Title: Cooperation between NGOs and municipalities Authors: Virág Bencze-Kovács More information: http://kerekparosklub.hu Main question How could and should a civil organisation actively participate in the process of creating a cycle-friendly city? We see that, in the case of a “climber” country, this factor is indispensable. Situation analysis Relatively low level of car ownership and high but decreasing share of public transport are common phenomena in “climber” countries. However, cycling is two-faceted with a striking contrast between cities and the countryside. “Climber” countries also face a problem of the public sector: a lot of important tasks – promotion of cycling, maintenance of infrastructure or even road planning – are not properly fulfilled, so these tasks have to be done or strongly motivated by civil organisations. Current role and mode of operation of NGOs

Pros (+): Cons (–):

• catalysing the process (bringing together politicians, authorities, urban planners, engineers);

• substituting the deficiencies of the public sector;

• protesting and cooperation: since decision makers do not possess the knowledge for right decisions, protesting is not enough – NGOs have to cooperate;

• professional expertise combined with volunteer activism and strong presence at the local level;

• instead of demands: participation, common work.

• cooperation on an ad hoc and personal basis;

• not being taken seriously;

• no “control” over decision making, only option is persuasion;

• insufficient resources (especially financial) to meet the needs for cooperation in all fields;

• no access to sufficient data (plans, statistics, other data) for decision-making.

The role of HCC in Hungary can also be a good example for organizations in other “climber” countries. What can be done to involve and motivate municipalities?

• Long-term agreements with municipalities.

• Organization of professional days and groups all over the country.

• Taking formal and informal contact with designers, consultation in the planning of bicycle infrastructure.

• Our examples until now: ◦ City of Győr, Cycling Concept: working together with the municipality and designers delegated by the city. ◦ City of Miskolc: professional day, consultation in road network planning. ◦ City of Budapest: control of developments – suggestions, opinions and expertise.

In January 2010, Győr accepted the City's Cycling Programme prepared in cooperation with HCC and the municipality. The joint presentation of HCC and the municipality will show the details of the programme and the cooperation.