For first time ever, Sofia's annual budget features an allocation for creating bicycle infrastructure. The total sum is 5.3 million leva and it would be used “for construction and renovation of sidewalks and bicycle lanes in the districts of Lyulin and Mladost," according to the budget bill passed by the Sofia city hall on March 6.

To cope with the increasing traffic in Sofia, the city would also set up a traffic agency, Sofia mayor Boiko Borissov told The Sofia Echo. “Today, the Architecture and State Planning Directorate has to approve several big projects connected to Nikola Vaptsarov, Peyo Yavorov and Bulgaria Boulevards. There will be build underpasses and overhead crossings, as well as the south catenary of the ring road (will be improved), ” Borissov said.

A new six-kilometre path for cyclists would be built, running parallel to Tsar Boris III Boulevard and another one next to the Evlogi Georgiev Boulevard.“We have put 5.5 (sic) million leva in the budget for first time this year, to start this activity. The existing [bicycle lane parallel to Tsar Boris II Boulevard] cannot be used in its current condition,” Borissov said.

“The very fact that we put more money than planned, and for first time, shows our attitude towards this problem,” Borissov added.

Questioned whether there will be educational activities on bicycle use and bicycle parking lots in schools, Borissov said he hopes also such programmes to start in schools. “Currently we are dealing with schools delegated budgets and it is a huge project. After we finish it we would also take care of programmes but such programmes are created by the Ministry of Education,” Borissov said.

Deputy major in charge of transport Velizar Stoilov told The Sofia Echo that for 2008 there are two ready working projects for bicycle lanes, which have to be carried out after obtaining construction permits. Stoilov said he would rely on the bicycle enthusiast to cooperate with the city. The construction permit has to be obtained from Green Areas directorate. “In the autumn the bicycle lane parallel to Evlogi Georgiev Boulevard will be ready,” Stoilov said.