09. Mar. 2012

Sofia
BULGARIA
A Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is a way of tackling transport-related problems in urban areas more efficiently. Building on existing practices and regulatory frameworks in the Member States, its basic characteristics are:

• A participatory approach;
• A pledge for sustainability;
• An integrated approach;
• A clear vision, objectives and measurable targets;
• A review of transport costs and benefits.

The European Commission seeks to accelerate the large scale take up of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans by local and regional authorities in Europe by informing comprehensively about the scope, content and benefits of these plans. In 2012, a team of experts appointed by the European Commission is delivering 35 seminars and experience exchange events on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans in national languages all over Europe.

The awareness raising workshop in Sofia is targeted at decision-makers and other stakeholders in Bulgaria. It will be organised in cooperation with the Bulgarian Transport Union. The awareness raising workshop will take place at the Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions:

Sofia – 1000
108 Rakovski Str.
Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions
Fl.2, Conference room 1

For further information on SUMP visit:
www.mobilityplans.eu

Conference language: Bulgarian
E-Mail

ALL ON THE BICYCLES!

• “Bulgarian Cycling  Society” (BCS)”
• “Cycling Marathon of Bulgaria 2012″
• “Velomood – common website for all bikers”
• “Bike Carnival 2012 – Sofia”
• “Bike Tours Social”

ECO TOURISM

• “Sofia Green Tour”
• “Istanbul Free Tour”

The Santa Claus, Snow White and 50 dwarfs made a Sofia Bike tour today ” Christmas on the bikes” and gave so many luck’s wishes and smiles to the locals

Hello from Vyacheslav Stoyanov, Team Leader of Factor Foundation. We’re believe in the future with encourage and help in the creation of conditions and infrastructure for Cycling Safety, Cycling Tourism, Eco Tourism, Eco transport.
I don’t think there will be anything else that I do in my life as important as what I do now for Factor Foundation. We’re not just promoting bicycle as transportation, we’re working to make people social. When we organize biking events for free, we are better people. We understand the world is bigger than us, and we become infected with tolerance and positive energy. I want to encourage you in your financial support of the projects:

- Cycle Safe

- velomood

Our work is possible because of donations from our supporters. Will you help protects Cycle Safe and Velomood by donating $5, €10, 10 leva or whatever you can afford?
When you financially give, you are not just helping an individual go on a tour; you are helping a team come together. You are sending a hope from a friendly country, city and nation.

If you desire to donate online, please click here.

Everyone involved is keenly interested in the future of the Cycle Safe and Velomood projects you can be assured donations have been and will continue to be used wisely. All support is very much appreciated. All monies received will only be utilized to advance our Mission Statement, and are administered at the direction of the Factor Foundation Project Board.

Thank you!

Vyacheslav Stoyanov
founder & chairman

Vyacheslav Stoyanov visited on 15th of  November the European Cyclng Federation in Brussels, Belgium. At the meeting with Martti Tulenheimo has been discussed future ECF projects  in Bulgaria.

Vyacheslav Stoyanov, who is the founder and chairperson of the “Factor” visited on 7 November this year Dutch Cycling Embassy in Utrecht, Netherlands. At the meeting with Tom Gotefroij has been discussed how to promote cycling as a means of transport and ways to improve cycling infrastructure in Eastern Europe.

biking events calendar (amateur cycling teams and bike tours)
Find and Share your biking event in all the world.

Initiative of the Factor Foundation is to promote amateur cycling teams and bike tours.  The bottom line of the initiative  is to promote of alternative bicycle  tourism, bicycle as a transportation and fun bike events.

The best way to see Sofia by short walking, biking and trekking green tours…

The Initiative: “Sofia Green Tour”, which developed of the Factor Foundation and the group of hotels and hostels in Sofia is to promote Sofia and Bulgaria as a tourist destination.

“English-language experienced guides show beautiful green places and landmarks of Sofia using green way like walking, biking and trekking. Sofia Green Tour combines attractive green tourism, movement and friendship.”

http://sofiagreentour.com

Trip advisor:

(1) Sofia Bike Tour – The landmarks and green parks.

(2) Boyana Trekking Tour- Boyana Church, Boyana waterfall and Boyana lake.

(3) Sofia by Night Tour – Night City Walking, Pubs, Bars & Clubs.

