Glasgow signs to global tools exchange campaign to deliver safe cycling

Glasgow has joined 25 cities around the globe in joining the Cycling Cities Campaign, an Institute for Transportation and Development Policy concept that is designed to share the tools and learnings from around the globe where successes in growing cycling levels have become evident.

Launched yesterday at COP 26, the Cycling Cities campaign is dedicated to making cycling a viable transportation option for everyday trips in cities by providing an equitable and climate-friendly alternative to private vehicles. Safe, connected cycle lanes are critical to this vision, as are policies and educational campaigns that shift the perception of cycling.

The campaign’s goal is to ensure 25 million more people will be located near safe cycle lanes by 2025. Studies undertaken since Covid-19’s arrival have demonstrated just how powerful new infrastructure can be to stimulating modal shift from cars to bikes.

Councillor Anna Richardson, Glasgow City Council Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction said, “Glasgow is delighted to be one of the founding 25 cohort Cycling Cities. The vision of our city is that walking, wheeling and cycling will be the first and natural choice for everyday journeys for people of all ages and ability.

“In aiming for significant modal shift, we recognise the contribution that active travel can make toward the city achieving its goal of net zero carbon by 2030, as well as contributing to the wider outcomes for the city around health and wellbeing, inclusion and equality, and wealth and inclusive growth. Increasing cycling will absolutely reduce pollution and improve our air quality and will better support our city’s contribution to a more sustainable planet.”

Throughout the past few months, ITDP has brought together a diverse coalition of 25 cities and more than 30 global and regional partners committed to elevating cycling at the city, national, and global levels. Cycling Cities include: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bengaluru, India; Bogota, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cairo, Egypt; Fortaleza, Brazil; Glasgow, Scotland; Guadalajara, Mexico; Istanbul, Turkey; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kampala, Uganda; Kigali, Rwanda; Kisumu, Kenya; Kohima, India; Los Angeles, United States; Merida, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; New Town Kolkata, India; Pimpri Chinchwad, India; Rajkot, India; Recife, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico; Santiago, Chile; and Zapopan, Mexico.