Shimano supports ICLEI and Velo Mondial

Shimano is supporting a new ICLEI award scheme, the global Cities Enjoy Bicycles Awards.

The awards will be given to "outstanding local government initiatives that can show tangible results."

Two awards will be given in 2006: for Africa and for Europe. In addition, up to six finalists from around the globe will receive certificates of honour.

The awards will be handed over by Shimano management during the ICLEI World Congress which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 27 February – 3 March 2006.

The awards will be given to local governments in other world regions in 2009 and more in 2012.

"This project will encourage the creation of bicycle-friendly cities worldwide on a longer term," said Harald Troost, Shimano Europe’s PR manager.

http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=1856

Shimano Inc. has also became a core supporter of Velo Mondial, Cape Town, South Africa from March 5 – 10, 2006.

The theme of Velo Mondial 2006 is “Towards Prosperity” and the conference will address transport-related issues in both rural and urban areas; how the bicycle can be incorporated into transport development planning; and will investigate ways in which bicycle-related initiatives can improve lives in communities around the world in developed and developing countries.

Shimano is making a cash contribution to Velo Mondial and is also picking up the travel tabs for ten of the conferences’ speakers to get to South Africa.

"Shimano would like to give an impulse to the discussions about sustainable mobility. In our view it is important to stimulate these kind of initiatives that will influence tomorrow’s policies in relation to mobility," said Troost.

http://www.velomondial.net/page_display.asp?pid=17