Start Point: National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”

Review Sofia Green Tour on TripAdvisor

Sofia city:

10AM in front of “Ariana” Lake, Sofia

EVERY SUNDAY – from 10AM to 12PM

Recruit volunteers for keeping the Sunday groups.
Invite your friends for a free Sofia green tour.

• 20 km around the parks of Sofia
• 2 hours of fresh air and relax

> Start: 10AM in front of “Ariana” lake, Sofia

> Park “Borisova Gradina”

> Park “Loven”> Park “South”

> Bridge of love, NPC

> Bicycle alleys “Evlogi Georgiev” to the stadium “Vasil Levski”

> Final: 12PM in front of “Ariana” lake

ROUTE: http://maps.google.bg/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=bg&t=h&msa=0&ll=42.683823%2C23.339939&spn=0.049088%2C0.110378&z=13&msid=204458664313755705696.0004a3161cc3e7177b6dd

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Varna city:

“I ride - Sunday 12:30 AM – (iRide) “

Every Sunday - from 12:30PM  to 4:30PM

Varna – the sea garden and promenade

Collection and departure from the sundial to FC.

JOIN!

• pleasure
• more friends with common interests
• to share ideas on how to improve conditions for cycling in the city

(route map: http://goo.gl/mdrjA)
Contact: +359 889 389842 - Plamen Georgiev

The Factor Foundation prepare the first charity cycling marathon of Bulgaria 2011

from April 2 till May 4, 2011

Cycling Tour of Bulgaria-Marathon 2011 e to create and promote cycling as a means of transport in cities and safe movement. A major factor is the health and intellectual development.

Cycling Eco Marathon will pass through 28 regional headquarters of Bulgaria municipalities presenting a comparative perspective to the use of environmentally friendly transport – cycling worldwide.

• Building and maintaining a national network of bicycle paths, bicycle paths and cycling sectors in Bulgaria.
• Standardization of  Bicycle towards infrastructure construction and road markings.
• Creation of a European cycling tourist corridor through the territory of Bulgaria “EuroVelo”. Maintenance of existing paths for biking and bicycling.
• For road marking (signs) for existing, newly constructed roads and bike paths.

For the main group cycled all tour of Bulgaria, up to 30 people, will be provided food and shelter.

The sixth day of the Cycling Marathon in Bulgaria on the 7th April was one of the most enjoyable days thus far. The weather was nice and sunny, not too hot yet great for riding. The main group was joined by another group of about 15 participants which started from the town of Pleven going south-east towards the next stop in Lovech. Full article »

On the April 11, 2011 it was the 10^th day since the start of the Cycling Marathon of Bulgaria. The day started early – at about 5 AM when the participants left the gym of “St Kiri and Metodii” school. The whole group went for a cup of hot tea and a cup of coffee before they took off towards the town of Targovishte.

Today it was the first time it started to rain. However, the rain and the cold weather could not ruin the uplifted mood of the 30 participants

On April 12, 2011 it was the 11 day since the start of the Cycling Marathon. Today the total distance which the participants cycled was about 50 kilometers. Along with some 15 young cyclists from Targovishte the whole group left to see Veliki Preslav – a landmark which is known to have been the first capital of Bulgaria. Full article »

On April 12, 2011 it was the 11 day since the start of the Cycling Marathon. Today the total distance which the participants cycled was about 50 kilometers. Along with some 15 young cyclists from Targovishte the whole group left to see Veliki Preslav – a landmark which is known to have been the first capital of Bulgaria. Full article »

One could definitely assert that today it was the most extraordinary day since the start of the Cycling Marathon. Its uniqueness comes namely from the weather conditions in which about 10 brave participants dared to ride. Since the very morning it was chilly and raining. Still, starting from Razgrad the cyclists were eager to ride in that weather. Full article »

Today’s trip was approximately 125 kilometers. The participants of the cycling marathon left from the sports hall where they stayed in Ruse and made their ways towards the south eastern town of Bulgaria – Silistra. Silistra was the last town which is situated by the river Danube – the northern border of Bulgaria.

