More, better and safer cycling are the key objectives of the NCP 3.0. In concrete terms, this means doubling the number of kilometers traveled by bike in 2030 compared to 2017 through more frequent and longer distance trips made by bike, a positive attitude of the majority of people towards cycling, and 40 percent fewer deaths and serious injuries to cyclists. In addition, the NCP 3.0 contains concrete funding targets of 30 euros per person and year, quality standards for cycling networks and their integration into the environmental alliance, and making it easier for towns and cities to test and implement cycling measures.
This broad-based and open dialogue process, the formulation of concrete and measurable goals and the clear designation of tasks and responsibilities to achieve them distinguish the NCP 3.0 from its predecessors. We already have a very good idea about the concepts and measures needed for good cycling, the NCP 3.0 now has the task to implement them quickly on a wide scale.
The dialogue forum for the NCP 3.0 identified the following principles for actively promoting cycling: First, a political and societal paradigm shift is needed if the kilometers traveled by bike in Germany are to more than double by 2030 compared to 2017. This includes rethinking transport policy and planning in a novel and integrated way across individual disciplines in order to cement the sustainable mobility trend triggered by the corona pandemic. Seamless and safe cycling through optimized cycling infrastructure plays a major role in this regard, for instance, through more fast cycle links and safe transport hubs as well as easily accessible and high quality facilities for parking bikes at central locations.
The main impacts of cycling are shown in better health due to increased physical activity and the effects this has on cyclists, employers and the healthcare system, in the efficiency of land use for roads, in retail as well as tourism and the local job market, especially in structurally weaker regions. Other impacts concern the personal costs and time benefits of mobility, municipal finances, property values, climate and environmental protection and the contribution the bike industry makes to economic growth and jobs in Germany.
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI