UN adopts resolution promoting bicycles to combat climate change

On 15 March 2022, 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that supported the promotion of bicycles as a means of combating climate change.

The resolution was proposed by Turkmenistan and was passed unanimously. It is important to note however, that as with all General Assembly resolutions it is in non-binding. The resolution calls on UN member states to “integrate the bicycle into public transportation, in urban and rural settings in developing and developed countries.”

According to the resolution, improving road safety and promoting cycling as a mode of transport will help achieve to sustainable development, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution encourages UN member states to ensure that cycling is included in “cross-cutting development strategies, including bicycle sharing services”. In addition, wherever possible UN member states should strive to include cycling in “international, regional, national and subnational development policies ad programmes”.