Full article »

There is not a single day which could be similar with another one. On the 16^th day of the cycling marathon the group of participant had a great day. It left the accommodation in Dobrich and made their way towards its next destination, the town of Varna. Varna is the first town which is situated by the Black Sea cost. The participants enjoyed the incredible ride a lot. On the sides of the road it was so pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable – filled with various fields and trees. Full article »

Today it was the hardest and the longest days since the start of the marathon. The day started very early from the navel capital of Bulgaria – Varna. The group left for its next destination at about 7 o’clock in the morning and made their way towards the next town situated by the seaside – Burgas. Full article »

On the 20th day of the marathon the group cycled a total of about 70 kilometers. As soon as the cyclists left the gym in Kazanlak, and due to the fact that today the distance was not very big, they used the time to visit some of Kazanlak’s lendmarks. Thus, they went to see the well known Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, the museum, and the church in Shipka village.
Today’s next stop was Stara Zagora. On their way towards the next stop the participants were joined by another group of about 7 cyclists which pedaled till the city center. The participants made a lot of noise and cheered during the whole time and encouraged everybody to get on a bike. In front of Stara Zagora’s city hall there was a huge crowd of young students who were waiting to greet and see the cyclists. It was a truly great and happy moment seeing everybody smiling and cheering. Then, a presentation was delivered in front of the crowd and fliers given out.
The day ended in a sports hall which was provided thanks to the Municipality of Stara Zagora.

On the 18th day of the cycling marathon the cyclists covered a distance of about 100 kilometers. They all started from Burgas at about 10 AM and made their way towards their next destination – the town of Sliven.
Sliven is one of the greatest cycling centers of Bulgria. This town is the birthplace of some of the best cyclists in Bulgaria like Ilia Krustev and Milko Dimov. Also, it is one of the 10 biggest towns of Bulgaria.
As soon as the group reached Sliven, there was a group of local cyclists which joined the main group. Thus they all reached the city center and had a stop in front of the municipality of Sliven. A great presentation was given in front of about 100 children in the cultural center called “May” – very close to the municipality.
The cyclists stayed over the night in the sports school Dimitar Rahov and this was provided thanks to the Municipality of Sliven. This school on the other hand is one of the best sports schools of Bulgaria with its five types of sports. Here pupils very often compete and win different respectful competitions. The school owns about 8 sports facilities and some of the best sportsmen who have gradutated from the school are Georgi Ivanov (twice world champion in track and field), Toncho Tonchev (a pugilist and silver medalists in the Olympic games in Atlanta), and Sevdalin Minchev (weightlifting, 4 olimpic games and two bronze medals).

Today the cycling day started at about 9 AM. Everybody got up at about 7AM, took their breakfast and left Sliven towards Kazanlak. The total distance which the cyclists covered was about 90 kilometers and they all enjoyed a great day. Again the sun showed up and contributed to the pleasant ride of the participants.
Kazanlak is a town of great history. It is the town which is well known with the “rose valley” and the Tracian Kings. Here from May 3th to May 5th guests from all over the world come to celebrate the Holiday of the Rose. Kazanlak is also the hometown of Bulgarian cycling icons such as Vladimir Kolev and Stancho Stanchev. Full article »

On the 21^st day of the cycling marathon the group was able to spend a great Good Friday. As soon as they left Stara Zagora, the cyclists made their way towards Dimitrovgrad. There a police car was waiting to take the cyclists to the city’s church where the participants lighted candles and received Easter eggs and bread, also known as kozunak. Full article »

A day before Easter – one of the greatest Christian celebrations, the participants of the cycling marathon of Bulgaria had a great fun day. The first thing they did was visit the Highest Monument of the Virgin Merry and young Jesus recognised by the world Guiness Book. It was luckily situated in Haskovo and as coincidence or not, this gave a special charge to the whole group.
The cyclists covered about 85 kilometers to their next destination – the town of Plovdiv. However, on their way they were met by the mayor of Purvomay – another town which is situated in proximity to Plovdiv. The mayor cycled with everybody to the city center of Purvomay and invited everybody to have a drink in a café nearby. Full article »

On the Easter Day the participants of the marathon had experienced a quite sunny and pleasant, still challenging day. As soon as they left Plovdiv, the cyclists made their way towards their next destination – Kurdzhali. However, on their way the group stopped to see the Assen’s Fortress – a landmark which has been built since IX Century to guard the Aegean mountain pass and also to mark the borders of the Byzantine Empire. Full article »

On the 24th day of the marathon the cycling group covered about 90km from Kurdzhali to Smolyan. It was another challenging day due to its predominantly steep inclines, however, the scenery and never-ending, breathtaking views kept the cyclists going. The nature of the Rodopi mountains was truly magnificent and the cyclists were very glad to have had the opportunity to cover that stage of the trip. Full article »

