Last month ECF was in Venice co-hosting a Network Meeting with ManagEnergy and Eurocities on supporting cycling for liveable cities. The networking event set out arguments, strategies and tools for elected representatives and technical staff from cities to invest in cycling infrastructure, and to support the development of a flourishing cycling culture. 

The event was a great success thanks to the exceptionally high-quality level of speakers providing evidence on the many positive effects of cycling-friendly city policies. 

The event video below provides a great summary of the excellent presentations heard in Venice: 

Keynote speech from Philippe Crist

Philippe Crist, an Economist and Administrator at the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), gave a compelling presentation based on the work of the ITF on cycling and cities in its 54 member countries across the world. His presentation covered some of the following points:

Dealing with how to provide transport for all in an increasingly urban future is a pressing issue and not one that can be solved by one mode of transport. We will need a multi-modal system, with active mobility as a key component. In Crist's words:"Cycling will be essential in this mix". 

Crist went on to explain that while cycling has sometimes suffered from being viewed as a 'has-been', it should be a central part of sustainable mobility. He outlined the multi-fold benefits such as improved health, social cohesion and business competitiveness from investing in cycling facilities. Crist also outlined the evidence showing that cycling in cities is good for commerce. While cyclists spend less, they return more frequently and in the long-run spend just as much if not more than their car-driving counterparts. 

Finally, Crist discussed how we can make cycling 'supernormal', that is, widespread in cities. The key, is not targeting the existing cyclists, but cycling policies should address the needs of women, children, the older and the less-fit; those who are not comfortable cycling now. In a 'supernormal' cycling culture, the demographic of cyclists should reflect the urban demographic in general. 

Philippe Crist's full speech can be seen on this livestream video of the whole event (starting at 41.30): 

All of the speakers' powerpoint presentations are available here. 

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