Global Networks
Global initiative
We need to ensure our cities are more liveable and fit for the future. We believe every city can benefit from having a catalyst representing cycling progress and the interests of the community. We call these Bicycle Mayors.
Bicycle Mayors can accelerate the changes we need to see by uniting all citizens to take action. They bring creative diversity with new insights and approaches, from both inside and beyond the world of bicycle planning professionals or the political establishment. They are the human face and voice of cycling in a city. By connecting these changemakers across a global network – creating greater visibility, rapidly sharing ideas, challenges and solutions, – we can create a truly radical shift.
Network Map
We’re working on our interactive map at the moment, it will be back online soon!
What does the network do?
Keeps the issues front-and-center and moving forward through global and regional calls-to-action
Promotes the bicycle as a solution to some of the most complex urban challenges
Aligns the network (and its cause) to other movements and organizations that are also working to create more liveable cities
What does a Bicycle Mayor do?
Marina Kyriakou, Bicycle Mayor of Nicosia, meets with residents to understand how car congestion affects their quality of life
With the help of local authorities, Bicycle Mayor of Bengaluru, Sathya Sankaran, initiates a COVID-19 recovery plan that prioritises cycling
Mexico City’s Bicycle Mayor, Areli Carréon, recycles and donates bicycles to healthcare workers to ensure safe movement during the pandemic
How does the network support Bicycle Mayors?
Promote the work of Bicycle Mayors through a monthly organisation newsletter, social media, and events
Facilitate Collaboration through online platforms, network-wide calls, a network newsletter, and working Groups
Provide Resources through a resource hub, workshops and trainings, and access to events
Direct Support through regular one-on-one check-ins and making our staff available for questions
Network History
2016 – Elected first Bicycle Mayor in Amsterdam, Anne Luten
2018 – Elected first Junior Bicycle Mayor, Lotta Crok
2020 – Reached 100 Bicycle Mayors
2021 – BYCS India Foundation established
Junior Bicycle Mayor
The Junior Bicycle Mayor’s role is to offer a child’s perspective and imagination to the realm of cycling activation, with the goal of making cities fit for all ages. They work alongside the senior Bicycle Mayor of their city to create tangible impact. Currently, there are 5 Junior Bicycle Mayors, ages 10-17, who represent cities in the Netherlands, India, and Ireland.
The idea for the Junior Bicycle Mayor originated as part of the election campaign of Amsterdam’s Bicycle Mayor, Katelijne Boerma, who focused on making cycling safe for all children. She helped find students in local schools to lead cycling progress in their schools. These students were involved in design competitions and co-creation workshops to develop new solutions for cycling access, leading to the selection of one student as the Junior Bicycle Mayor.