UNESCO Executive Board adopts first historic “Bicycle for All” Policy

Warsaw, 20 May 2023 (TDI): UNESCO Executive Board adopted the first historic decision, “Bicycle for all.” The adoption of this policy aims for sustainable and healthy lifestyles”.

Poland presented This initiative at the UN Forum and has garnered considerable support, with several dozen countries supporting the decision from all inhabited continents.

The decision holds symbolic significance as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of the establishment of World Bicycle Day by the UN General Assembly in 2018.

The primary purpose of this decision is to raise awareness among UNESCO Member States and the organization itself about the bicycle’s potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda.

UNESCO provides an ideal platform for promoting the bicycle as an integral element of education policies, sustainable development strategies, and a valued mode of transportation across diverse cultures.

The decision underscores the bicycle’s role as a climate-friendly and easily accessible means of transportation that fosters community integration.

It urges Member States to prioritize the development of cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, bike-sharing systems, and secure parking facilities, while ensuring the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

By championing the adoption of this decision, Poland demonstrates its commitment to the SDGs and the UN 2030 Agenda, affirming its belief in the United Nations as a vehicle for promoting sustainable values and global progress.

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As part of the decision’s implementation, the Director-General of UNESCO will prepare a report on its progress and achievements, which will be presented in the following spring.

The “Bicycle for All – Bicycle for sustainable and healthy lifestyles” decision adopted by the UNESCO Executive Board reflects a global commitment to utilizing the bicycle as a catalyst for sustainable development.

By promoting accessibility, safety, education, and international cooperation, this initiative strives to create a more sustainable and inclusive future, aligning with the UN’s vision of achieving the SDGs by 2030.