Bicycle movement comes to Istanbul

ISTANBUL

The Bicycle Film Festival aims to support the bike movement in Istanbul with its first edition in Istanbul.

The Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) is supporting the fledgling bike movement in Istanbul with its first edition in the city. Inspired by the tragic accident that befell American cyclist Brendt Barbur, the festival has now become a major international event, held in more than 20 cities around the world.

The story of the festival starts with Barbur. Barbur, who grew up playing outdoor sports, was hit by a bus he noticed too late while riding his bike one day on a New York street. The accident triggered the festival when Barbur, moved by his own experience, asked himself what he could do for bicycle buffs and came up with the idea of the BFF 11 years ago.

An effective solution to both traffic and environmental pollution in major urban areas, the bicycle is already one of the main forms of transportation in some European cities. Perhaps the festival will add momentum to the fledging bike movement that has begun to catch on, albeit at a modest pace, in Istanbul as well.

Events of the festival

In addition to the films being screened at the Bicycle Film Festival, there will also be panel discussions, a photography exhibition, a bicycle tour and a closing concert. With all these features, the festival is not simply aimed at existing cycling buffs but is striving to attract new ones by simultaneously addressing different areas of interest. The photography exhibition of the festival will be held at 311 Artworks on Sept. 13. The gala will be held Sept. 14 at 9 p.m.