Polotsk may become the first Belarusian city to join the European initiative for the development of eco-friendly modes of transport
The basis for this was the recent signing of the European Mobility Week charter by the First Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee, Sergey Leychenko.
- We are always ready to adopt and develop advanced experience from countries around the world on our territory in order to preserve, multiply, and pass on all the best to our descendants, – Sergey Leychenko expressed the general position of the district leadership.
He emphasized that the signed document makes it possible to position Polotsk not only as the oldest center of Belarusian statehood, spirituality, and culture, but also as a city of advanced solutions, innovative approaches to modern development processes, where citizens' safe and comfortable lives are cared for.
Polotsk residents were the first in Belarus to sign the Covenant of Mayors, joining a European initiative aimed at improving the environmental situation. This year, work has been completed on the implementation of a project to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere. One of the most significant events was the planting of over 5,000 seedlings that filter the air.
Another European Union project, "From Energy Efficiency to Urban Mobility", implemented jointly with the "Interaction" Foundation, provides for the creation of optimal conditions for the movement of all categories of citizens in the settlement using all types of transport, including environmentally friendly ones.
Local authorities that meet the conditions stipulated in the signed document will be awarded the status of "Golden Participants" of the Best European Mobility Week competition. Within its framework, dozens of interesting events will be held for Polotsk residents and city guests from September 16 to 22, opening up new perspectives on solving transport problems.
In particular, it is planned to pay a lot of attention to supporting bicycle transport, which is becoming increasingly popular among Polotsk residents. This was also demonstrated by the recent cycling event organized to promote a healthy lifestyle by the radio station "Europa Plus Polotsk" and the company "Summit" headed by its director Yuri Petrovsky. More than a thousand people expressed their desire to ride from Freedom Square to the picturesque shore of Lake Voronets, where a bike-music picnic with entertainment, contests, and prizes took place.
The ride became one of the largest in Belarus. The column, stretching for several kilometers, was an unprecedented sight for Polotsk, which residents and guests of the city tried to capture in photos and videos. The age range was also impressive: the youngest girl, whom her cyclist mother placed in a special seat, was barely a year old, and the oldest participants were in their seventies.
No one expected such a large number of fans of this eco-friendly mode of transport, but it was still decided to accept all comers without restrictions. Numerous partners of the organizers, as well as members of the community "Velo Novopolotsk", who acted as experienced mentors, helping beginners in difficult situations, helped to hold the event in the best possible way.
And the result lived up to expectations: all costs were generously compensated by a wealth of positive impressions. "Unforgettable, wonderful, great! Emotions are off the charts, energy is just overflowing. Many thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers. The project showed that the people of our country are capable of a lot. Bicycles make people happy and unite them", - participants of the event shared such enthusiastic feedback on social networks, convinced that such events are needed in Polotsk and should be held more often.
Larisa Malashenya, "Vitebskiye Vesti"