Agriculture Minister Gabriela Matečná (source: SITA)
There are still too few cycling trails in Slovakia, while the number of those who would like to ride a bike, either to work or recreationally, is still growing, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matečná (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) said on September 18 in connection with European Mobility Week.
“People today are interested in eating healthy food, moving in healthy ways and living healthy lives,” said Matečná as cited by the TASR newswire. “Along with swimming, cycling belongs among the sports that are most beneficial for our health.”
Matečná was just going to attend tripartite talks and was accompanied by two Slovak chuvach dogs. She also announced that her ministry is submitting a law on veterinary care for an interdepartmental review which defines animals as creatures with feelings.
“At the same time, I think that walking with a dog is something that makes both us and the dogs healthier and makes everyone happy,” said Matečná. “The whole ministry is doing something not only for dogs, but for public transport. We dedicated several calls from the Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP) to cycling trails and to public passenger transport. This is how the ministry is contributing to the improvement of the environment, as well as increasing rural mobility.”
