Cycling infrastructure

For the nation's bicycle shops, the past few years have probably felt like the business version of the Tour de France, with numerous twists and turns testing their endurance.

The Turkish Cycling Federation has stressed the need of deterrent penalties following the tragic deaths of three cyclists in crashes over the course of the last two weeks, which raised attention to the necessity for safer cycling practices.

According to local media, Istanbul's congested traffic makes it nearly impossible to ride a bicycle, which is supposed to be an alternate and healthier mode of transportation, as the city lacks enough bicycle lanes.

In southeastern Turkey, a top city official for disabled affairs is blind, but still makes his way down the streets in an official vehicle using pedal power - not a car, but a bicycle.

Turkey's Environment and Urban Planning Ministry has issued a bylaw to ensure safe cycling in intra-city traffic by regulating the construction of bicycle roads and stations. 

The regulation on the design and construction of bicycle roads, stations and parking lots entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette on Nov. 3. 

One in four Greeks has a bicycle but only 3 percent use it as one of their main modes of transport and just 32 percent of owners have used their bikes over the last 12 months, according to a survey carried out on behalf of the Greek branch of WWF.

On Sunday, May 11, Athenian cyclists rode through the capital's center calling for a city that will make space for every bike and pedestrian while reducing the space given over to cars. The campaign was part of an ongoing nationwide effort that this year included at least 40 Greek cities.