METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY OPENS VELESPIT PARK: "WE WILL CONTINUE OUR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION POLICY"

The city's first bicycle park, "Velespit Park," implemented by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality in the Kızılyer area of Sümer Neighborhood, was opened with a magnificent ceremony. Speaking at the park's opening, Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce said, "In line with our environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation policy, which encourages cycling, we are delighted to bring Velespit Park to our city."

Velespit Park, implemented by teams from the Metropolitan Municipality's Parks and Gardens Department, covers an area of 3,000 square meters. Located along the Porsuk River bike path, following the existing Sümer Park, the park was designed with the needs of cyclists in mind.

Speaking at the park's opening, Oğuzhan Can, a member of the Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Mobility Commission, an ESMEK Bicycle Instructor, and an active participant in cycling groups, said, "Velespit Park will not only be a meeting point for us cyclists; it will also be a symbol of our relationship with the city, our environmental awareness, and the paths we cycle freely on. Thanks to the bike path and parking station project, which our esteemed Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce has been resolutely pursuing, we can now pedal safer, more peacefully, and more freely in Eskişehir. Despite some criticism, only we can truly understand how much these paths provide to us--the people who cycle to work, school, and shopping. And I believe that as these paths are completed, the number of people who make cycling a part of their lives will increase every day. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to these projects, especially Ms. Ayşe Ünlüce. As cyclists, we appreciate these investments and will protect them. Let's not forget: Eskişehir breathes as we cycle." Sümer Neighborhood Headman Yeşim Yüksel stated that the neighborhood will be revitalized thanks to the park, saying, "I would like to thank Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce and her team for their efforts in this project. I hope Velespit Park will be beneficial to our city and our people." Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce said, "In line with our environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation policy that encourages cycling, we are delighted to be implementing another first in our city. When we were kids, our elders generally didn't talk about bicycles, but about bicycles. That's why we named our park Velespit to bring cycling back into the city's agenda and to pay tribute to the city's memory. Eskişehir is a city that has historically used bicycles very effectively as a form of transportation. Then, with industrialization and rapid urbanization, it's been somewhat forgotten. Especially in this era, when cities are growing so uncontrollably and air pollution is increasing, we need sustainable means of transportation even more. Therefore, we have deemed it our duty to add 72 kilometers to the total number of 56 kilometers of bicycle paths in our city. We will do this in three phases, the first phase is progressing rapidly. I insist that we have a strong will to popularize cycling in our city. But we are doing this not just for nostalgic purposes, as a hobby, or as a sport, but also to make it a fundamental pillar of transportation. Therefore, we will continue with determination. You "Together with my dear cycling friends, I hope that the number of cyclists and cyclists in our city will increase daily. Let's ride together with the wind at our backs towards Eskişehir's bright future. Velespit Park will not only be a recreational area; it will be a significant social space that will strengthen cycling culture and support this lifestyle," she said.

The park features a cafeteria where cyclists can relax, outdoor seating, a bicycle repair station, parking for approximately 80 bicycles, bicycle benches, and free seating. Additionally, dedicated bicycle benches with tables are available for riders who want to spend time without getting off their bikes.

Velespit Park, which also offers a relaxing environment surrounded by nature with its green spaces as part of the project, makes a significant contribution to Eskişehir's vision of cycling.