Was Fahrräder mit der Kreislaufwirtschaft und den SDGs zu tun haben

Mobility and the circular economy are more closely linked than just through the recycling of vehicles. Using the example of (mobility with) bicycles, we examine this connection and place it into context with the Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, we use the framework of an extended circular economy model. The city of Graz serves as a case study for the survey and analysis. We use it to identify starting points for the circular economy with bicycles in a comprehensive secondary analysis. We compare these with the three most bicycle-friendly cities in the world according to the Bicycle Cities Index of 2022.

Accordingly, bicycles play an important role not only in mobility policy, but also in circular economy in a broader sense. Bikes can be well anchored at all levels of the circular economy. In addition to sharing models, intensifying and improving use plays just as important a role as passing on or reuse of used bicycles, and the repair of broken bicycles. If repair is no longer possible, bicycles can be fitted with new components or, conversely, components from otherwise broken bicycles that are still fit for use can be assembled into new bicycles. Only when all these options have been applied, do recycling and energy recovery from combustible parts make sense from a circular economy perspective. These activities are accompanied by infrastructure such as cycle paths, activities to inform and raise sensitivity among the population as well as financial promotion and support from the public sector.

The analysis of the context with the Sustainable Development Goals reveals that at least ten (sub‑) goals are closely related to the activities mentioned, which underpins the close link between circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals