The September winner of a free package for the Velo-city 2013 Conference in Vienna has been identified. The lucky one is Renate Laffin, who works for the consultancy agency Modern Mobility. We asked her a few questions about her motivations to attend Velo-city 2013 and her expectations from the conference.
Velo-city 2013:
How did you hear about the Velo-city 2013 Conference?
Renate Laffin:
My boss heard about it at the Velo City Conference in Vancouver 2012.
Velo-city 2013:
What made you sign up for the Velo-city 2013 Conference that early?
Renate Laffin:
I signed up that early because I hoped I would win the free participation fee.
Velo-city 2013:
The main themes of the 2013 Velo-city Conference will be: Cycling Cultures, Cycling Cities and Cycling Benefits. How are these conference themes related to your own interests?
Renate Laffin:
We are interested in anything that promotes the zero-emission transport modes.
Velo-city 2013:
What comes to your mind when you hear the term “Cycling Cultures”?
Renate Laffin:
Cycling Cultures are a mindset that can encourage more cycling as it becomes popular to cycle. A certain momentum means that it is no longer considered odd to cycle. In those countries where there is already a lot of cycling, cyclists have positive attitudes towards this mode of transport – thus it is easier for more people to take up cycling.
Velo-city 2013:
What is your research about? And how does it relate to the Velo-city Conference?
Renate Laffin:
We try to promote marketing aspects of cycling and walking with a special emphasis on gender issues. Our work touches upon the Velo City 2013 Cycling Culture and Cycling Benefits themes – we also touch upon Cycling Cities issues since we have more expertise in urban issues.
Velo-city 2013:
Do you have some first thoughts about Velo-city 2013? What are your expectations from the conference?
Renate Laffin:
I hope there will be contributions by Indians – that was missing at the Velo City 2012 Conference in Vancouver. – and I also hope we will establish interesting contacts at the conference.
We want to thank Renate Laffin for this interview and the insights into her work. As a visual reference to illustrate the scope of her work, Renate Laffin shared an image with us that symbolises the importance of bicycles in another culture. The photo below shows a bicycle repairman in Tamala, Ghana, thus supporting affordable and clean mobility.
