The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is pleased to announce the winners of the third edition of the UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards. These awards were launched in 2024 to recognise outstanding initiatives implemented by members of the cycling family (including professional riders, teams, National Federations, event organisers and UCI Bike Cities and Regions) that have a positive social and environmental impact, promote active mobility, and encourage everyday cycling.
The four 2026 award winners are the following:
UCI Cycling for All Award, recognising a cycling initiative with significant social impact: French Cycling Federation – Parc Mobi’Ludique: Parc Mobi’Ludique (PML) is an innovative local facility developed by the Fédération Française de Cyclisme (French Cycling Federation) to support the “Savoir Rouler à Vélo” (“Learn to Ride a Bike”) programme and promote cycling for all from an early age. Designed to adapt to local contexts, each PML is a permanent, freely accessible space that combines learning, leisure, and safe cycling practices outside of school hours. Developed in partnership with public authorities and expert providers, PMLs help children aged 6 to 11 gain autonomy and improve their road safety skills while fostering a lifelong cycling culture. With 10 sites already operational and a target of 30 by 2028, the project supports France’s ambition to enable 800,000 young people to cycle independently, while strengthening community engagement and sustainable mobility at local level.
UCI Climate Action Award, recognising a cycling initiative with positive environmental impact: WorldTour CPH P/S – Copenhagen Sprint: The Copenhagen Sprint, an event on the calendars of both the UCI WorldTour and UCI Women’s WorldTour, is designed as a scalable model for climate‑responsible event delivery. From its very first edition in 2025, sustainability was embedded across all operations, with results serving as a documented baseline for future improvement. Key results included the use of 23,750 pieces of reusable tableware - with a high return rate -, a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 1,111 kg, and a reduction in waste of 71kg. More than 8,000 public transport event tickets were sold, supported by climate‑conscious mobility planning. Sustainable procurement principles were applied throughout the event, including the production of date‑neutral materials to allow for reuse. Building on these results, the Copenhagen Sprint aims to host an annual international cycling event in Copenhagen that will strengthen its legacy, celebrate cycling culture, and continually reduce its environmental impact.
UCI Bike City Award, recognising the most innovative project submitted by UCI Bike Cities and Regions: Limburg-Valkenburg – Road Map - Kids Cycling: Road Map – Kids Cycling is an inclusive programme led by Limburg Cycling aimed at introducing children aged 4 to 12 to cycling thanks to a progressive pathway combining BMX Racing, road cycling and mountain biking. Rather than offering one‑off activities, the programme immerses children in the sport step by step, building their skills through workshops at school, accessible races, and large‑scale children’s events. From 2024 to 2026, the initiative saw 2,277 children take part in road cycling workshops, 3,370 in BMX Racing workshops, 1,676 in fat bikes races (where bikes are fitted with wide, low-pressure tyres), and 450 at an annual event that brought all of these activities together. By removing financial barriers thanks to free loan bikes and offering continuous challenges, the project encourages children to cycle more often, discover different disciplines, and ultimately join clubs and take part in competitions, thereby strengthening long‑term participation and cycling culture across the region.
UCI Rainbow Award, a special award selected by the jury out of all submissions: Province of Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands – Fietsmaatjes Brabant: Fietsmaatjes Brabant ('Cycling Companions of Brabant') is an inclusive cycling initiative enabling people who can no longer ride independently to enjoy regular outings together with a volunteer on electrically assisted side‑by‑side tandems. From 2024 to 2026, the project saw strong, measurable growth: the network expanded from 8 to 15 locations across the province, while participation rose from 550 to 1,250 riders and 570 to 1,150 volunteers. A significant milestone was reached with the first provincial relay cycling tour, which brought together more than 40 pairs of cyclists from nine municipalities and strengthened community ties. By removing physical and social barriers, Fietsmaatjes Brabant has built a sustainable, province‑wide network that improves wellbeing, reduces isolation, and demonstrates how inclusive cycling can enhance quality of life and social participation.
The winners of the third UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards were announced at the 2026 UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum, currently taking place in Athens, Greece. The winners were celebrated during the official dinner held at Athens City Hall, following a day of bike tours, site visits and activations linked to the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas. Taking place on 10 and 11 May, the eighth edition of the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum brings together cycling leaders, advocates, mobility experts, National Federations, industry representatives and policy makers to discuss the future of active mobility.
The Forum continues today with the main conference day, which can be followed live on the UCI’s YouTube channel.
Following the Award ceremony, UCI President David Lappartient, who is attending the event, said: “I would like to congratulate the winners of the 2026 UCI Cycling for All and Sustainability Awards. The four projects recognised at the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Athens demonstrate that cycling can provide concrete solutions for making societies more sustainable and inclusive. The jury was impressed by the quality of the initiatives submitted by the many candidates, and choosing between them was no easy task. On behalf of the UCI, I thank them all for their significant contributions to building a better future through the power of cycling.”
The fourth edition of the UCI Cycling for All and Sustainability Awards will take place in November 2027, as part of the ninth edition of the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum.