Promoting cycling for everyone as daily transport mode (PRESTO)

Cycling is the most energy efficient urban transport mode with a high potential to reduce energy consumption and to enhance the liveability of European cities. However, most of this potential still has to be activated. Cycling is already a "serious" transport mode in some countries (e.g. Netherlands and Denmark). But it can also become a high impact measure to foster energy-efficient transport patterns in countries without a real "cycling culture". PRESTO contributed to effectively activate this potential! PRESTO aimed to improve energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution by increasing the modal share of cycling. It also aimed at increasing traffic safety and at improving public health by promoting physical activity. The project transfered the best European know-how on three thematic pillars: - Infrastructure Planning, developing sound plans for better and safer cycling conditions - Promotional "soft measures", changing people’s minds towards a real "cycling culture" - Promotion of pedelecs, enabling and encouraging cycling among "sleeping" target groups, which usually would not cycle (e.g. elderly, business people, people seeking comfort).