Cologne gets going: Ten years for a greener climate!

Cologne gets going: Ten years for a greener climate!

CITY CYCLING, an annual competition to promote cycling in cities, took place between June 11 and July 1, 2025. According to information from the German Sport University Cologne, 145 students and employees took part in this campaign. Together they covered an impressive 30,274 kilometers and achieved CO₂ savings of almost 5,000 kg. This means the team secures 10th place among 492 participating teams in Cologne. These activities were not only a sign of the university's commitment, but also part of a larger goal: improving the city's cycling infrastructure.

CITY CYCLING not only encourages people to use bikes in everyday life, but also raises awareness of the associated environmental benefits. The German Sport University Cologne is planning to set up an even larger “Team Spoho” next year in order to further increase the reach of its measures. The participants were also motivated to actively cycle through a raffle in which prizes such as professional performance diagnostics and various vouchers were awarded.

An anniversary of sustainability

This year also marks the tenth anniversary of CITY CYCLING. Organizers and participants celebrate together successes in cycling for climate protection, improving air quality and creating a bike-friendly city. The competition is open to everyone who lives, works, learns or studies in Cologne. The most active schools and classes in North Rhine-Westphalia are also identified as part of “School Cycling”, which focuses on young people and future generations.

The importance of cycling for cities could hardly be greater. Experts from the Federal Environment Agency emphasize that up to 30% of car journeys in metropolitan areas could be shifted to cycling. This significantly promotes environmental protection and at the same time improves the quality of life in cities. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam show how a strong cycling infrastructure not only relieves traffic, but also contributes to general health.

Health benefits and economic savings

Data shows that over 40% of car journeys in major German cities are shorter than 5 kilometers - distances for which the bicycle is the fastest means of transport. This reinforces the idea of ​​implementing cycling as an integral part of everyday life. Cycling not only increases the quality of life, but also reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases through weekly exercise.

The economic benefits of cycling should not be underestimated. On average, cycling workers in the Netherlands miss one day less per year than their non-cycling colleagues. The WHO HEAT calculator shows that for every additional kilometer traveled by bike, there are savings of up to 1 euro. Cyclists thus actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promote healthy urbanity.

A look at the future challenges shows that positive cycling infrastructure and targeted measures are essential to further increase the share of cycling. These include, among other things, a continuous cycle network with safe cycle paths, modern bicycle parking facilities and comprehensive services for cyclists.

In summary, it can be said that the CITY CYCLING initiative is not just a competition, but rather makes a decisive contribution to promoting cycling and improving the climate in Cologne. The synergy between education, competition and environmental protection could be the key to a more sustainable and vibrant city.