Sports Marketing Surveys is pleased to join over 250 signatories from around the world and call for governments to boost global cycling levels in order to achieve climate goals.
The case for cycling is unambiguous. New research shows that life-cycle CO₂ emissions drop by 14% per additional cycling trip and by 62% for each avoided car trip. Switching from a car to a bicycle saves 150g of CO₂ per kilometre. E-cargo bikes cut carbon emissions by 90% compared with diesel vans. Swapping the car in cities for walking and cycling even just one day a week can reduce your carbon footprint by about half a tonne of CO₂ over a year.
Signing the letter, SMS Managing Director John Bushell noted, “SMS has no hesitation in supporting the ECF’s open letter. Cycling makes our world cleaner, healthier, and happier. It is a vital part of keeping planet earth habitable and we encourage governments and institutions to waste no time in taking advantage of the solutions that cycling offers.”
The open letter was produced by the European Cyclists’ Federation in collaboration with a coalition of pro-cycling organisations. It urges governments to recognize the vital role that cycling has to play, both in the present and the future. As an existing zero emission form of transport, not only is cycling one of the best weapons that we already have in the fight against climate change, but, as infrastructure, safety and awareness improves, it will continue to be so into the future, as an accessible way of encouraging more people to travel more sustainably.
The rallying cry comes ahead of COP26’s Transport Day, which takes place on 10th November 2021, which, despite the overwhelming case for cycling, is due to focus almost exclusively on the case for electric road vehicles. The message from the cycling industry is clear – that bikes and electric bikes are not just part of the equation but fundamental to a greener future. Without significantly more cycling, there is no conceivable way for governments to reduce CO2 emissions at sufficient scale and speed. From cargo and electric cargo bikes as part of delivery solutions to commuting and leisure cycling, the humble bicycle can play a not so humble role in securing the earth’s future.
Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation: “The dramatic growth of this global civil society movement in only a few days sends a forceful message to governments at COP26 about the importance of active mobility. There is no conceivable way to reduce CO₂ emissions quickly enough to avoid the worst of the climate crisis without significantly more cycling.”
Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation: “More people riding bicycles will reduce our transport emissions and help save our planet. It will also stimulate our green economic recovery after COVID-19 and relieve our overburdened public health systems. Investing in cycling is a low-cost, low-tech no-brainer. It is what any sensible political leader should be doing right now.”
To add your support by reading and signing the letter, please click here.
