A joint report by UN Environment-WHO-UNECE
A shift towards green economy is one of the key objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It was also one of the main themes addressed by the Eighth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, held in Batumi, Georgia, on 8–10 June 2016. The transport sector, which in all countries is one of the largest economic actors, can play a major role in promoting this transition, particularly in the urban environment, where 8 out of 10 Europeans are expected to live by 2030 (ST/ ESA/SER.A/352).
Meeting the accessibility needs of an ever-growing urban population presents European cities with important challenges related to emissions of air pollutants, CO 2 emissions and noise, as well as land consumption and congestion, which in turn affect the quality of urban life and the attractiveness and competitiveness of cities. As part of the policy response to these issues, an increasing number of cities across the pan-European region are considering the promotion of cycling as a means to address the multiple and complex challenges. While the benefits of cycling for health and the environment have been clearly demonstrated, there is a need for further research on the economic implications of cycling promotion, particularly with respect to the potential for creating jobs. Filling this knowledge gap would be very important, since it would provide policymakers with new compelling arguments to advocate for and in support of an increased number of more effective cycling policies and interventions.
