Non-Motorised Transport
Many urban residents in developing countries and emerging economies rely on cycling or walking but with economic growth, the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) share in transport systems is being threatened. Yet, NMT or Active Transport (AT) bears a relevant potential in low carbon transport scenarios and in urban mitigation action. This makes NMT a key element in the transition of transport policies to sustainable mobility.
Cycling - Half of all trips in cities are short and within cycling distance. The protection (and revitalisation) of cycling in Asia and the promotion of cycling elsewhere have to become an ingredient in comprehensive mobility plans to mitigate GHG emission in developing country parties of the IPCC. Cycling bears substantial significance for avoiding emissions, poverty alleviation and development. The first results of calculating the carbon value of cycling can be found here. The earlier cycling expertise is brought into transport and urban planning processes, the larger the long term benefits from a cycling inclusive transport system will be. The post 2012 framework should lever government investments in planning for such systems. We can build upon the transition in transport strategy by, among others, the multilateral development banks. Local, national or international strategies and plans should be translated into Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs). The NAMA framework can become a stimulus for most of the developing country parties to take up planning for cycling but only if cycling’s GHG reduction potential and other benefits to society are better understood and made measurable, reportable and verifiable. The Global Cycling Coalition aims at contributing to SLoCaT’s work program on this.