TODAY.AZ / Sports

Exciting cycle race runs through Baku streets

12 October 2015 [16:50] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The exciting cycle race – “Get to know yourself and world on two wheels” – took place in the capital on October 11.

Organized by the DAIR Azerbaijan Hotels and Restaurants Association, “CycleMania” cycling movement and the “Baku Guide,” the race was aimed supporting tourism cycling as an indicator of a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as to explore the historical and architectural monuments and other tourist sites of the city.

Despite fluctuations in the weather in recent days, which would have made it difficult to travel by bicycle, the warm rays of the autumn sun shone down on the event.

At 9 o'clock in the morning, about 35 cyclists launched the journey at the State Flag Square, accompanied by two vehicles of the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation.

The group of cyclists stopped by Boulevard Hotel Baku and were saluted by the hotel staff. The next station was Baku’s old city – Icherisheher. Accompanied by a tour guide, cyclists visited the "Maiden Tower" and the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, walked through two Karvansarays, one of which operates as a restaurant of national cuisine.

After hour and half excursion, cyclists relaxed in Paris Bistro restaurant and had a drink of coffee.

Organizers and cyclists revealed the main goals and objectives of the program at a press conference at the finish line of the ride, the Boulevard Hotel Baku.

They discussed issues such as a lack of proper road infrastructure for the movement of bicycles and proposals for the installation of bicycle parking racks in the city's hotels, cafes, restaurants, sightseeing, etc.

Representatives from Hotels and the Restaurants Association proposed developing cycle tours for local and foreign tourists as well as for all lovers of cycling. A few tours around Baku, a number of tours to several places around the country and interconnected tour between Azerbaijan and Georgia were proposed too.

They discussed ways to stimulate urban hotels to purchase bicycles for tourists who wish to travel on cycle route and see the historical, architectural and other tourist attractions.

As a result of the discussion, it was suggested that organizations appeal to the Executive Power of Sabail district of Baku with initiative as a pilot project to create the infrastructure for the movement of bicycles throughout the urban area. Actually, most of the tourist sites and attractions visited by tourists and guests of the city, as well as local population, are situated in the territory of Sabail district.

Cyclists discussed some issues such as country's population cycling culture, training newcomers to the accepted rules of movement and traffic enforcement. Representatives of CycleMania put forward different proposals to solve these issues.

During their speeches, representatives of Azerbaijan Cycling Federation stated that they support the initiatives, hoped to increase the number of such projects and are always ready to support such ideas in the future.

At the end of the event, participants were awarded with diplomas and gifts from the Illy coffee company and a Baku Guide.

Organizers of the cycle ride expressed their deep gratitude to all partners who helped in the realization of this project: Boulevard Hotel Baku, Intourist Hotel Baku, Paris Bistro, Nova.Net, Illy, Plener, Office of the State Historical-Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher," Azerbaijan Cycling Federation. Thanks also go to Lider TV for an interview and show in the news.

Informational support was provided by the TREND Information Agency, news portals Milli.az, Day.az, Today.az and Azernews.az.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/sports/144315.html

Print version

Views: 1752

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: