributed worldwide after the sewing machine. The small size, low cost and lack of fuel demand are the main reasons for it being so wide-spread in the world.

The history of bicycle use in Azerbaijan dates back to 1930. Then, for the first time, people in Azerbaijan started using bicycle as a vehicle.

Today, meeting cyclist in the streets of our capital is not somewhat unusual.

Cycling has also been developed as a kind of sport besides its transport use.

The first bicycle race was held in Sweden in 1819. Since 1893, world cycling competitions, European and other competitions have been held. Bicycle races were included in the first Olympic Games program.

Bicycle sports include road, track, mountain, and BMX (cycling motocross) types. The International Cycling Union (UCI) was founded by bicycle sports organizations in Belgium, U.S., France, Italy and Switzerland in Paris in 1900. UCI organizes international bicycle races.

Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries in organizing sports tournaments.

UCI BMX World Championships was held in Baku four times and brought together more than 1,500 cyclists from 43 countries.

Cycling is developing steadily in Azerbaijan year by year and bicycle races have become traditional during the public holidays. Azerbaijani Cycling team Synergy Baku project successfully participates in the international competitions. The Tour d'Azerbaijan, exciting cycling competition, has been held in the country since 2012.

The purpose of the cycling race is to attract the attention of the public and private sectors to the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Framework Convention (reduction of CO2 up to 35 percent by 2030), contributing to the reduction of heat-generating gases and promoting the tradition of days off without cars.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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