Bike Industry Lobby Platform Launched

BALI, Indonesia - The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia saw the launch of a global alliance for ecomobility. After a meeting last August at Eurobike, leading bicycle companies like Shimano, Giant, Trek and Accell Group have decided to participate in this lobby platform.

Finally more than 30 global companies, business and user associations, expert organizations, local governments and United Nations agencies have joined together in a partnership for the integrated promotion of walking, cycling, wheeling and ‘passenging’ (the use of public transport) in cities.

“Climate change must be addressed in every community worldwide. We cannot just wait for governments to come to an agreement. As far as urban transport is concerned, we have got a solution to offer: EcoMobility”, says Konrad Otto-Zimmermann who heads ICLEI, an association of over 700 cities in 67 countries that are dedicated to sustainable development.

The Alliance’s key activity areas will be:

• Advocacy: Positioning ecomobility as a solution in the climate change debate, by advocating ecomobility at international policy fora and negotiations. 
• Promotion: Raising awareness of the benefits of ecomobility through an ecomobility label as a distinction for city districts, public and private facilities, and the Cities Enjoy Bicycles Awards.
• Investment: Encouraging investment in ecomobility infrastructure, vehicles and mobility aids.
• Innovation: Building ecomobility systems in cities through product innovation and creative cooperation in cross-sector partnerships.

“As a corporate enterprise, we believe that industry has a fundamental responsibility to reassess its role in regard to protecting our natural environment”, said Yoshi Shimano, Chairman of Shimano Inc.

Rene J. Takens, CEO of Accell Group keeps a clear focus on the product: “Accell Group’s contribution to society derives from the nature of its products: a bicycle is a clean means of transportation and exercise is healthy. EcoMobility fits well within Accell Group’s mission.”