Capacity building: boosting urban cycling in Moldova

Event

Green

Zero-carbon urban mobility

17 Jun 2025

08 : 30 - 20 : 00 CEST

In person | Ungheni, Moldova

By Platform

urban cycling path. Style: sunlight and clear sky and there is a cyclist

On 17 June 2025, the Policy Learning Platform is organising a capacity-building event in collaboration with the Municipality of Ungheni, Moldova, dedicated to urban cycling.

What it will be about

As Moldova moves forward on its EU accession path, cities are stepping up to improve sustainable urban mobility. A leading example is the Municipality of Ungheni, Moldova’s seventh largest city, strategically located on the border with Romania.

Ungheni has already made noteworthy progress by adopting a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and constructing 20km of cycle lanes. Yet, like many cities across the country, it faces significant challenges in scaling up its efforts and fostering a culture of cycling.

What you can expect

To support this transformation, Ungheni will host a national event focused on boosting cycling infrastructure and uptake across Moldovan cities.

The initiative brings together municipal authorities and mobility stakeholders from across the country for a day of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

The event is structured around two core thematic blocks: technical solutions for urban cycling and behavioural change towards the creation of a cycling culture. It will feature:

Interreg Europe good practices for integrating cycling into urban planning
Strategies to encourage cycling and change mobility behaviours
Interactive sessions and a hands-on policy design workshop

The event is mainly dedicated to national, regional and local authorities and mobility stakeholders across Moldova. Join us to accelerate the shift toward cleaner, healthier urban transport!

What is on the agenda

The times shown in the programme refer to Moldova time (EEST).

Take a look at the agenda overview.

Moderation: Katharina Krell & Simon Hunkin, Thematic Experts, Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

8h30 – 9h00	Registration and welcome coffee
9h00-10h30	Welcome and Introduction Welcome from the Municipality of Ungheni – Vitalie Vrabie, Municipality of Ungheni Introduction to Interreg Europe & the Policy Learning Platform – Thorsten Kohlisch, Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform Setting the Scene: Policy Framework and Situation in Moldova Cycling in the frame of the Policy Learning Platform – Simon Hunkin & Katharina Krell, Policy Learning Platform The Benefits of Cycling Today – Holger Haubold, European Cyclists’ Federation (Cycle Right) Ungheni’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan & Cycling Projects Already Implemented – Ina Olearciuc, specialist principal primăria mun, Ungheni Republica Moldova Ice breaker
10h30-11h00	Coffee Break
11h00-12h30	Cycling Policy and Infrastructure: From Political Will to Safe and Well-Connected Cycling Networks Introduction of the session: Holger Haubold, European Cyclists’ Federation (Cycle Right) From cycling strategy to becoming a cycling city – Lorenza dell'Erba, Metropolitan City of Bologna (CYCLE RIGHT) Integrated Sustainable Infrastructure Development – Alexandra Cojocaru, Regional Development Agency South-West Oltenia, Romania (CYCLING WATERWAYS) Followed by a panel discussion
12h30-13h30	Lunch Break
13h30-15h00	Changing Behaviour & Building a Cycling Culture Introduction of the session: Katharina Krell, Policy Learning Platform Promotion of cycling activities in Rezekne City – Georgijs Orlovs, Rezekne City Municipality, Latvia (PROMOTER) Promoting "cycling to work" habits through a bike competition – Dimitrios Nalmpantis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) (PE4Trans) Followed by a panel discussion
15h00-15h30	Coffee Break
15h30-17h00	Policy Design Workshop – Serious Game Moderators: Interreg Europe team The session offers an interactive way for you to engage in a structured reflection that fosters a meaningful learning process. You'll immerse yourself in a simulation that mirrors real-world challenges, delivered in a playful yet educational format. Specifically, you'll explore how to design a cycling-friendly territory for one or more Moldovan municipalities represented at the event, encouraging you to think creatively and strategically about promoting cycling in your local context. 1. Introduction (10 minutes, with interpretation) 2. Challenge identification (10 minutes, without interpretation) 3. Cycling Strategy Planning (20 minutes, without interpretation) 4. Pitch Preparation (15 minutes, without interpretation) 5. Pitch Session (20 minutes, with interpretation) 6. Feedback and Award (15 minutes, with interpretation)
17h00-17h15	Conclusions and collection of key takeaways – end of the workshop
17h15-18h00	Optional Activities Guided Bike Tour in Ungheni Municipality Ungheni City Hall will provide 30 bicycles for a guided city tour, offering participants the opportunity to explore the cycling network and key features of the city. Participants are encouraged to wear reflective elements or visibility accessories. Artistic Masterclass – Urban Mobility: The Future of Cities Painter Cristina Dragomir will lead a creative workshop on the theme "Urban Mobility – The Future of Cities", held in an inspiring venue in Ungheni. The artworks produced will be displayed in a mini-exhibition at the end of the conference.
18h00- 20h00	Networking Cocktail The evening will continue with a cocktail reception featuring a mini folk music performance by local artists from the Ungheni Palace of Culture, including the “Struguraș” Ensemble.