North America Representative Office Resident Director General Alessandro Pio joined UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and others at an event that included a bike ride in New York City on Friday, 8 June, to promote sustainable transport ahead of the Rio+20 United Nations Sustainable Development Conference starting 20 June.

"In developing countries where the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and others are working, rapid motorization is creating more congestion, air pollution, accidents, and greenhouse gas emissions," Mr. Pio said at the ride. "It is clear that sustainable and inclusive development cannot be achieved without action in the transport sector."

The ride was hosted by the Netherlands Ambassador to the UN as part of New York City Bicycling month and was organized, amongst others, by the ADB-supported Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport.

ADB expects to join other development banks in Rio de Janiero, Brazil to launch a joint statement that will indicate commitment to providing increased support for sustainable transport in developing countries. ADB's transport team will also be participating in a wide range of events on sustainable transport throughout the conference.