In September 2015, a new set of Sustainable Development Goals was adopted by the United Nations. It's aim is to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. As sustainable mode of transportation and healthy daily activity, cycling can play a significant part in achieving these goals. Around two billion bikes are being used globally at the moment, with the expectation that this amount will rise to five billion in 2050. Investment in better conditions for cycling as mode of transportation seems therefore of critical importance. Even more as, according to World Cyclists Alliance, cycling is directly linked to help achieve 11 of the 17 Global Goals. This by being a simple, sustainable, and affordable mode of transport offering all different kinds of opportunities and access.

Cycling is an affordable and simple mode of transport enabling access to education, jobs, markets, and community activities in both urban and rural areas

Cycling can provide secure, better, and equal access to food markets and communities, increasing nutrition options and ensure sustainable transportation of food products.

Cycling generates healthy and non-air-polluting lifestyles. Air quality and road safety improves when motorised transport is replaced by cycling. The physical activity of cycling reduces heart diseases and other negative impacts on sedentary lifestyles.

Cycling provides access for women and girls to water, schools, markets, and jobs that are otherwise inaccessible through available transportation means or walking.

Cycling improves the energy efficient of transport systems as it uses renewable human power in the most efficient way to move people and goods. Good conditions for cycling gives individuals access to an energy efficient and affordable transport mode.

The cycling sector creates more jobs for the same turnover than any other transport sector.

Cycling enables people to switch from the use of (individual) motorised transport to a combination of active mobility and public transport. This makes it easier for governments to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure and transport systems.

Increased cycling makes cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable as is affordable, safe, non-polluting, healthy, and promotes a sustainable economy.

The transportation of people and goods by bicycle offers the opportunity to move around in a sustainable way. In many urban areas, 50% of all goods deliveries can be done by bicycle.

The bicycle is a symbol for decarbonising transport and societies. Governments at all levels can take action by integrating cycling into their climate action policies, strategies, education and awareness-training.

The cycling movement, civil society organisations and experts working on the promotion of cycling worldwide are supporting the global partnership for sustainable development.

If you want to know more about the Global Goals and the way cycling can deliver on these, please read this publication of the European Cyclists’ Federation.