BTA and We Build Parks implements an innovative project BTA Velozinis - Bicycle expert in cities of Latvia

BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter – BTA) together with the society “For Better” and company “We Build Parks” launched a socially responsible and innovative project BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) in several cities of Latvia, in order to promote development of bicycle driving skills of children.

Number of bicycle drivers on the streets is still increasing. According to Road Traffic Safety Directorate data, total number of accidents with bicycle drivers has increased by 55% since 2011. However, there is a lack of safe and well-considered locations, where the little bicycle drivers might learn the required bicycle driving skills.

“BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert), implementation of which provides satisfaction and inspiration to continue the projects launched within the area of social responsibility. Together with “We Build Parks”, who are professionals at what they do, well-known Enthusiasts (capital E) we have launched a large-scale project, which will provide our children with an opportunity to learn bicycle driving better in a safe and innovative environment. We are sure that implementation of this project will have a positive result in the long-term perspective within accident statistics as well, and we have received positive feedback from the cities, where BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) track is already installed. We are proud that together with partners we are able to contribute to the future of our children”, points out BTA Management Board Member Evija Matveja.

Currently, BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) tracks are already installed in Cēsīs (Valmieras Street 1) and in Dobelē (Ķestermežs), and it is still under progress in Sigulda, Salaspils, Saulkrasti, Jelgava, Alūksne, Rēzekne, Valmiera and other locations. While next year we plan to develop the project even more.

“The idea of Velozinis (Bicycle expert) leaped in my mind after a common and casual situation in the city, when my daughter was unable to overcome the curb to get from the traffic area to the sidewalk. That is how I understood that there is no place, where children could learn bicycle-driving skills in a safe environment and in an enjoyable way. Therefore, our innovative city cycling park plan appeared. The pilot project appeared in Riga, and it was unexpectedly well received. Recreational parks installed by us inspire people to engage themselves in something exciting. BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) is a unique project on the global level, because children develop their skills without and do not even noticing they are educating themselves, while playing bicycle games! We are very glad that BTA paid great regard for the story of our project and in cooperation with the society “For Better” agreed to support implementation thereof”, emphasizes Jānis Jansons, manager of “We Build Parks”.

BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) track presents the most common obstacles we frequently encounter in a city, so that children from day one, when they learn bicycle driving skills, could understand their opportunities and overcome obstacles, so that they are not forced to do it on the streets. For instance, to make a manoeuvre single-handed to be able to signal your driving direction, to bypass potholes or driving on and of the curb. Moreover, there are informative instructions at BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) tracks providing the most important information about safe cycling. More information about BTA Velozinis (Bicycle expert) is available via project website www.btavelozinis.lv.

About BTA

BTA Baltic Insurance Company is one of the leading insurance companies in the Baltics, offering the broadest range of non-life insurance services in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. BTA employs more than 1,000 employees in the Baltics. The largest shareholder of BTA is Vienna Insurance Group AG with close to 200 years of experience in the insurance business. With about 50 companies in 30 countries and more than 25,000 employees, Vienna Insurance Group is a clear market leader in its Central and Eastern European markets, and takes care of more than 22 million customers. Vienna Insurance Group is the best-rated company of ATX, the leading index of Vienna Stock Exchange (since 1994) with a rating of A+ with stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s; its share is also listed on the Prague Stock Exchange. Vienna Insurance Group works in close partnership with Erste Group – the largest retail bank in CEE.

About society “For Better”

Society “For Better” encourages interest towards active recreational activities among the residents of Latvia and promotes alternative sports and healthy lifestyle. Currently, the society is focused on development of bicycle infrastructure, organizing events and projects for the benefit of society. In the last few years, society “For Better” held “Red Bull Pump Track World Championship” stages in Latvia and Estonia, which gained substantial response from active young people and sports professionals. This year, society intends to organize open championship on an asphalt bicycle track for both children and grown-ups, promoting popularisation of this type of sports.

About the company “We Build Parks”

“We Build Parks” is a Latvian company, which unites recreational park construction experts. Companies may be proud with implemented unique bicycle, snowboard, wakeboard, skateboard and other recreational project solutions in 25 countries of the world (incl. construction of Winter Olympic Games Snowboard Park). In the Baltic region “We Build Parks” company is focused on bicycle segment, constructing asphalt bicycle tracks and adventure tracks made of timber constructions. Currently, in Latvia bicycle tracks are constructed in several cities (Daugavpilis, Rīga, Auce, Cēsis, Tērvete, Beverīna, Balvi), having created innovative, aesthetically pleasing and multifunctional recreational, as well as championship locations. The of bicycle tracks was well received in many cities of the neighbouring countries of Lithuania and Estonia.

Additional information:

Elīna Rasmane

Marketing and Public Relations Department Director

BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS

e-mail elina.rasmane@bta.lv