Knowledge DCE Expert Highlights “Cost of Doing Nothing” at BC Active Transportation Summit 9 November 2026 Cycling News On 29 October, 2026, Matteo Jarre of Decisio, a Dutch Cycling Embassy network participant, delivered the keynote address at the Active Transportation Summit in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, highlighting the economic case for investing in walking, cycling and more sustainable mobility. Drawing on the concept of Bikenomics, Jarre challenged the assumption that transforming our mobility systems is too expensive. Instead, he emphasised the often-overlooked “cost of doing nothing”: the substantial social, economic and environmental costs that arise when cities continue to prioritise private motor vehicles over more sustainable forms of transport. The excessive use of private cars carries consequences that extend far beyond congestion and emissions. It contributes to air pollution, climate change, physical inactivity and associated health problems, while also undermining road safety, children’s independence and the quality of public spaces. These impacts come at a significant cost to society, affecting everything from public health budgets and household finances to the liveability and economic vitality of our cities. Through the lens of Bikenomics, these wider impacts become central to transport investment decisions. Rather than evaluating cycling infrastructure solely on its upfront construction costs, policymakers can consider its broader returns: healthier populations, safer streets, reduced emissions, more accessible public spaces and greater opportunities for people of all ages to travel independently. Jarre’s keynote reinforced a fundamental principle of the Dutch Cycling Embassy’s work: investing in cycling is not simply an expense, but an investment in healthier people, stronger communities and more liveable cities. The real question is not whether we can afford to transform our mobility systems, but whether we can afford the growing costs of leaving them unchanged. By bringing this perspective to an international audience in Canada, the Dutch Cycling Embassy network continues to demonstrate how Dutch expertise can help cities make the economic and societal case for a shift towards active mobility. Matteo’s visit was made possible through support from the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Vancouver.