The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate has a working paper out that discusses ways for cities to accelerate low-carbon development and reap large benefits for small investments.
Cities are engines of economic growth and social change. About 85% of global GDP in 2015 was generated in cities. By 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in urban areas. Compact, connected and efficient cities can generate stronger growth and job creation, alleviate poverty and reduce investment costs, as well as improve quality of life through lower air pollution and traffic congestion. Better, more resilient models of urban development are particularly critical for rapidly urbanizing cities in the developing world.
Altogether, low-carbon urban actions available today could generate a stream of savings in the period to 2050 with a current value of US$16.6 trillion.
It should be no surprise that the report looks favorably on cycling and one of five case studies they performed was on promoting cycling.
Like bus rapid transit, cycling has multiple benefits for cities. It costs far less than motorised travel, both for the public and in terms of infrastructure investment needed. Cities with convenient cycling infrastructure benefit from significant health care savings from increased physical activity, reduced air pollution levels and reduced road fatalities. Importantly, cycling is an equitable transport mode that can enhance mobility for the urban poor and increase interaction among nearly all groups. There are therefore compelling economic, social and environmental reasons for cities to invest in safe and well-connected cycling infrastructure.
Recent analysis of the costs and benefits of cycling in Copenhagen, Denmark, found that the net social gain is US$0.21 per cycled kilometre, mostly from health care cost savings. This compares with a net social cost of US$0.12 per driven kilometre. Accounting for indirect benefits in this way means that Copenhagen’s planned Cycle Super Highways are estimated to have an internal rate of return on investment of 19% per year.
While it can be difficult to retrofit cycling infrastructure into mature cities, there is scope for fast-growing cities in developing countries to leapfrog the hyper-motorisation of transport that has proven so costly and unsustainable in many OECD countries. Local authorities in these contexts should therefore prioritise the development of good pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and ensure that future transport investments enhance the safety and convenience of non-motorised options.
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