RUSSIA - The Centre of Ecological Initiatives believes the development of bicycle infrastructure in St. Petersburg absolutely necessary, according its head, Alexander Fyodorov. 

Fyodorov says that more St. Petersburg residents own bicycles than cars, based on the results of a survey conducted in July. However, he says, there are practically no bicycles seen on city streets due to the lack of cycling infrastructure. 

However, the centre is working on a plan to introduce bicycle paths on the city roads, and it will approach the city with the proposal. 

At the same time he said that [the city administration] "takes a negative stand toward introducing bicycle infrastructure. It had opposed building bicycle paths in the city during the city general development plan discussions, saying that there is not enough room for them and that the northern climate does not allow bicycles to become a transportation alternative."

- St. Petersburg Times, Aug. 27