Hosted on 10–11 May at the Athens Conservatoire, the eighth edition of the Forum positioned cycling not merely as a sport, but as a system-level solution—capable of addressing transport, health, climate and social inclusion challenges simultaneously.

Across two days of discussion, the tone was clear: cycling’s potential is widely understood, but unlocking it requires political courage, cultural change and systemic integration.

As UCI President David Lappartient set out:

“Cities around the world are increasingly recognising cycling as a powerful tool for healthier communities, more sustainable transport systems and stronger local economies.”

Recognising Impact: From Grassroots to Global

The Forum opened with the UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards, celebrating initiatives delivering measurable social and environmental impact.

The four award winners reflected the breadth of cycling’s potential:

• Parc Mobi’Ludique (France) – driving youth participation and road safety, with a target of enabling 800,000 young people to cycle independently by 2028
• Copenhagen Sprint – embedding sustainability into event delivery, reducing emissions and waste while shifting spectator behaviour
• Road Map – Kids Cycling (Limburg-Valkenburg) – introducing thousands of children to cycling through inclusive programming
• Fietsmaatjes Brabant – tackling social isolation through innovative community-based cycling solutions

As Lappartient noted in his opening address:

“Cycling can provide concrete solutions for making societies more sustainable and inclusive.”

The message was consistent throughout: cycling delivers most when participation, inclusion and environmental action are aligned.

Athens: A City in Transition

Athens provided a fitting backdrop—a city balancing historic identity with modern mobility pressures.

Mayor Haris Doukas was candid:

• Around 75% of daily journeys are still made by car or motorcycle
• Cycling remains marginal
• Infrastructure has historically prioritised vehicles

Yet change is underway, with investment in a 17km cycling network, expanded bike infrastructure and new municipal transport connections.

Doukas captured the shift:

“We are building a new culture of mobility… one that prioritises walking, cycling and sustainable mobility as the foundation of a modern city.”

The emphasis on culture—not just infrastructure—became a defining theme.

The Core Challenge: Political Bravery and Behaviour Change

One of the defining discussions of the Forum centred on the gap between evidence and action.

Carly Gilbert-Patrick, Secretary General of SLOCAT, captured this with striking clarity, describing electrification as the “stinky fish” in the room—an uncomfortable but dominant focus that continues to overshadow more immediate, scalable solutions such as active mobility.

“Investing in cycling is the answer, pretty much whatever the problem is. Whether it’s for health, tourism, or reducing congestion… but what’s the ‘banana’ in transport? Let’s electrify. We need to ask ourselves about proportionality.”

Her challenge was not about rejecting electrification, but about proportionality. With billions already walking and cycling daily—particularly in emerging economies—the issue is not awareness, but prioritisation.

The implication was clear: progress now depends on political bravery—moving beyond the ‘stinky fish’—and driving the behavioural and policy change needed to deliver at scale.

Urban Mobility Strategies: Data Driving Decisions

The shift from ambition to implementation is increasingly being driven by data.

Insights from Clotilde Imbert, CEO of Copenhagenize Index pointed to a “new maturity” in cycling policy, with cities moving beyond pilot schemes to long-term investment strategies.

Key indicators show:

• Rapid increases in cycling mode share in leading cities
• Strong correlation between investment and uptake
• The importance of supporting infrastructure, particularly parking

Cities that succeed treat cycling as a system—not a standalone intervention.

Infrastructure vs Perception: The Safety Debate

Safety remains one of the most significant barriers to scaling cycling globally.

Discussions highlighted a layered challenge:

• Lack of protected infrastructure
• Perceived risk
• Cultural attitudes on the road

With an estimated 80% of roads failing to meet minimum safety standards for cyclists, the challenge is structural. But it is also personal.

As Isabella Burczak, Cycling for All & Sustainability Manager at the UCI and Forum organisers, explained:

“My perspective on cycling safety has completely changed since becoming a parent. What once felt manageable now highlights the urgent need for protected infrastructure and safer environments—because if we want more people, especially children, to cycle, it has to feel safe for everyone.”

Her reflection captures a critical shift: designing for everyday users—not just experienced cyclists—is essential to unlocking participation at scale.

Kigali’s Cycling Revolution: From Logistics to Legacy

Kigali offered one of the most compelling examples of cycling’s potential at scale.

Following the 2025 UCI Road World Championships—the first on the African continent—the city is embedding cycling into its long-term development strategy.

Samson Ndayishimiye, President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation, reflected:

“The impact is immense. It’s become much easier when looking for sponsors… people before used to be mad at closing the roads, but thanks to the World Championships, they now understand. We’ve seen a lot of numbers going up in terms of youth development.”

With 200 kilometres of infrastructure planned, Kigali is demonstrating how cycling can move from everyday necessity to strategic asset.

Cycling as an Economic and Tourism Driver

Beyond mobility, the Forum highlighted cycling’s growing role in economic development.

The ΔEH Tour of Hellas illustrated a clear shift—from staging a race to building a platform for impact.

As Takis Xouris, Chief Operating Officer, explained:

“We reached a point where the race was working operationally, but the impact was limited… we had to ask how to make the race matter. When we did, everything changed—cities wanted to be part of it.”

That shift has delivered increased sponsor value, stronger host demand and deeper community engagement.

Cycling events are no longer just competitions—they are catalysts for social and economic transformation.

From Athens to Tokyo: Leadership, Legacy and Responsibility

In his closing remarks Tony Mitchell, Cycling for All & Sustainable Cycling Commission President and UCI Management Committee Member, brought the Forum’s themes into sharp focus.

“You can’t just have one—you need both integration and political bravery.”

Mitchell reinforced that progress depends on coordinated action—across governments, events, communities and stakeholders.

He highlighted how:

• Cycling tourism delivers stronger experiences and economic return
• Events can reshape national perception and long-term demand
• Data and storytelling must be used more effectively to drive change

Reflecting on global examples, he noted:

“We want to see people like us driving the initiatives… Empowering the local community to run their own bike networks and putting pressure on local politicians is how you get funding for bike lanes.”

Looking ahead, the announcement of Tokyo as host of the 2027 Forum signals continuity—but also expectation. The next phase is not just about proving the concept but accelerating the change.

Conclusion: From Potential to Political Action

The UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum 2026 did not lack ideas. It reinforced them.

The pathway is now well understood. Cycling delivers across health, climate, mobility and economic outcomes. The evidence is there. The case is proven.

The challenge is no longer technical—it is political.

It requires:

• Leadership willing to prioritise change
• Cities prepared to redesign systems, not just infrastructure
• A shift in culture towards everyday mobility

Within the forthcoming Global Sustainable Sport SPI (Sustainable, Purposeful & Impactful) Index, the UCI is set to feature among the Top 100 most purposeful sports organisations globally – reflecting its growing role in connecting sport, mobility and sustainability through initiatives such as the Bike City programme and this Forum.

Athens demonstrated what is possible.

What comes next will depend on who is willing to act—and on the political bravery to move beyond the ‘stinky fish’ that continue to slow progress.