The event, organized three days before the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF), running from 4 to 8 November in Cairo, was attended by a host of Egyptian officials – including Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy and Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, and several ambassadors.

Şen highlighted Turkey's commitment to the WUF and called for cities that prioritize green spaces, pedestrian areas, and reduced traffic and pollution.

The ambassador said Turkey is participating with a large delegation in the WUF, including the Deputy Minister of Environment and Urban Planning, the Mayor of Istanbul, and the President of the Turkish Municipalities Union.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy, Turkish ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen at the Cairo Bike Marathon

The bike marathon began in the Cairo governorate and ended in front of the Cairo Opera House.

“I was pleased to participate in this marathon organized in advance of the World Urban Forum scheduled to be held in Cairo next week. It was wonderful to ride a bike over a 4-kilometre stretch after many years,” Şen said.

“We conveyed a message advocating for more livable, human-centred cities that promote health and pedestrian access,” he added.

Ambassador Sen said cities should offer people pedestrian spaces, green areas, and clean, quiet air while praising Cairo’s improved traffic with more space for pedestrians and cyclists.

He further noted that one goal of the New Administrative Capital project, initiated by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi as part of Egypt’s 2030 Vision and the New Republic, is to alleviate Cairo’s traffic and air pollution.

By relocating government institutions away from the crowded city centre, the project aims to create a more peaceful and clean environment with livable areas, he added.

“Cities should be for the people. The global trend now is towards cleaner, greener, quieter cities with designated pedestrian and bicycle areas,” he concluded.