The European Union Delegation to Armenia concluded the series of public events dedicated to the “Europe Day” by a massive bike ride launched at Northern Avenue in Yerevan, with the finish line in Hrazdan canyon.
So far, many outdoor celebrations were held in different cities of the Republic (Ijevan, Hrazdan, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Kapan, and Yeghegnadzor) in May, with the slogan “Europe is here”. About 200 cyclists of different ages and professions participated in the Yerevan bike ride, dedicating their day off to a healthy lifestyle.
Before the start of the ride, EU Ambassador Piotr Switalski, who also was one of the most active participants in the bicycle ride, told the audience: “Let me remind, that the European Union promotes a healthy lifestyle, and cycling is not only one of the best ways to express a healthy lifestyle but also a family sport. The EU also tries to ensure family strength. Therefore, we will support all the initiatives of Armenia and Armenians that Yerevan would be aimed at making Yerevan a city appropriate for cycling. Let me thank all the participants, especially families, and children because by this we also clearly state that Armenia shifts to a European lifestyle”.
The staff of the Georgian Embassy in Armenia also took part in the bike ride. Deputy Ambassador Malkhas Malashkia told Aravot.am that they welcome and support this initiative and came to take part in it. He believes that cycling is one of the best ways of active rest and healthy lifestyle.
It is gratifying that women, girls, and adolescents were particularly active in the participation. Ani Karapetyan was also among them. “Usually, I participate in mass events because of my journalistic career. But today I am here as a participant. I have been riding a bicycle for a year now. In the beginning, I was hesitating whether I can manage or not. I tried and the bicycle became a drug for me. Every day I ride a bike and try to make it popular among my female friends. I live in Abovyan and I have noticed that attitude towards cycling women in provinces is not somehow negative. But there are also old women that welcome and encourage cycling girls.
Cycling culture is gradually developing here as well. I have lived in Europe and I know how widespread cycling is there. Since this culture develops here too, I want to see the first bike tracks, to see drivers not ignoring the cyclists, people becoming more tolerant and friendly towards bicycles”.
Ashot HAKOBYAN
