Non-motorised transport (NMT), including walking and cycling, is a cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility systems, offering immediate benefits for health, equity, and climate resilience. In rapidly growing cities, especially in the Global South, NMT remains essential for daily mobility among lower-income populations, yet remains underfunded, underplanned, and undervalued. Rebalancing transport priorities towards NMT is crucial to creating inclusive, low-carbon, and accessible cities. The integration of walking and cycling into transport planning supports global commitments such as the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the New Urban Agenda. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, eases congestion, and enhances public space. Investing in NMT infrastructure—such as safe pedestrian networks, cycling lanes, and intermodal connectivity—fosters social equity, as it provides affordable and independent access to employment, education, and services. NMT also contributes to physical activity levels, with positive health outcomes such as reduced cardiovascular disease, lower obesity rates, and improved mental health. The report highlights how transformational change requires political leadership, multi-sectoral coordination, and long-term financing mechanisms, including the redirection of subsidies and international climate finance towards active transport modes. Strategies for effective NMT implementation include participatory urban design, gender-sensitive planning, integrated transport systems, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, regulatory reforms are needed to protect the rights and safety of pedestrians and cyclists. By prioritising NMT, cities can create human-centred environments that are not only efficient but also equitable and liveable, contributing directly to climate mitigation, economic opportunity, and improved quality of life.
United Nations Environment Programme (2021) Walking and cycling: latest evidence to support policy-making and practice. Nairobi: UNEP.
