London calling

	SPIRALLING INTO CONTROL: Modern bike racks like this one in Prague grant the rider greater freedom to lock up the frame and wheel. Theft is a major deterrrent to the use of bicycles as a means of transport rather than simply leisure. Photo: DANIEL MOUREK

The Hungarian Cyclists’ Federation trumpets the signing of the London Charter, which stresses the links between the environment, transport and health, by the four Visegrad countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia). The charter is an EU guideline that provides NGOs with a framework for positive change.

Rim benders

Hungary’s cycling woes typify the egion’s problems. New bike paths and lanes are poorly planned, constructed and maintained, and conditions for transporting bicycles on trains is deteriorating rapidly.

Getting the grease

Cycling organisations must strengthen their communication and cooperation for initiatives to succeed. Local strategies must also be developed through a national network, along with an aggressive effort to post signs, especially along national routes such as Eurovelo.