Cycling delivers on Global Goals

June 18, 2018

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 delivers on Global Goals

Goal 1: No poverty


Goal 2: Zero hunger

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

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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.


Goal 5: Gender equality

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

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Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

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.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth


Goal 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure

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.

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

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.

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

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.

Goal 13: Climate action

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.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

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

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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.

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