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Car free day with Minister of Cities Brasil, 21-22 September 2009 I-CE participated in the cycling rally as part of the Car Free Conference, organized by the Ministry of Cities and the cyclists organisation Rodaz de Paz with support of the Dutch Embassy and others. Minister Fortes de Almeida asked I-CE´s director Roelof Wittink to join him in the front line, with the Secretary of State and his staff, see picture.
 For the rally they used the Samba Public bikes, produced in Brasil by Serttel and running in Rio de Janeiro and Blumenau. For more information about Samba see http://www.mobilicidade.com.br/
The Brazilian Cyclist Union (UCB – União de Ciclistas do Brasil) and the local cycling advocacy NGOs, Rodas da Paz and Pedal Noturno, represented the cyclists in the celebrations. Participation in meetings and speeches with representatives of three foreign countries on the stage: The embassies of Germany and Colombia were present. The minister of cities referred in his speech to Roelofs suit, saying he would also go on the bicycle in his suit to president Lula to avoid congestion. Here, the President of UCB, Antonio Carlos de Mattos Miranda (right), read a proposal letter, with cyclists´ points of view and demands, to the Federal Government. (Click here for the full text of the letter in Portuguese). Roelof Wittink presented the BPP at the Carfreeday Seminar. SeMOB´s renewed cycling policy program "Bicicleta Brasil: Avanços e Desafios" was presented, asking people for critics and contributions to the process. I-CE offered support to semob and has sent a MOU to develop training. |
