Bloomberg Philanthropies launches new initiative to build ambitious cycling infrastructure projects around the world

Ten cities will receive up to $1 million to implement creative and impactful bike-friendly street designs to help save lives and support climate-friendly transportation

New York, NY- Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the launch of the Bloomberg Cycling Infrastructure Initiative (BICI), which will help ten cities around the world create safe, interconnected and innovative cycling infrastructure and provide sustainable mobility options for their residents. The BICI will be led in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) and in addition to receiving up to $1 million to implement their proposals, each city will also receive technical assistance from the GDCI for the implementation of the project, cycling facility design, data collection, resident engagement and other best practices.

This one-of-a-kind program is open to cities with populations over 100,000 and applications can be submitted between November 10, 2022 and February 3, 2023. Starting today, cities can preview the application, express their interest and register for application webinars at https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/bici.

“Making cycling in cities easier for residents will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen public health and increase economic opportunity. But for that to happen, cities need to provide infrastructure that makes cycling safer and more accessible – and Bloomberg Philanthropies is happy to help them do just that,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th Mayor of New York, who announced the launch of the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure at Bloomberg CityLab 2022. “At a time when many cities are struggling to revive downtowns, investing in safe, clean and accessible transportation options will serve as a catalyst for progress .”

“Investments in safe and accessible cycle paths are investments in the health, sustainability and economic future of the planet”, said Janette Sadik-Khan, director of transportation at Bloomberg Associates and former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation. “Cities need people-centric infrastructure, not just megaprojects that displace cars, and this program will deploy life-saving street designs and reduce emissions that threaten the world.”

Thriving cities need transport systems that allow people to move safely, efficiently and sustainably. Comprehensive cycling networks can meet these needs while improving public health and well-being. Research consistently shows that building cycling infrastructure also provides social benefits that go beyond their investment and that people who cycle are healthier and happier. However, a significant barrier to cycling in many cities is the lack of safe cycling infrastructure. BICI is designed to help city leaders address the urgent need to build more connected and expansive cycling infrastructure that serves as many residents as possible.

“When it comes to cycling infrastructure, each city is unique”, said Skye Duncan, Executive Director of GDCI. “But the need for improved cycling networks that are safe, protected and connected for all ages and abilities is universal. Whether a city already has world-class facilities or is beginning its journey to improve cycling, we look forward to working with selected cities that are ready to redesign their streets by implementing and expanding their cycling networks. local. GDCI looks forward to bringing years of experience in cycling infrastructure to our work with cities under BICI. »

The ten selected cities will be announced in spring 2023 and BICI will give them the opportunity to not only advance cycling locally, but also join a global network of peers from whom to learn how to advance global cycling best practices. Formal technical assistance and other support programs, including meetings with other winning cities, will begin in summer 2023 and continue for up to three years.

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About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for as many people as possible. The organization focuses on five key areas to create lasting change: arts, education, environment, government innovation and public health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate and personal philanthropy, and Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consulting firm that works in cities around the world. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitterand LinkedIn.

About the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI):
Launched in 2014, the mission of the Global Designing Cities Initiative is to transform streets around the world, inspiring leaders, practitioners and communities to imagine what is possible when we design streets that put people first. GDCI’s work is based on the strategies and international best practices presented in the Global Street Design Guide. To learn more, visit globaldesigningcities.org or follow us on Twitter at @globalstreets.

Media contacts:
Courtney Greenwald, Bloomberg Philanthropies [email protected]
Chris Harris, Powell Tate [email protected]