Cities for Better Health initiative (Novo Nordisk), together with ECF, are proud to launch the Healthy Cycling Challenge – a global call for innovative and ready-to-implement initiatives that leverage cycling as an active mode of transport, and as a tool for promoting public health, environmental sustainability and social equity in urban neighbourhoods.
From April to June 2025, The Healthy Cycling Challenge is seeking scalable and ready-to-implement community-based initiatives that operate within a neighbourhood in a city. Eligible projects are programme, design, or policy interventions that are either brand-new initiatives seeking funding or existing initiatives ready to scale up. Each entry to the Healthy Cycling Challenge must be submitted by a non-profit civic society organisation or a local government administration, and should:
- Promote and foster cycling as physical activity for public health and well-being; Cycling is a form of physical activity with invaluable and well-documented positive externalities for public health and well-being. The health benefits of cycling should be available and accessible to everyone, across socioeconomic backgrounds, thereby improving greater public health and well-being.
- Encourage and prioritise cycling as a more climate-friendly mode of transport; Cycling is the symbol of the decarbonisation of transport and a cornerstone of climate action. The modal shift towards more and better cycling for the transportation of people and goods contributes to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions, as it is a zero-emission mode that is more energy efficient in use, and less resource intensive in production and maintenance, than any motorised transport option.
- Leverage and catalyse cycling as a tool for greater access and inclusion; Cycling is an affordable and equitable mobility option as it enables access to education, work, healthcare and other services, and reduces dependence on expensive private motorised transportation. By reducing the cost of transport per household, cycling also reduces significant economic barriers for marginalised groups, such as low-income populations. In combination with walking and public transport, cycling can substantially reduce commuting times further reinforcing the inclusion of underserved communities in local economies. Subsequently, removing the barriers for accessing cycling as a mode of transport makes the transportation system in particular, and the local economy in general, more equitable and just.
Building on the approach to Promote Healthy and Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods, applications must address one of four principles: (1) Active & Accessible Neighbourhoods, (2) Resilient & Inclusive Infrastructure, (3) Vibrant & Safe Public Spaces, and (4) Integrated & Connected Destinations.
A panel of experts will shortlist six proposals for the next phase, from which three winning proposals will be announced in October 2025. Each winner will receive grants of 100,000 USD to pilot their solutions, fostering real change in urban communities within three to six months after receipt of the funds.
Deadline for Applications: 26 June 2025.
For more information, interested applicants can visit the
Healthy Cycling Challenge webpage.
