Call for all National Governments to Make Walking and Cycling Central to Climate Commitments Ahead of COP30

The Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH) are calling on all national governments to join the momentum for integrating walking and cycling into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in advance of COP30.

Enabling more people to walk and cycle safely is increasingly recognised as a quick, reliable and affordable way to cut transport emissions in half by 2030 and help reach the Paris Agreement. PATH research shows that two-thirds of countries now have active travel policies, but current commitments too often fall short of the ambition needed to ensure they address the climate imperative.

New policies from countries like Brazil, Cambodia and Lesotho show what’s possible. Their planned actions, come with targets and funding, promising safer, cleaner and more enjoyable walking and cycling experiences. This will both enable the millions of people walking and cycling to avoid the potential emissions that would be generated from alternative choices and encourages existing polluters to shift their habits and benefit from the better conditions.

Policymakers are urged to follow PATH’s Active Travel Policy Template (2025) for a comprehensive step-by-step guide to creating an effective policy. The framework contains inspiring examples of the 20 national actions that, when delivered, have a measurable impact.

COP30 is a critical opportunity to embed sustainable mobility into global climate action. PATH, and their supporters, urges all national governments to submit ambitious NDCs without further delay. Now is the time to scale up ambition, investments, and embed walking and cycling in climate strategies to reduce pollution, benefit public health and create vibrant, inclusive and equitable societies.