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Brussels, June 3rd – The WBIA has been invited to participate in a new taskforce of THE PEP (Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme) a joint body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) to develop “Principles of Green and Healthy Sustainable Transport”.

COVID-19 is having a substantial impact on mobility patterns around the world. Social distancing and the recent studies showing a correlation between air pollution and the severity of COVID-19-related respiratory symptoms are bringing a growing number of citizens to switch to cycling – especially in urban areas: cities have now the possibility and the responsibility to restart in a manner that is conducive to a more efficient, green and sustainable framework.

The taskforce on Green and Healthy Sustainable Transport recommendations will comprise representatives of governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and other stakeholders, exploring long-term and strategic changes for the mobility sector. The aim is to have much more than just a document: the principles produced by the taskforce will be proposed for political endorsement to governments involved in the Fifth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment to be held in Vienna in 2021.

Erhard Büchel CONEBI and WBIA President states: “new bike lanes are starting to appear in cities across Europe. We call on governments to implement permanent solutions in this regard and foresee further incentive measures, for instance subsidy schemes for bicycle and e-bike purchase, like the one that has just been introduced in Italy. Cycling should become the new normal.”

Satoshi Yuasa, Vice President of Bicycle Association Japan (BAJ), reinforces the message: “More & more utilization of bicycles for work/commuting is surely contributing to health and the environment. The Japanese government has also initiated the action to use more bicycles for work and BAJ is preparing a campaign to promote this movement. We strongly believe that THE PEP Project is expanding the positive impact out of Europe too, of course including Japan.’’

“Today, an unprecedented number of Americans are experiencing the rewards of bicycling,”said Tim Blumenthal, President of PeopleForBikes. “They’re improving their physical and mental health, and they’re saving money as they travel safely and efficiently in a world shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re helping to reduce air pollution and address climate change. Now more than ever, bicycling is a multi-faceted solution that should be prioritized by government leaders around the globe.”

Iliya Semenov of the Russian Association for the Development of the Bicycle and Motorcycle Industry (NADBM) states: “Russia fully supports green transportation initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic despite the lockdown across the country, we seea growing demand for bicycles.  Due to quarantine and personal precautionary measures many people will not be able to travel abroad or to far distances around Russia. So many Russians prefer to go to the local countryside, get involved in sporting activities and take care of their health and the health of their loved ones. And cycling is the best activity that can provide you enough sports load, lets you keep social distancing, gives you the joy of exploring your neighbourhoods and keeps families together.”

Dr. K.B. Thakur, Secretary General of the All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA) explains: “Man – made pressure on Mother Earth is going beyond its carrying capacity which is resulting in to disproportionate damage to environment and public health. As a partial correction, the global community should undertake a push-pull strategy to further the importance of the bicycle as a mode of transport because it is a green and healthy solutions. Under the aegis of the PEP taskforce, earnest efforts may be made to resolve common impediments in the way of resurgence of bicycles. India’s masses and classes stand to immensely benefit from greater bicycle usage “

The Task Force will meet virtually on a monthly basis and the work will be organized so that the first draft of the principles are discussed in November 2020. Further meetings, in the months after November 2020, will be set to finalize the principles.

WBIA and its members are committed to continue the advocacy for more sustainable mobility globally, working with national authorities and the world multilateral institutions to sustain the role of cycling as the best solution to the challenges that the world is currently facing: the recent article ‘’UN eyes bicycles as driver of post-COVID-19 green recovery’’ published by the United Nations’ Department of Global Communications is definitely an encouragement in such a direction but more has to be done in order to tackle the unsustainability of the car-centric culture we have been living in.

Source: Joerg Carstensen/dpa via AP

Switzerland, March 30th 2020 – WBIA and its member associations call upon governments worldwide to allow bicycle repair services to continue throughout the COVID-19 crisis, provided that all necessary health precautions are respected.

The World Bicycle Industry Association WBIA representing Bicycle, E-Bike, Parts & Accessories Industries worldwide believes that in the context of the spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the use of bicycles and pedal-assisted e–bikes – always with total respect for official public health protection rules – should be encouraged.

