Global Designing Cities Initiative’s Post

Today, we celebrate #WorldBicycleDay under the theme "Promoting Health, Equity, and Sustainability through Cycling." Over the weekend, I had the privilege of joining Team Europe alongside EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann for Harare Bicycle Day to commemorate this significant event. The event highlighted the numerous benefits of cycling, from improving personal health to supporting sustainable transport solutions. Harare Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume emphasised the critical importance of providing safe cycling infrastructure to encourage more people to embrace this eco-friendly mode of transport. The Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe H. E. Dr. Margret Verwijk shared an inspiring example of sustainability in action, noting that their Prime Minister rides a bicycle to work 😅. This commitment to cycling at the highest levels of government sets a powerful example for all of us. Meanwhile, the German Ambassador H.E. Mr Udo Volz emphasised the need to consider pedestrians, cyclists, and skateboarders in urban planning, ensuring that city infrastructure supports all forms of active mobility and not just car drivers. 🛴🚶♂️🚴♂️ As we celebrate World Bicycle Day, let's reflect on how we can integrate these insights into our local contexts. By promoting cycling, we can foster healthier communities, reduce our environmental footprint, and build more equitable cities. #EUwithU #WorldBicycleDay #CyclingForSustainability #SustainableTransport #GreenCities #TeamEurope #HarareBicycleDay #UrbanPlanning #ActiveMobility #Together4Tomorrow

Reflecting on the surge in oil prices impacting our community. Urging for sustainable solutions like supporting local cycling initiatives to navigate rising costs. 🚴♂️ #SustainableLiving #CommunityAction" In the face of escalating oil prices, our community stands at a crossroads. It's time to steer towards sustainable alternatives. Let's champion initiatives like local cycling projects to reduce our reliance on costly fuel. Together, we can pedal towards a greener, more resilient future. 🌍🚴♂️ #ReflectAndAct #CommunityUnity #SustainableFuture #GreenLiving #EcoFriendly #CommunityResilience #CyclingForChange #climateaction #unitednations #sdg7 #unleashyourpotential #mountainhub #cameroon #changementpositif

🚴♂️ Cycling and Urban Development: Building More Houses 🚴♀️ Discover how promoting cycling can significantly support urban development and housing growth. By encouraging more people to cycle, cities can reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and create additional space for housing and green areas. This briefing from Cycling UK highlights the multifaceted benefits of integrating cycling into urban planning, showing how it can lead to more sustainable, livable communities. Increased cycling infrastructure not only enhances public health but also makes cities more attractive for new housing projects. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/evgBEr7a #Cycling #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #HousingGrowth 🌆🚴♂️

In my conversations with development clients like the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Asian Development Bank, liveability and 'loveability' of cities is becoming more important to enhance quality of life and accelerate progress with related SDG's. Read about how we worked with municipal authorities in Ankara to enhance mobility for its growing population.

🚴♂️ Exciting news for cyclists & for the planet! 🌍 European governments and MEPs have taken a significant step towards making Europe more bike-friendly. Despite lacking legal force, the recent commitment to enhance cycling infrastructure, safety measures, and promote biking as a sustainable mode of transport marks a milestone in EU transport policy. Signed during a recent gathering in early April in Brussels, the #European Declaration on #Cycling underscores the environmental and health benefits of cycling, emphasizing the need for more cycle lanes, secure parking, and safety improvements. While some hoped for concrete targets, the declaration is celebrated as a historic achievement by advocacy groups and #EU officials alike. This initiative, spurred by the pandemic-induced surge in cycling, aligns with efforts to promote sustainable mobility across the continent. This will be vital for a greener and healthier future together! 🌍🚲 #Cycling #EUTransportPolicy #SustainableMobility #Sustainability Sources: https://lnkd.in/eW8Jpq8A https://lnkd.in/eBbCydeM

