Public hearings on amendments to Sofia's Master Plan started on January 21, the Bikevolution Association (BE) said. A total of 24 open meetings are planned and due to be completed by February 28.
The discussions begin at 6pm each working day in local halls in various regions of Sofia. Many amendments are planned, mainly concerning the transport-communicative system and green areas.
"The bicycle infrastructure is not mentioned at all in the new Sofia transport map," BE said. "Although Sofia municipal council promised measures, and on April 4 2007 decided to plan and construct six bicycle routes connecting the city neighbourhoods with the centre, a support for this plan's implementation and inclusion in the Master Plan amendments does not exist," their media statement said. BE proposed the approved plan for six main bike routes in the city earlier in 2007.
According to the BE, residents have to actively take part in the decisionmaking process by attending public hearings. Sofia needs an innovative solution to its traffic problems - including the metro construction and priority for public transport - as well as integrating and implementing a strategy on Sofia bicycle infrastructure development. "This would, in a very short term, improve the quality of life in the city," BE said.