On bicycles, people keep the required distance for avoiding infections. They are also much less likely to touch potentially contaminated objects in public space. To minimise the risk of infection, German Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn therefore mentioned cycling to work as one of his recommendations to the population. On a more general note, regular physical activity like cycling helps to keep the cardiovascular system and the lungs healthy, preventing diseases and protecting the body from infections. Therefore, it is important that people can continue cycling throughout the crisis and are able to find help in case they need to have their bike repaired.

Fortunately, in most countries, the continued practice of cycling for necessary trips like going to work or grocery shopping is safeguarded because, bicycle repair shops can continue their operations even under the strict “lockdown” rules. However, in some countries bicycle repair shops are not allowed to open, even when they could do so in a way that minimises risks of infection.

Erhard Büchel, CONEBI and WBIA President: “Bicycle repair shops provide a basic service to the population and allow for risk-minimising mobility to continue where it is most necessary. Therefore, I deem they would need to stay open during these difficult times, of course in a way that protects the health both of employees and customers.”

Bicycle Association Japan stated: “Now the world is facing a terrible spread of the Coronavirus, times are uncertain affecting our families, friends, customers and everybody around us. Under these uncertain circumstances and with all respect for the public health protection guidelines, BAJ would like to continue promoting the use of bicycles as a sustainable and healthy alternative to other motorized methods of transportation and commuting. Cycling minimizes the risk of infections and is healthy for the human body.”

People for Bikes’ President Tim Blumenthal: “People For Bikes recognizes the unprecedented challenge local, state and federal governments face in managing the spread of COVID-19. Our organization is working to support the bicycle industry in this difficult time by asking governments to consider every bike shop as an “essential business” and to allow bicycling, for transportation or recreation, to continue where appropriate. These decisions will provide many levels of economic relief to businesses. We are encouraged by the number of news stories we’ve read that address the increasingly significant and positive role bikes are playing in our daily lives. Many people are newly discovering how bikes are a great way to get where you need to go and also a wonderful form of recreation. As this occurs, we are doing everything we can to support all riders as well as bike businesses of all sizes and kinds.”

All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA): “We support allowing bicycle repair services to continue throughout the COVID-19 crisis while taking into account the measures put in place by the Indian government. Considering India’s demography, its bicycle usage by millions of underprivileged classes and the current priority to prevent and protect them from COVID-19 having access to bike repair shops is crucial.

The Russian Association for the Development of the Bicycle and Motorcycle Industry (NADBM)explains: “Due to the epidemic situation Moscow decided to start the bike sharing season one month earlier than in the previous years. Based on the experience of other cities worldwide, the availability of bicycles reduces the number of passengers on public transport. Taken the epidemiological situation in consideration, this year bike sharing is more important than ever. In addition, operatorswill treat bikes with disinfectants and users are also advised to wipe the seat and handlebar with sanitizers.”

European politicians Alessandra Moretti (Italy) and Ismail Ertug (Germany) agree with this proposition:

“First of all, we would like to say that we are deeply sympathetic to all those who have contracted the virus, and their families. We want to be close to them and we admire the work of doctors and nurses across Europe who are providing a courageous service of vital importance to the public health of millions of European citizens.

While fully respecting the different national travel laws in the Member States of the European Union, we believe that mobility for proven work and need should be addressed – where possible – in ways that allow for greater social distancing such as walking and cycling, noting that public transport presents some additional risks. For this reason, bicycle repair shops, with the necessary and appropriate health precautions, should be able to remain open to allow everyone to ride safely, thus favouring less risk of infection”.

Signatories

All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA), India, Asia

Bicycle Association Japan (BAJ), Japan, Asia

Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI), Belgium, Europe

Mexican Association of Bicycle Manufacturers, A.C. (ANAFABI), Mexico, North America

People for Bikes (PFB), USA, North America

Russian Association for the Development of the Bicycle and Motorcycle Industry (NADBM), Russia, Asia

Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA), Taiwan, Republic of China, Asia