The global pandemic has made unprecedented changes in peoples’ everyday lives. While some regions have mostly reopened their economies, others remain locked down for the foreseeable future. Cycling and other forms of micromobility have become the ideal way to travel around cities, and an easy, physical-distancing form of recreation. From Mexico City to Jakarta, demand for bikes, and city space to cycle, is way up.

From Mexico City to Jakarta, cities have moved to create more space on their streets for cyclists, and make more bikes available. Many cities have closed off lanes for vehicles and created temporary, or permanent, cycle lanes on popular routes. ITDP encourages cities and cycling activist to take advantage of this moment to improve the transport options on the streets, for this crisis, and the next one.

There are a range of beliefs all around the world of what makes a city bike-friendly. Some point to the most visible factors, such as weather and city terrain; others say it’s about a city’s commitment to creating infrastructure and regulating cars; and still others believe that cultural support of cycling is the key.

For a deeper look at these and other factors that influence cycling, check ITDP’s Grow Cycling Toolkit.