This session featured contributions from different countries around the world on how cycling contributes to economic and social development.  The presentations covered a range of topics, including fiscal incentives that can boost cycling; cycling and social equity; improving children’s health through cycling; and cyclelogistics.

Holger Haubold from the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) moderated the session and opened the discussions by presenting an overview of fiscal and financial incentives for cycling.  He gave some good and bad practice examples of incentives that can be used.  For example, a national financial incentive for e-cycling in France led to e-bike sales practically doubling.  However, he warned:

“It is not only necessary to provide fiscal incentives to encourage people to cycle, it is also important to reduce perverse incentives for driving.”

Next up was Alexander Quayle from Sustrans in the UK presented research into travel poverty in Scotland, which they define as being when people do not have access to essential services or work because of a lack of affordable transport options.  This can result in a burden on households for those on medium or lower incomes. According to their research, 20% of the population in Scotland live in areas at a high risk of transport poverty – mainly located in small towns or rural areas characterised by lower incomes and limited public transport options (i.e. need to have a car).  Of these, 61% are areas where essential services can be accessed by bike within 10 minutes.  There are barriers though to cycling providing a solution, including access to bikes, safe routes and skills and confidence.

Dr Kim Price and David Wood from the Specialized Foundation - a public foundation part funded by Specialized – then gave an introduction to their programme aiming to develop the next generation of healthy cyclists by working closely with schools.  Research has shown that fit children do better at school because exercise prepares the brain for learning and is especially good for attention and processing information faster.  The programme seeks to encourage more ‘road ready cyclists’ and has 87% retention rate and 80% would recommend it to their friends.  There are economic benefits for wider society – by reducing the costs of physical inactivity - but also for schools because levels of absence are reduced the more pupils cycle.  Whilst more research is always welcome, Kim and David think the evidence collected so far is very convincing and they would like to expand the programme internationally.

Finally, Mr. Daniel Guth from Aliança Bike gave a presentation on cycling logistics and economic development in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The presentation included a case study on the area of Bom Retiro – a neighbourhood of approximately four square kilometres which has a high concentration of small groceries and restaurants.  Research has shown that 48% of the shops and stores have deliveries that are made by active modes (foot/bicycle/tricycle).  220 workers are employed exclusively on delivery by active modes making approximately 2,249 separate deliveries per day.  He found that 40% of businesses began to use cargo bikes and tricycles after bike paths had been installed in the area and that 87% cited speed and practicality as their justification for using these modes.