On the 25^th day of the marathon, the cyclists cycled about 80 kilometers from Smolyan to Dospat. The day was quite sunny and hot, however, there was a cool breeze due to the mountainous region in the Rodopi mountain range. Today there were steep inclines and fast downhills which kept the riders excited all the time. The beautiful sights of the mountain, the small villages, scattered caws, sheep, and workers on the fields could be seen and enjoyed by all participants. Some of them were even able to see a couple of running deer up in the mountains. Full article »

Today the day was quite pleasant, relaxing and unique. The riders covered about 50km despite the rainy day. Namely the rain has contributed to the uniqueness of the ride: crystal clear air, quiet environment, and few cars on the roads up and down the Rodopi mountains. Full article »

About one week before the end of that unique for its kind event– the cycling marathon of Bulgaria – the cyclists were able to pedal for about 90 km and still feel fresh and energized. The group headed for Petrich from Gotze Delchev and bravely hit the incline up in the mountains. Again the ride was quite pleasant and the participants were able to reach the highest peak enjoying the sweet singing of various birds, the aroma of the blooming flowers of the spring, and the breathtaking scenery.

Today the cyclists were able to visit two distinctive landmarks – the world famous town Melnik and Rupite. Melnik is a small town situated in the south-west part of Bulgaria and very close to Petrich. It is famous with its unique architecture and its wine cells. Some of the finest wines of Bulgaria are made in Melnik. Rupite, on the other hand, is a sight where the house and the church of one of the most famous foretellers of Bulgaria could be found. Also in that area there are a number of springs with boiling hot mineral water which makes people from all around Bulgaria come and enjoy its healing powers.

As the group reached its final destination for the day – Petrich – it was welcomed by a police escort, members of the Petrich City Hall, and curious young boys and girls – eager to find out more about the cycling event. They all received fliers, stickers and information about the cycling marathon

On April 29, 2011 the participants covered about 90 kilometers from Petrich to Blagoevgrad – the next stop for today. The ride was quite pleasant and smooth regardless of the relatively heavy traffic. The group left Petrich in a great mood which was uplifted thanks to the numbers of young children and pupils of the town which came to say goodbye and good luck to the cyclists. From Petrich there were about 5 more riders which joined the main group and cycled till the last stop for the day – the beautiful town of Bulgaria – Blagoevgrad. Full article »

There is not a single day which is like the others in the marathon. Today the cyclists started their day at 7Am due to the relatively long and difficult route. Nevertheless, it turned out not to be as hard as expected.  The cycling group covered about 130 kilometers from Blagoevgrad to Velingrad – the spa center of Bulgaria. All the time the route was going in a very close proximity to fast rivers and train tracks – a very relaxing and peaceful setting which acted like an inspiration to the cyclists while pedaling up into the mountain. Full article »

On May 1, 2011 it was the 30^th day since the start of the cycling event.  Today the participants covered about 70km from Velingrad to Pazardzhik. The weather was cloudy and a bit chilly while the group pedaled up the Rodopi Mountain. Thus the group stopped in Batak – a beautiful little village with a lot of history and significance for the Bulgarian history. Here the group visited the local museums, the old church and enjoyed some hot soups and meals. Full article »

31 days have passed since the start of the cycling event and still each and every day has proved to be a different and even more exciting than the other. Today the group cycled about 85 kilometers in changing weather conditions; it was chilly, then worm, raining, and finally it got sunny again. The participants pedaled from Pazardzhik to Samokov and nothing could prevent them from having a great time.
The lunch break was in Belovo – a small city situated on the skirts of the Rila Mountain. During the break the cyclists tried some of the local home-made meals and after lunch they attacked the hills with excitement. It was another unique cycling day and the odor of the trees and flowers played a great deal for it. Full article »

Only one day before the end of the Cycling Marathon of Bulgaria the participants were able to spend another exceptional day. Today they covered about 85 kilometers from Samokov to Kyustendil. Regardless of the heavy rain they were all so excited and thrilled to cycle in such weather conditions.

The cyclist stopped for a lunch break in the city Dupnitsa. Here they were able to distribute flyers of the event, pose for some pictures, and give some interviews for the local media. After that they enjoyed some hot soups and meals in the city center. Full article »