Programme

From failure to success: Stories about budgets, community resistance and persistence

Transforming streets for cycling rarely happens without setbacks. This session explores the challenges, lessons, and persistence behind successful cycling initiatives. Speakers will reflect on Budapest’s first bike shelter project and what it revealed about planning, funding, and user needs. Another case will examine how meaningful consultation can turn community resistance into collaboration, building trust and shared ownership of street changes. The session will also highlight Bangkok’s ACTIVE initiative, showing how long-term commitment, strong communication, and inclusive stakeholder engagement can drive progress even in complex political and cultural contexts. Together, these stories demonstrate that obstacles – from tight budgets to public opposition – can become valuable learning opportunities on the path toward safer, more inclusive mobility systems.