Give all children access to cycling!

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under CC-License

Global bicycle advocates unveiled the ‘Charter of Vancouver’ calling on the United Nations (UN) to recognize “the right to cycle” for all children. 

The Charter of Vancouver was launched during the Velo-city Global 2012 conference as a step towards reaching the goal of a sustainable future, by focusing on cycling and children today.

The Charter of Vancouver is urging that cycling be included in all discussions about sustainable transportation and demands all relevant agencies to develop and promote policies and strategies that encourage children to walk and cycle for children.

The Charter takes its cue from the United Nations 1990 Convention on the Rights of the Child, and recognizes the special ability cycling has in enshrining those rights. The Charter encourages local governments to adopt practices towards cycling that keep those rights in mind, building infrastructure and providing services and programs so children grow up using their bikes as normal part of their travels in the community.

The Charter focuses on the future of children, worldwide. A part of culture and daily habits, education and health, and environmental sustainability, cycling produces undeniable positive effects on our lives. “The right of children to cycle should be universal and ever present; because children who make jumping on a bike a regular part of their lives today can grow up to be healthy, happy and environmentally conscious adults, according to the European Cyclist’s Federation.

 More information:

Statistics of children cycling to school

European cycle cities profiles

Library summary: Cyclists win right to run red traffic lights (internal link)

Library thematic dossiers: Cycling as a mode of transportation including cycle tourism and Transport and health issues (internal links)

Thousands of Cycling Studies Available for Download /

The German Instituteof Urban Affairs(see also their database on literature on cycling.)