BEIRUT BIKEATHON 2014 BIKE FOR SAFE CYCLING LANES IN THE CITY!

Beirut, Lebanon – September 18, 2014
Another one of a kind press conference was held by Green Mind NGO and in partnership with Bikeنانبل to
announce the launching of the Beirut Bikeathon 2014. The Press conference took place on Thursday
September 18, 2014 at the Municipality of Beirut and was followed by a breathtaking audiovisual show, all
powered by bicycles pedal power!
Bikeathon is a national initiative organized by Green Mind NGO for the 5th time in Lebanon and for the 2nd time in Beirut, encouraging thousands of sport lovers, companies, organizations, families, and eco-supporters to join a public ride, bike for a cause, and support the conversion to a more eco-friendly form of transportation: Cycling.
Beirut Bikeathon 2014 was announced to be organized on Sunday October 5, 2014 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, with a starting point at the Beirut Waterfront, Beirut Central District, and under the theme of “Bike For Safe Cycling Lanes In The City”.
The press conference was introduced by a welcome note of Dr. Bilal Hamad – Mayor of Beirut, which was followed by speeches of Mrs. Nada Zaarour – President of Green Mind NGO, Mr. Gaby Tamer – President of the Franco Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Marianne Hoayek – Executive Director at Banque Du Liban, representatives of Middle East Airlines, and Mr. Jawad Sbeity – Owner of Beirut By Bike.
“Wanting to do it is one thing, acting to get it is another thing, enjoying the act is a better thing!” said Mrs. Nada Zaarour, President of Green Mind NGO. “There is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than teaming up with our friends, colleagues, and families in a ride that calls for the creation of safe cycling lanes in the city. A community that is provided with an access to cycling lanes will want to use it, and that is how the process for changing towards an environmental culture begins.”
Mr. Gaby Tamer, As President of the Franco Lebanese Chamber of Commerce also said “I see in France and Europe in general how the ministers and business owners move to their offices on bicycles! I wish from all Lebanese people to adopt this method to solve traffic problems, reduce pollution and general waste”.
Press Release | Beirut, Septembre 18
All, companies, organizations and individuals wishing to participate in the Beirut Bikeathon event, which is going to be held for the first time free of charge, are invited to pre-register their names online on: www.GreenMindme.org. Participants will have the options of arriving to the Beirut Bikeathon with their own bikes and helmets, or booking their free bikes from Beirut By Bike ahead of time, noting that the number of bikes available for booking is limited and is on First Come First Served Basis.
The press conference was concluded with a cocktail reception, and a charming audiovisual show: The whole Municipality of Beirut building was gradually lit by energy generated from 10 Bikeathon pedaling bikers, a show that amazed the attendees, and inspired them to prepare their bikes and helmets and get ready for joining the Beirut Bikeathon on October 5!
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