Taking the census of the cyclists in Sofia, bike parade in formal clothes, one in informal outfits and various competitions are among the events that will take place in Sofia during the European Mobility Week 2008. It takes place throughout Europe every year between September 16 and September 22, its culmination being the World Carfree Day, when many capitals close their centres for motor-driven traffic.

European Mobility Week is an initiatie of the European Union, meant to promote sustainable transport and mobility, including cycling, walking and improving the public transport. Thus, state and local authorities from many counties encourage local municipalities, communities, organisations and citizens to organise or only partake in bike parades, walking trips or other events.

In Sofia, Bikevolution association organises will make a headcount census of cyclists in the city on September 16, when volunteers will record bicycles they notice in three key city locations.

On September 17, at 6.30pm, will start the bicycle parade in formal clothes. Bikevolution invites everyone who likes to cycle to join in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The route is NDK, Evlogi Georgiev Boulevard and General Gourko Street to Ivan Vazov National Theatre, where at 8pm will start the Ball of the Cyclists and screening of films about cycling.

On September 19, will take place a competition between different city transport modes: car, public transport and bicycle, which will start at 5pm.

The urban cycling competition will start at the Kristal city garden on the intersection of Tsar Osvoboditel boulevard and Georgi Sava Rakovski Street at 11am on September 22, the World Carfree Day, while at 3pm at the same place will begin the final Mobility Parade. More information is available on www.bikevolution-bg.org