Michael Kloth Credit: ITF

To say Michael Kloth knows a lot about transport would be an understatement. As the acting Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, he has knowledge on the global transport regime like no other. And he’s got some really important advice for bicycle advocates. ECF had a chat to him during Velo-city Global 2012.

It’s often a curious question to bicycle advocates, and it’s one that’s been on my mind since I’ve been at Velo-city in Vancouver. Should we bother talking to National politicians when it comes to cycling?  And if we do, how do we actually get them to care about cycling?

“National Transport ministers mostly have no responsibility for cycling, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have influence,” explains Michael Kloth, Acting Secretary General of the International Transport Forum.

“It’s always worth talking to them. It’s always worth keeping them informed on what’s going on in the cycling world,” he explains.

Kloth is adamant that if bicycle advocates are to have any impact on political processes, then they need to get the message right.

 “When it comes to Ministers, making the economic case for cycling is key. Bicycle advocates must demonstrate that cycling can provide inexpensive solutions that can be implemented quickly,” says Kloth.

And he’s right, we’ve got to start making sure politicians see just how cheap it is. Take for example the fact that for the cost of 1km of urban freeway, you could build 150km of bicycle paths, 10,000 km of bicycle lanes or 100 well designed 30km/h zones. They need to understand that you move an entire city for much less money.

“Explain cycling not just in terms of cycling but look at the overall picture,” he says.

In other words, if we want more non-cyclists to cycle, we’ve got to stop talking about cycling.

“As a user, most people don’t care if they use a bike, taxi, ferrari, they just want it be flexible and reliable, so rather than selling cycling, sell mobility solutions,” explains Kloth.

He certainly has an amazing point. Perhaps it’s time for many of us at the conference to stop talking about cycling, and start talking transport.

 About the Author

Julian Ferguson is the Communications Officer for the European Cyclists’ Federation. Originally hailing from Australia and a keen bicycle advocate, he plans one day to ride his bicycle from Brussels to Melbourne

Why the interest in North America? 

Live Coverage from Velo-city

ECF is reporting this story live fom the world’s largest cycling policy in Vancouver, Canada where nearly 1,000 of the cycling world’s best and brightest have gathered for four days to talk cycling. You can read more stories from our Velo-city live page and tweet #velocity2012 to join in the conversation.