Sustainable mobility, safe cycling infrastructure , the creation of 30 km/h safe zones adjacent to educational institutions, accessible public transport are just some of the topics discussed during the round table - Accessible connections for Moldova: opportunities and challenges, organized at the initiative of the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM), within the SABRINA project – Safer Bycicle Routes in Danube Area, financed by the Interreg Danube Transnational Program.

The event was organized in support of the European Mobility Week 2022, which is the European Union's flagship campaign on sustainable urban mobility. It aims to promote behavioral changes in favor of mobility, public transport and other green and smart transport solutions.

Informing decision-makers about the need for a modern approach to the implementation and modernization of infrastructure for alternative transport, as well as informing and promoting the advantages of access to qualitative and accessible transport, cycling and other forms of sustainable mobility were the main objectives of this event.

SABRINA's project coordinator for Moldova, Virginia Mandalac, presented the outstanding results achieved in the last two years of the team's hard work. In addition to the Best Practice Report and the valorous factsheets on the risks, solutions and benefits of implementing the recommendations developed in the framework of the project, the Decision Making Toolkit was also presented.

This Toolkit is an online tool that provides users (cycling infrastructure and road safety authorities; other stakeholders) with an unified set of procedures, know-how and recommendations based on Star Rating and case studies of good practices to improve and develop cycling routes with  focus on road safety and safe travels. The authorities in the field demonstrated a special interest for the presented materials.

The invited participants presented modern visions regarding accessible mobility, discussing the progress in the field and current situation in the Republic of Moldova at national and local levels. In conclusion, responsible authorities confirmed their availability for cooperation with non-governmental organizations and civic activists in order to improve, promote and implement best practices.

Republic of Moldova joined the 2021 Vienna Declaration on Transport, Health and Environment in the European Region, through which the European Master Plan for cycling was approved and strives for a modern approach to rules and standards for the implementation and modernization of cycling infrastructure, such as informing and promoting the advantages of high-quality and accessible public transport, cycling and other forms of sustainable mobility. A modern urban infrastructure cannot be provided without bicycle lanes. This week the Moldavian government approved new rules regarding the circulation of electric scooters' regulations, which will enter into force in a month. These rules are essential for better user safety, considering that their number is increasing.