Introducing a Participatory Mechanism for Developing the Biking Network (GERTV0002)

Commitment ID

GERTV0002

Commitment Title

Introducing a Participatory Mechanism for Developing the Biking Network in Rustavi

Problem

Air pollution is one of the main challenges in the Rustavi Municipality. This is a multifaceted problem, which requires complex measures and stakeholder engagement. One of the ways to address this problem is to promote cycling in Rustavi and to create adequate infrastructure for it, which cannot be achieved effectively only by the efforts of the municipality. It needs a collaboration with groups that have relevant insight and experience in this area. Similar practices are rarely applied nowadays, and such cooperation would be less effective unless there is appropriate institutionalization, expertise and a jointly developed action plan, which is a necessary component for promoting the engagement of different sectors in addressing this problem.

Status quo

To date, there is no properly institutionalized dialogue platform that would facilitate the joint development of a strategic vision and action plan for the sustainable development of bicycle lanes and the engagement of different sectors in this field.

Action

In order to reduce emissions and improve the environmental situation in Rustavi City, the Rustavi City Hall will promote the participation of civil sector in the development of the biking system, and will support the elaboration, implementation and monitoring of the joint strategic vision and action plan. In particular, an inter-agency task force will be created, which will develop a strategic vision and action plan for the sustainable development of bicycle lanes. The task force will also develop an action plan for its own activities, outlining the ways of cooperation with relevant services of the City Hall, City Council, civil society and international organizations during the year, with respective timeframes; also the format and schedule of consultations to be held with target groups; as well as the deadlines for the submission of consultation-based initiatives to the City Hall; and also the minimum number of initiatives to be submitted annually.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

Fulfilment of this commitment will build a case for the engagement of various stakeholders and will establish a new practice of participation in addressing the environmental issues in the Rustavi Municipality. In addition, there will be an institutional mechanism introduced for responding to and following up to the citizen initiatives, which will increase the local government accountability to the public.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

Air pollution and improvement of its quality is one of the priority directions for Rustavi City. In order to address this issue, there was an action plan elaborated for the improvement of ambient air quality for 2020-2022 (https://mepa.gov.ge/Ge/PublicInformation/27987), which is directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 11. 6. 2). Accordingly, this commitment is tightly linked to the strategic vision of Rustavi.

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion, Other/NA

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Environment & Climate, Health & Nutrition, Infrastructure & Transport, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?