Bloomberg Philanthropies' initiative wants to distribute 10 million Euros to 10 cities around the world to help them create safe, interconnected cycling infrastructure and provide new mobility options for their residents. Lisbon and other Portuguese cities can apply.
Bloomberg Philanthropies, the philanthropic organization of Michael R. Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, has 10 million Euros to be distributed to 10 cities around the worldto help them create safe, interconnected cycling infrastructure and provide new mobility options for their residents.
This unique fund will be available for cities with more than 100 thousand inhabitantsCities like Lisbon, which has about 546,000 residents (Census 2021), will be able to apply. Interested cities may receive between $400,000 and $1 million in fundingas well as expert advice for the construction of new cycling infrastructure.
The Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative, entitled "Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI)"is developed in partnership with Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), an organization launched in 2014 with a mission to transform streets around the world by inspiring leaders, professionals, and communities to imagine what is possible when designing streets that put people first.
In press releaseit is explained that the "Successful cities need transportation systems that allow people to move safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Comprehensive bicycle networks can meet these needs while improving public health and well-being. Studies consistently show that building cycling infrastructure also provides social benefits far greater than its investment, and that people who cycle are healthier and happier. However, a significant barrier to bicycling in many cities is the lack of safe cycling infrastructure.".
The BICI intends "help city leaders address the urgent need to build more connected and expansive cycling infrastructure that serves as many residents as possible". Applications may be submitted between November 10th and February 3rd of next year. There will be, at the beginning of November, a set of three webinars via Zoom so that interesting representatives from each city can clarify doubts; the first will be on the 1st at 5pm (Lisbon time) with simultaneous translation into Portuguese. Starting today, interested cities will be able to register on the BICI websiteto express their interest in the initiative and start receiving all the news.
"Making cycling in cities easier for residents will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen public health, and increase economic opportunities - and Bloomberg Philanthropies is pleased to contribute to that."Michael R. Bloomberg points out in the same press release. "At a time when many cities are looking to revitalize their downtown areas, investing in safe, clean and affordable transportation options will serve as a catalyst for progress." For Skye Duncan, executive director of GDCI, "when it comes to cycling infrastructure, every city is unique. But the need for enhanced cycling networks that are safe, secure, and connected for all ages and abilities is universal.".
A three-four year program
In addition to receiving up to $1 million in funding, each city will also receive technical assistance from GDCI in project implementation, cycling infrastructure design, data analysis, interactions with residents, and other best practices. "We look forward to working with selected cities and rethinking their streets by implementing and scaling their local bicycle networks. GDCI looks forward to bringing years of experience in bicycle infrastructure to our collaboration with cities as part of BICI."
The ten selected cities will be announced in spring 2023 and BICI will give them the opportunity to not only advance the construction of cycling infrastructure locally, but also to join a global network of peers from other cities from whom they can learn and jointly promote global best practices. Formal technical assistance and other program support, including meetings with other winning cities, will begin in the summer of 2023, continuing for up to three years.
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world "to ensure better and longer lives for the greatest number of people". This organization focuses on five key areas to create lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's endowments, including his foundation, corporate and personal philanthropy, as well as Bloomberg Associates, a consulting pro bono which works with several world cities. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion.
