Kratsa and Ktenas take a look at Dutch cycle lanes

While they were at the Utrecht International Tourism Fair Ionian Islands Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa and Deputy Governor for Lefkada Andreas Ktenas took the opportunity to have a look at how the Dutch have integrated the bicycle in their everyday lives.

According to the press release, the Regional Authority is looking at developing and promoting cycling tourism in all the Ionian Islands as it can bring many benefits to the local communities.

Ionian Islands Regional Administration press release:

"At  the Utrecht exhibition in the Netherlands, the country of the bicycle, Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa and Deputy Governor for Lefkada Andreas Ktenas declared themselves 'bicycle lovers' and are ready to create and promote cycle lanes on the islands, which will bring many benefits to tourism and the quality of life.

The Deputy Governor cycled many kilometres to get to know the system of cycle lanes at first hand. It will be a happy challenge for all the Ionian Islands to develop cycling and improve residents' everyday life.

Cycling tourism is not limited to specific seasons of the year, is cheaper than others types of tourism and allows greater familiarisation with the environment, the sights and nature. Cycling is a way to significantly improve vehicle and foot traffic in the commercial centre of the town.

The Regional Authority is moving forward and we, the members of the public, need to play our part. And because the bicycle has changed from when we were young it is time to create the proper infrastructure and cycle lanes and make a reality of what we thought up to now was not possible."