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 Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI), which will help ten cities around the world create safe, interconnected, and innovative cycling infrastructure and provide sustainable mobility options to their residents. BICI will be led in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) and in addition to receiving up to $1 million to enact their proposals, each city will also receive technical assistance from GDCI on project implementation, cycling facility design, data collection, resident engagement, and other best practices.
This first-of-its-kind program is open to cities with over 100,000 residents and applications can be submitted between November 10, 2022, and February 3, 2023. Starting today, cities can preview the application, express interest, and sign up 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 opportunities. But for that to happen, cities need to deliver infrastructure that makes cycling safer and more accessible — and Bloomberg Philanthropies is glad to help them do it,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City, who announced the launch of Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure at Bloomberg CityLab 2022. “At a time when many cities are struggling to revive downtown areas, investing in safe, clean, and accessible transportation options will serve as a catalyst for progress.”
“Investments in safe and accessible bike lanes are investments in the health, sustainability and economic future of the planet,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, Principal for Transportation at Bloomberg Associates and former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation. “Cities need people-first infrastructure, not just megaprojects that move cars, and this program will roll out life-saving street designs and roll back the emissions that are threatening the globe.”
Successful cities need transportation systems that allow people to move safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Comprehensive cycling networks can meet these needs while also improving public health and wellbeing. Research consistently shows that building cycling infrastructure also provides social benefits that are orders of magnitude 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 meet the urgent need to build more connected and expansive cycling infrastructure that serves as many residents as possible.
“When it comes to cycling infrastructure, every city is unique,” said Skye Duncan, executive director of GDCI. “But the need for enhanced cycle 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’re looking forward to working with the selected cities that are ready to rethink their streets through implementing and scaling their local cycle networks. GDCI is looking forward to bringing years of bicycle infrastructure experience to our collaboration with cities as part of BICI.”
The selected ten cities will be announced in the Spring of 2023 and BICI will give them the opportunity to not only advance cycling locally, but to also join a global network of peers from whom to learn how to advance global cycling best practices. Formal technical assistance and other program supports, including convenings with other winning cities, will begin in the Summer of 2023, continuing 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 the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the 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 as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI):
Launched in 2014, the Global Designing Cities Initiative’s mission is to transform streets around the world, inspiring leaders, practitioners, and communities to imagine what’s possible when we design streets that put people first. GDCI’s work is informed by the strategies and international best practices captured 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 courtney@bloomberg.org
Chris Harris, Powell Tate chris.p.harris@webershandwick.com