Sea Buses Should Not Charge, Pedals Should Turn

Pedal Sound Bicycle Society has launched a petition campaign against the extra charge demanded for bicycles on sea buses. The signatures will be delivered to the Istanbul Sea Buses and Fast Ferries Inc (IDO) and the Ministry of Transportation. The society aims to "provide for the rewarding of bicycle- use, rather than punishment."

The society demands that the 3 TL required to accept bicycles on the sea buses is no longer required.

A total of 1,586 people have signed the petition up until now. The campaign points to these issues:

"Bicycles are the only viable means of transport in the world. They are beneficial for the health of people as well as the environment. They reduce noise and air pollution, have a positive impact on traffic, are effective in fighting against global warming, and contribute to the economy by reducing the country's dependance on petrol."

IDO: "No room in sea buses "

Bianet has spoken with a spokesman for IDO, Tolga Uyar. He defended the extra charge for bicycles by saying:

"Ferries don't require extra charges from bicycles because they are bigger and more spacious. Sea buses don't have such a capacity. Cyclists have an alternative, and that is the ferry. We are meeting their needs through the ferries. Sea buses require the extra charge because that is a form of rapid transportation. If they prefer rapid transportation, they have to pay the extra charge."

"They find room when they get the money"

Gizem Altin Nance from the Pedal Sound Bicycle Society rejected IDO's argument saying, "They find room after receiving the 3 TL. If they did not have enough room, they would not accepted bicycles at all."

Nance stated that they would continue the campaign until the end of August. "IDO uses photographs of people with bicycles and sea buses in the background," said Nance. "And by requiring an extra charge for bicycles, IDO contradicts itself." (BT)

To support the campaign, visit http://www.pedalsesi.com/idoya/