Many cities have adopted ambitious goals to promote cycling—such as safer infrastructure, increased modal share, and more livable streets. Yet, a persistent implementation gap continues to hinder meaningful progress. This research project addresses that gap by developing an implementation tool grounded in a system thinking perspective, aimed at facilitating a radical cycling turnaround.

Building on the European SUMP framework and informed by practical experiences in public administration and policymaking—as well as insights from the recently published book 'Velowende. Für eine lebendige Stadt'—our approach recognises that transformational change in urban cycling policy does not result from isolated interventions. Instead, it emerges from the interaction of multiple policy shifts, supported by cross-sectoral coordination, societal movements, and inclusive engagement with the broader public.

At the core of the project is a co-creation process that brings together key stakeholders—citizens, NGOs, public administration, and political actors—to collaboratively shape cycling policy and its implementation. The implementation tool clarifies roles, enables participatory decision-making, and creates a framework for policy experimentation and governance innovation.

A draft version of this implementation tool is currently being tested in various urban contexts. Early feedback suggests that structured co-creation processes can help cities overcome institutional inertia and close the implementation gap, thereby enabling a more effective and inclusive cycling transition.