150+ Cities Now Have 'Bicycle Mayors' to Boost Cycling
Over 150 cities across 34 countries have appointed special leaders called Bicycle Mayors to make their communities safer and more bike-friendly. These passionate advocates are transforming how cities think about cycling, one pedal stroke at a time.
Imagine having a city leader whose entire job is getting more people safely on bikes.
That's exactly what's happening in over 150 cities worldwide. Since 2016, Amsterdam-based nonprofit BYCS has created a global network of Bicycle Mayors who champion cycling in their communities.
These aren't elected officials, but carefully selected advocates who bridge the gap between cyclists and local governments. Each serves a two-year term and can be reappointed to continue their work.
The role emerged from a simple need. "A lot of people want to do something, but very often they're isolated or they don't have the means to do it," Michela Chamonal, the network's coordinator, told Reasons to be Cheerful.
What do Bicycle Mayors actually do? They meet with elected officials, propose infrastructure funding, promote road safety, and organize community rides. Some donate cycling gear or lead classes for marginalized groups.
Saskia Heitjtjes, Bicycle Mayor of Bath, organized a Kiddical Mass event with 100 people to inspire families while advocating for safer roads for children. In Hyderabad, Santhana Selvan created India's first Bike Bus so kids could ride to school together safely.
Pete Dyson, another Bath Bicycle Mayor, focuses on behind-the-scenes advocacy. "I see my position as a critical friend, because our local authority has good intentions," he said.
The stakes are real. Cycling makes up just 1% of all transportation in the United States and only 5 to 10% in Western Europe. Yet replacing just one car trip daily with cycling reduces carbon emissions from transport by 67%, according to a 2021 study.
The Ripple Effect
BYCS designed the program to create radical change through connection. By linking these changemakers across a global network, successful ideas spread quickly from one city to another.
Bicycle Mayors bring fresh perspectives from outside traditional planning circles. They're the human face of cycling, making sustainable transportation feel accessible rather than intimidating.
The network proves that change doesn't always require an election or official title. Sometimes it just takes one passionate person willing to speak up, connect their community, and show everyone that getting around can be safer, healthier, and more joyful.
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Based on reporting by Good Good Good
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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