Are you aware that in 2024 the European Union issued a Declaration on Cycling? As a passionate cyclist and sustainability / climate professional, these are the gamechanging “policies” we need to drive impact 👏 The trickle-down benefits across the globe is where “the rubber hits the road” for scalable impact enabling societies to make an impact, improve wellbeing and reduce #greenhousegas In picture, my bicycle on my back door climb, Bainskloof (Wellington, South Africa 🇿🇦) So, what is the Aim of the Declaration on Cycling? This Declaration recognises cycling as one of the most sustainable, accessible and inclusive, low-cost and healthy forms of transport and recreation, and its key importance for European society and the economy. Links👇 https://lnkd.in/dVpFNe4h https://lnkd.in/dBJ657_R https://lnkd.in/dWGJJeFM. https://lnkd.in/dHQHQnXn In #Africa, we have a number of initiatives to scale the use of bicycles. One such example where Deloitte contributed in the past was the #Qhubeka Project. https://lnkd.in/dfTaSmJv Here is a fun fact for fellow South African’s…are you aware that the newly crowned Mountain Biking Cross Country World Champion is South African (Alan Hatherly, Durban)? https://lnkd.in/dTwZwcXQ #climatechange #sustainability #wellbeing #impactthatmatters

🚴♂️ Frequent stops on cycle routes, especially at traffic lights, significantly diminish the attractiveness of cycling. They consume energy and time, leading to a less enjoyable experience. 🚦 The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) suggests key strategies to tackle this issue. Reducing stops per kilometer and waiting times are crucial. A great example is the "green wave" synchronized for 20 km/h, effectively reducing delays at traffic lights and enhancing the cycling journey. 🛣️ Our personal experiences confirm these findings. Smoother, less interrupted routes are clearly more enjoyable. Next time you're cycling, think about your route. Aren't the paths with fewer stops the ones you prefer? 📸: Credit: EFC. Comparison of signalised and non-signalised intersections in two parallel corridors in Brussels: Chaussée de Louvain (distributor road) and F203 cycle highway. (Background credit: OpenStreetMap.) #kaluu #MicroMobility #SustainableTransport #CyclingInfrastructure #UrbanPlanning

- 72% of residents support building cycle tracks physically separated from traffic and pedestrians even where that means less room for other traffic. - Every day those who walk and cycle takes nearly 530,000 cars off the road in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. If these cars were all in a traffic jam it would tail back 2,500 kilometres equivalent to over 9 times the distance from Dublin City to Cork City. - Residents walking, wheeling and cycling create an annual economic benefit for individuals and the Dublin Metropolitan Area of €2.39 billion. - There is a €1.48 net economic benefit for each km cycled instead of driven and €1.01 net economic benefit for each km walked instead of driven.

🚲 Did you know that European cities are improving cycling for citizens? Since the publication of the Urban Mobility Framework policy in December 2021, more sustainable modes of transport are undeniably happening across European cities 🇪🇺. ⚠️ Dirty air, congested streets, unsafe roads, excessive noise and persistent carbon emissions are some of the problems that many are eager to address in order to transform their road space and transport systems. Here are some examples of recent urban measures that enhance cycling in several European cities: 📍 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: The city implemented a 30 km/h speed limit for motor vehicles on 80% of its roads. 📍 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 Cycling traffic has increased by 166% thanks to bold political leadership matched by the proper levels of funding and infrastructure building. 📍 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵: Created a campaign to encourage people to travel by bicycle. 📍 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶: Will implement a bicycle action plan until 2025 to make the city cyclable for people of all ages year-round. 📍𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀: Set in motion an urban mobility plan that implements cycling infrastructure. Dive into this article if you want to know more details about these measures and their impact! Via @eucyclistsfederation 👉 https://loom.ly/sXpjGpY #Cycling #Europe #TransportationSustainability

Reading through the 2024 walking and Cycling Index. The Dublin Index it's great to see *88% support low traffic neighbours. So this needs priority with neighbour plans and giving more people the option to wheel, walk or cycle. *60% either cycle regularly, occasionally, or would like to cycle. 25% cycle as least once a week. *Cycling participation, however, is not equal. Barriers to cycling can be far more pronounced for some people.Safety, including road safety and personal safety, is the single largest barrier to cycling. Nationally walking and cycling take 680,000 cars off the road each day in Ireland’s five largest cities. Sustrans National Transport Authority Great to see Griffith Avenue Cycleway in this report, proud as one on my 1st motions after election in 2019 and the first completed route. #ActiceTravel #cycling #walking Dublin City Council Dublin Cycling Campaign BYCS #Dublin #BicycleMayor GreenParty Ireland