A-Z Site Index

Cycling for the Global Goals

Cycling is delivering on the global goals worldwide. Making transportation more sustainable is of critical importance for humanity and the planet. Moreover, active mobility is a human right on all scales - including the right to cycle. Governments at all levels should provide safe access to public space, protect those that walk and cycle, and ensure - through mobility - equal participation in society. Investment in better conditions for cycling - including e-cycling, cargo cycling and public bicycles - will help achieve the Global Goals as cycling is directly linked to 11 of the Goals

World Bicycle Day

Acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health, the General Assembly decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day.

Sustainable transport

The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation

Tool for development

The bicycle can serve as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but also of access to education, health care and sport

Creativity and social engagement

The synergy between the bicycle and the user fosters creativity and social engagement and gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment

Sustainable consumption and production

The bicycle is a symbol of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate

Featured Projects

Cycling Without Age (CWA)

Cycling Without Age is a movement launched in 2012 by Ole Kassow in Copenhagen, Denmark. It starts with the generous act of taking one or two elderly or less-abled people out on a bike ride. It is a simple act that everyone can do.

World Bicycle Relief (WBR)

Connecting individuals to basic needs by manufacturing and distributing a bicycle that is purpose-built for rugged conditions, heavy loads, and gruelling daily use: Buffalo Bicycle

Sharable assets

Cycling safety

19,450
cyclists killed on EU roads between 2010 and 2018
8%
road accident fatalities in 2016 were cyclists
50%
of cycling and pedestrian fatalities are over 65 years old

The EU works in various areas to make cycling safer – Learn more.

Compulsory safety measures

There are a few basic safety features – brakes, bell and reflectors – that are compulsory for bikes in every EU country. And some countries go beyond this, with additional requirements for visibility, helmets, children’s seats and a minimum age for cycling on roads.

Vehicle design & technology

Better designs for cars and heavy vehicles can reduce the risk of injury to cyclists, especially crashfriendly car fronts and blind-spot mirrors on lorries. And some new cars are equipped with cyclist detection systems that can automatically activate the brakes to avoid accidents.

Infrastructure & traffic management

Separating bikes from other traffic on uninterrupted cycling lanes helps reduce collisions with cars. Lower speed limits (30 km/h or 20 mph) also help.