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The European Commission launched the long-awaited European Cycling Declaration. