Our Approach
BYCS’ approach is unique in cycling advocacy.
Civil society plays an essential role in bringing about urban change, and we support & connect local grassroots initiatives around the world, while lobbying for more cycling in the transport conversation at the global level.
For us, the bicycle is a means, rather than an end in itself, to achieve a better quality of life for all in cities, thanks to its positive effects on health, the environment, economic development, community wellbeing, and mobility.
OUR VISION
The future vision we strive towards is 50×30 – 50% of all urban trips by bicycle by 2030. More than a strategic pathway, it is a bold statement to challenge current ambitions and mindsets regarding transportation decarbonisation.
Drastically shifting away from driving to cycling for daily urban mobility is essential in order to shape more human-centric cities and a higher quality of life for all.
It is because of this that we often say that cycling is so much more than transportation, it is transformation.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to nurture, strengthen and scale community-led cycling initiatives globally, through a focus on what we call “Human Infrastructure”.
Strengthening the human infrastructure of cycling means developing initiatives that reinforce cycling cultures and the ability for all individuals to access and perceive cycling as a viable, safe, empowering and joyful mode of transportation. This approach catalyses the impact of built infrastructure, while securing equitable uptake of cycling.
These efforts reach a global scale through our growing network of partner organisations and networks.
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
Increased cycling awareness, knowledge, access, skills and positive attitudes of the public leads to higher demand for cycling investment. Programmes and initiatives to support cycling uptake also enable more people, particularly those with higher social, economic and cultural barriers to cycling, to be empowered by this reliable, efficient, sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.
WHERE WE FOCUS OUR IMPACT
Equity – Women & Caregivers
Everyone deserves to move around their neighborhoods confidently and safely. However, despite a large desire from women to start cycling, 76% of women never do. This is because streets and transport systems have often been designed without them in mind, in some cases, they have effectively been designed out. Achieving equitable cities means ensuring that women are not only included, but actively shaping their surroundings.
Health – Youth & Children
Early habits shape lifelong health, yet this foundation is often missing. Globally, 81% of children aged 11-17 are not active enough according to WHO guidelines, Supporting children to be active from a young age helps build behaviours that carry into adolescence and beyond, reducing the risk of poor physical and mental health later in life.
Community Engagement – Grassroots organisations
Today, 56% of the global population lives in urban areas, a number expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050, making local community leadership essential in shaping cities that work for people rather than just infrastructure. Grassroots organisations create the social support systems that help cycling grow and stick. They build momentum from the ground up, turning individual action into collective movement.
ANNUAL REPORT
Every year we report on our achievements, impact & learnings of the last 12 months, and outline our ambitions for the future. Learn more about out us through our 2023 annual report.
Partners
Our partners are crucial to our mission, helping us scale our programmes, and sharing knowledge and resources to develop our research and network capacitation.
In 2023 we have worked on projects supported and funded by:
In 2023 we collaborated on project and advocacy efforts with:
We are proud members of the following groups and coalitions:
Past partnerships include:
