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Emanuela Karastoyanova

Soon in Athens we will be able to see pictures from Denmark, Netherlands, Germany and other European countries which are actively involved in the fight for environmental protection. From 22.09.2010 until 31.10.2010 the citizens of the capital will be able to try a new method of transportation which has been successfully used for years by the residents of many capitals around the world. I am talking of nothing else but of the bicycles.

The difficult task to change the harmful transportaion habits of the citizens of Athens accumulated for many years has taken the city tram company. In the basis of the plan, of course, is the idea that the bicycles and the tram are the most environmentally friendly means of transport. The experiment will take place from 22/09/2010 until 31/10/2010. Those who with can rent a bicycle completely free of charge at the marina of Flisvos, close to the tram station Trokadero. "The conditions are simple. Whoever wants to rent a bicycle from us must have a valid ticket for the tram and an identity document. Bicycles can be rented for two hours free of charge"- explains Ilias Hrisopoulos, employee of the company. "For more than a month the tram company will promote this method of transportation. We think that the tram and the bicycle are great alternatives. This is an excellent attempt to change the habits of the citizens of Athens and to make them tend to love bikes. In other European countries this is a very popular means of transport. I think the Greeks can also learn it. Moreover, in times of crisis. This is a good way to contribute to environmental protection". The route which the company has set as a start is covering the coastal road from Kalamaki to Glyfada. Ilias Hrisopoulos states, however, that everyone can choose his own route.

Bicycle is really a solution. Moreover, in Greece the climate permits this. And yet, can we imagine the Athenians would give up the comfort of their car and get on the bicycle...? "We can" - is certain Ilias and his colleague Polikseni Marinaki. "The residents of the maritime district Palyo Faliro from where the program will start is dealing with sport very actively. Many of them are fond of jogging. Sport and cycling have some grounds here. Hopefully the young people who are accustomed to use the services of the tram will also embrace the idea. If success is as big as we forecast, from May 2011 we will introduce the bicycle as a permanent means of transport in the city. It will be affordable for everybody and we predict the price of its renting to be one euro. As much as the tickets for public transport cost – are saying the optimistic officials.

The experimental program is strongly promoting the cycling festival Bike and Run Festival at Technopolis, Athens. The festival is organized within the European Week of Transportation and presents hundreds of models of bicycles, which the visitors can personally try out.