The Córdoba 20-30 initiative, a space of ideas focused on the progress of Córdoba, has launched an «ambitious plan» that will be presented at the UGT headquarters on February 12, at 11:00, seeking «to transform the city and the province» into a healthier and more sustainable environment through the project «Bicycles can change Córdoba,» focused on promoting the use of bicycles as a regular means of transportation and making Córdoba «a reference in sustainable mobility.»
According to the association on its website, consulted by Europa Press, the Córdoba 20-30 initiative, established in 2018 with a group of over 30 professionals from different sectors, aims to «awaken the city from its lethargy, defining concrete and achievable ideas that serve as a social engine of progress» and that can be «considered by institutions regardless of their political tone.»
It should also be mentioned that the group’s name is «inspired by the values of the United Nations 2030 Agenda» that in the decade between 2020 and 2030 our city will shake off its shackles and achieve the prosperity it deserves.
Therefore, the project «Bicycles can change Córdoba» has several overarching goals, such as transforming the capital and the province into a «proactive territory in the use of bicycles,» promoting «their use as a daily means of transportation, both for urban travel and for recreational and sports activities.»
In this way, it will also help to «improve public health, reduce pollution, promote physical exercise, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.» It also aims to develop «position Córdoba as an attractive destination for bicycle tourism, both in the mountains and on the road,» as well as «create more sustainable cities and towns,» all «contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable mobility.»
The project is divided into three areas: urban, green, and sports roads. Regarding proposals in the urban field, highlights include «expanding cycling infrastructure to create a safe and connected bike lane,» improving the «implementation of measures to prevent theft and vandalism, such as secure surveillance and parking systems,» promoting cycling with the creation of «marked and safe routes and the development of complementary services, such as bike rentals and accommodation.»
Additionally, it proposes organizing events like «competitions and activities to promote cycling practice» and «increasing and raising citizens’ awareness» through information and educational campaigns to «promote bicycle usage.»
Among the expected benefits of this project are, among others, «reducing pollution and promoting physical exercise,» «creating employment, attracting tourism and diversifying the economic offering,» «contributing to the fight against climate change and carbon reduction,» and «creating more habitable and healthy cities.»
On another note, concerning the green roads of the association, it is emphasized that «the green roads are not well connected among themselves or to the city of Córdoba,» and some of them, in addition, are in poor condition and not fully utilized,» there is «a lack of coordinated management,» because «there is no specific body to manage and promote green roads.»
Green Roads
Therefore, it is proposed to strengthen the network of green roads (connect the city of Córdoba with green roads, interconnect different modes, and restore weak green roads); promotes tourism after cycling (market segments, creates tourist packages that combine cycling with other attractions, and uses digital marketing to promote green roads) and improves signage and services (install clear and uniform signage and offer services such as bike rentals, workshops, and accommodation).
With these improvements, the project aims to «create jobs and generate income,» «promote healthy habits,» «promote sustainable tourism,» and consolidate Córdoba «as a quality tourist destination.»
As additional actions, the Córdoba 20-30 initiative proposes to create thematic routes that combine cycling with culture and nature; organize cycling events, collaborate with tourism companies, and invest in infrastructure.
«We propose this project to transform Córdoba into a reference for cycling tourism, leveraging its natural and cultural heritage. By improving infrastructure, promoting tourism, and encouraging cycling practice, it seeks to generate economic development, without forgetting that it is also improving the health of citizens and positioning Córdoba as a very attractive tourist destination in the field of sports tourism,» emphasized.
Bicycle as an Economic Engine for Córdoba
Furthermore, the association proposes to stimulate road cycling in Córdoba as a strategy to boost the local economy and position the province as an attractive destination for sports tourism. The central idea is to leverage Córdoba’s extensive road network and favorable climatic conditions to attract professional cyclists and enthusiasts.
The main actions proposed in this regard include creating a calendar of cycling events; attracting professional cycling teams to choose Córdoba as a training base; developing thematic routes; creating safe and accessible training areas and improving route signage; promoting cycling tourism and organizing events for enthusiasts.
The expected benefits are «the generation of jobs in the tourism, hospitality, and sports sectors,» positioning Córdoba «as a reference destination for sports cycling,» and improving the «image of the province, associating it with a healthy lifestyle and active living.»
In summary, the Córdoba 20-30 initiative summarizes the project as «an ambitious action to make Córdoba a road cycling reference, leveraging its natural resources and varied topography throughout the province.» In this sense, «it seeks to generate a positive impact on the local economy, promote a healthy lifestyle, and position Córdoba as an attractive destination for sports tourism.»