Bicycle as an important factor of environment friendly inner city mobility
Bicycle plays an important role not only in a transportation system but also in a history- it is really genius invention. Uses only bio energy, that is fully renewable - our muscles !

From environmental point of view, bicycle is the only mode of transport that does not harm our natural environment, also bicycle infrastructure is much cheaper to maintain than car infrastructure. In this context , proecological change in our behavior should aim for create a habit of using bicycle as an mode of everyday transport , tourism and recreation.

Bicycle and local economy
Bicycle is also a trade product. Not everyone can afford a car but almost all of us can have a bicycle. This is a very large market, which brings our municipalities and our country serious income and work places. There is a great potential in a bicycle industry, so authorities of all levels should support it.

Health aspects of bicycle use
Human being is not a machine, that breaks when used too much. The more we exercise the more healthy and strong we get. Living in a city, harmful work and living conditions are something we can not change, but by means of exercise we can become more immune. Our natural immunology can be improved by physical activity - why not riding bicycle ?

Proposed cycle routes network
Cycle routes should be safe and well signed. They should connect directly the most important and attractive locations in the city - industrial and trade centers, train stations, entertainment and social centers, schools, university facilities, sport and recreational facilities. Cycle routes network should cover the whole city.

• lack of financial sources
• social disproval for restrictions for car users
• technical constraints

Cycle transport in city policy
Now authorities of Katowice are ready to create and implement a vision of cycle transport in Katowice. Financial sources were reserved for this aim in city budgets in 2000 and 2001.

Present situation
City of Katowice cooperates on every day basis with Silesian Union of Municipalities and Districts, that coordinates "Silesia by Bicycle" project.

There are two main routes within the project, that go through Katowice:

• route number 1, Katowice - Tychy (26 km)
• route number 2 Katowice - Mikołow (13 km, not officially opened yet).

It is planned to develop a cycle routes network in Katowice (now we have many short routes in different parts of the city) also we plan top develop more routes in the frame of "Silesia by Bicycle" project.

• recreational function of bicycle use
• using bicycle as a mode of transport can be more problematic because of high density in a city center
• necessity of restriction for car transport in a city center.