The transport sector is growing – and it is growing fast. By 2030 passenger traffic is predicted to see an increase of 50% compared to 2015, the global freight volume even by 100%. If this trend continues without new sustainable technologies replacing old ones the increase in carbon emissions will not only threaten the climate but also public health.

As a reaction to this intensifying dilemma the Sustainable Mobility for All (SuM4All)[1] issued the Global Mobility Report 2017 (GMR). For the first time ever this report examines the transport sector on a global scale and focuses on the question of how its growth can be guided towards a greener and more sustainable future. The European Cyclists’ Federation is one of more than 50 consortium partners of SuM4All and welcomes the release of the report and the conclusions that it is drawing for the development of the transport sector.

ECF’s Secretary General Bernhard Ensink, who represented ECF and the World Cycling Alliance at the Sum4All consortium meeting at COP23 in Bonn, Germany, says:

“I am happy with the acknowledgement of the important role of cycling in this report, e.g. where it states in the vision on the future (p. 16): ‘Transport networks will be seamlessly integrated to meet mobility needs through motorized and active modes - walking and cycling.’'

Once again a report from the highest level of international stakeholders has warned of the impact of the growing transport sector on the environment if there is no rapid change in attitude towards more sustainable mobility – and once again bicycles are being presented as part of the solution. It is acknowledged that the question of how to increase Universal Access, Efficiency, Safety and Green Mobility in the area of transport are vital to the future of a sustainable transport sector. The report points out problems that can be observed in the transport sector on one hand – and proposes possible solutions and opportunities on the other.

The European Cyclists’ Federation, as a co-sponsor of the study ‘A High Shift Cycling Scenario’, is especially pleased about the Global Mobility Report citing the findings of the research (p. 53): “[Greenhouse Gas] emissions could be cut in half, potentially resulting in a 2 gigaton reduction of annual emissions by 2050. The increase in cycling and e-bike use would save the world a cumulative US$24 trillion between 2015 and 2050.”

Further to assessing the current situation and advancing ideas of how to solve arising problems the report also calls for better and more complete information regarding the transport sector and therewith cycling. In many parts of the world this information is scarce or very difficult to access. More specific data about more regions around the globe would make it easier for governments and NGOs like ECF to tackle the issues of a growing transport sector more effectively.