At a crucial moment for the planet, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) reaffirms its commitment to climate action as COP30 takes place in Belém, Brazil. The organization has joined two powerful global initiatives —the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework and the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH)— which aim to position sport and sustainable mobility as catalysts for change. From its role as the governing body of world cycling, the UCI embraces the power of sport as a tool capable of inspiring collective action, transforming behavior, and generating real solutions to the climate emergency.
This commitment comes at a time when climate conferences are no longer just technical meetings but spaces where the course of humanity is defined. In Belém, global leaders, scientists, and civil organizations are debating how to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and strengthen resilience strategies. In this context, sport stands as a universal language that can accelerate action and connect causes, governments, and communities under a shared goal: a fairer and more sustainable future.
Sport as a collective voice against climate change
COP30 marks a historic opportunity to demonstrate that sport can be a decisive ally in climate action. Through the Sports Communiqué, signed by the UCI and other members of the UNFCCC’s “Sports for Climate Action” community, sports organizations are calling on governments to formally recognize the role of sport as a strategic partner in the fight against climate change. This manifesto not only calls for investment and integration of sport into environmental policies but also for a new vision of collaboration between public and private institutions and citizens.
In this context, cycling stands out for its dual nature: a high-performance sport and a sustainable mode of transport. From professional competitions to everyday commutes, the bicycle symbolizes a tool for transformation with tangible impact. The UCI urges governments to include active mobility in their climate strategies and to recognize its capacity to inspire, connect, and empower communities toward a healthier, more resilient, and low-carbon lifestyle.
PATH and active mobility: a global call to action
As a founding member of the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH), the UCI has joined hundreds of organizations to urge governments to integrate walking and cycling into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This call seeks to make active mobility an essential part of transport and public health policies, reminding us that promoting safe and sustainable travel is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to halve transport emissions before 2030.
With that vision, PATH developed in 2025 a comprehensive Active Mobility Policy Template, providing concrete examples of how countries can adopt effective measures: prioritizing walking and cycling in urban planning, integrating them into health systems, and promoting cargo bikes for logistics and goods transport. Complementing this effort, the UCI has advanced its UCI Bike City Pathway program —a practical guide to help cities build strong cycling ecosystems aligned with UCI Bike City Label criteria. Thus, as the world debates climate solutions at COP30, cycling emerges as a symbol of shared action and active hope.
