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, Oct. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Bloomberg Philanthropies as we speak introduced the launch of the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI), which can assist ten cities world wide create secure, interconnected, and modern biking infrastructure and supply sustainable mobility choices to their residents. BICI shall be led in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) and along with receiving as much as $1 million to enact their proposals, every metropolis may even obtain technical help from GDCI on venture implementation, biking facility design, information assortment, resident engagement, and different greatest practices.

This first-of-its-kind program is open to cities with over 100,000 residents and functions might be submitted between November 10, 2022, and February 3, 2023. Starting as we speak, cities can preview the appliance, categorical curiosity, and join utility 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,” stated Michael R. Bloomberg, founding father of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City, who introduced 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,” stated 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 want transportation methods that permit individuals to maneuver safely, effectively, and sustainably. Comprehensive biking networks can meet these wants whereas additionally bettering public well being and wellbeing. Research constantly shows that constructing biking infrastructure additionally offers social advantages which are orders of magnitude past their funding and that individuals who cycle are more healthy and happier. However, a significant barrier to biking in lots of cities is the dearth of secure biking infrastructure. BICI is designed to assist metropolis leaders meet the pressing have to construct extra related and expansive biking infrastructure that serves as many residents as doable.

“When it comes to cycling infrastructure, every city is unique,” stated Skye Duncan, govt 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 chosen ten cities shall be introduced within the Spring of 2023 and BICI will give them the chance to not solely advance biking domestically, however to additionally be a part of a world community of friends from whom to discover ways to advance international biking greatest practices. Formal technical help and different program helps, together with convenings with different profitable cities, will start within the Summer of 2023, persevering with for as much as three years.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 nations world wide to make sure higher, longer lives for the best variety of individuals. The group focuses on 5 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, together with his basis, company, and private philanthropy in addition to Bloomberg Associates, a professional bono consultancy that works in cities world wide. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For extra data, please go to bloomberg.org or comply with 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 rework streets world wide, inspiring leaders, practitioners, and communities to think about what’s doable after we design streets that put individuals first. GDCI’s work is knowledgeable by the methods and worldwide greatest practices captured within the Global Street Design Guide. To study extra, go to globaldesigningcities.org or comply with us on Twitter at @globalstreets.

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

SOURCE Bloomberg Philanthropies