Abstract for Velo-City Global 2010 Cooperation between NGOs and municipalities PP

1. 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 • cooperation on an ad hoc and personal
politicians, authorities, urban planners, basis;
engineers); • not being taken seriously;
• substituting the deficiencies of the public • no “control” over decision making, only
sector; option is persuasion;
• protesting and cooperation: since decision • insufficient resources (especially financial) to
makers do not possess the knowledge for meet the needs for cooperation in all fields;
right decisions, protesting is not enough – • no access to sufficient data (plans, statistics,
NGOs have to cooperate; other data) for decision-making.
• professional expertise combined with
volunteer activism and strong presence at
the local level;
• instead of demands: participation, common
work.
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.