The purpose of this article is to present cycling as an integral part of sustainable urban transportation system. The paper shows how the environment, municipalities and society can benefit from the increased share of cycling in urban transportation. There are examples of the best practices regarding cycling policy in Western European cities quoted. The solutions implemented in urban transportation systems in Western Europe illustrate pro-ecological tendencies which are more and more common not only in relation to transportation but also the other branches of economics. Copenhagen, Barcelona, London and Groningen are described as model cities which determine the right course of action. The aforementioned cities are also points of reference for Poznan cycling policy. The cycling policy of city of Poznan is thoroughly analyzed in this article. Both, present situation related to cycling and perspectives of development until 2020 are described.