Campaign Report: Scaling the Global Cycling Movement
About
The COVID-19 pandemic compelled governments worldwide to reassess and address urban mobility challenges in innovative ways. With fewer people traveling during peak hours and priority destinations seeing less demand, cities returned to the drawing board to provide more affordable, accessible, and healthier options. In this context, cycling emerged as a key solution. ITDP saw an opportunity at this inflection point to launch the Cycling Cities campaign during COP26 in 2021.
This marked a global effort to make cycling a more permanent, reliable, and safe mode of transportation in urban areas. After four years, the campaign will conclude in 2025. Still, the breadth of research, peer-to-peer learning, and relationships built amongst the 34 global cohort cities and dozens of institutional partners will remain inspiring. The campaign’s work to support and engage urban decision-makers, planners, and governments has demonstrated the immense power of cycling to bring people together.
Since 2021, the campaign’s cohort cities have built over 2,000 kilometers of cycle lanes, hosted 3,880 car-free or open streets events, and organized more than 1,070 cycling training sessions or classes. This report provides an overview of Cycling Cities’ accomplishments and progress as well as highlights from our cohort cities, partners, and pledge signers worldwide.
ITDP hopes the campaign inspires more action amongst governments, development banks, philanthropy, and civil society organizations to elevate safe and connected cycling policies in their mobility agendas. Even with the conclusion of Cycling Cities, ITDP continues its commitment to active mobility within our new 2030 Strategic Plan. Stay connected with ITDP for relevant resources.
More Cycling Resources
- Continue Reading on the ITDP Blog →
- Watch the “Four Years of Cycling Cities” webinar →
- Download the “E-bikes: Charging Toward Compact Cycling Cities” report →
- Download the “Making the Economic Case for Cycling” report →
- Download the “Protected Bicycle Lanes Protect the Climate” report →
- Register for ITDP’s “Mastering the Cycling City” course →
- Find all of ITDP’s cycling-related infographics →
- Learn more at the Cycling Cities Campaign website →
Interested in learning more about this report or have a press inquiry? Email us at [email protected].