EcoMobility Alliance gains momentum

04-09-07

Leaders of the bicycle industry met at the Eurobike 2007 Tradeshow in Friedrichshafen (Germany) to learn about the Global Alliance for EcoMobility.

Konrad Otto-Zimmermann presenting vision, goals proposed action areas for the Alliance

John Burke (right) welcomed by Konrad Otto-Zimmermann

Yoshi Shimano (right) and Masahiro Tsuzaki looking forward to ecomobility advocacy and promotion by the Alliance

In preparation for the launch of the Global Alliance for EcoMobility, leaders from the bicycle industry met at the Eurobike 2007 tradeshow in Friedrichshafen (Germany) to be briefed on the vision, goals and mandate of the Alliance. Participants received presentations by Shimano Europe Corporate Communications Director Hans van Vliet and ICLEI Secretary General Konrad Otto-Zimmermann. Present were Trek CEO John Burke, Giant CEO Toni Lo, Accell Group CEO and COLIBI Chairman René Takens, Shimano Chairman Yoshi Shimano, Shimano Vice President of Corporate Communications Masahiro Tsuzaki, Vuelta International CEO and COLIPED Chairman Moreno Fioravanti, Paul Lange CEO Bernhard Lange, and European Cyclists Federation President Dr. Manfred Neun. The closed meeting had been called by the initiators of the Global Alliance, Shimano and ICLEI. Bicycle industry leaders discussed how the international bike industry could be represented in the Alliance and what next steps were to be taken to obtain the mandate from the entire industry, and how to obtain the necessary funding. ICLEI will hold further strategy meetings with leaders from the walking/ pedestrian and physically impaired/ wheelchair sectors in October. The launch of the Global Alliance is scheduled for December 2007. For more information, please visit the Alliance’s website at www.ecomobility.org.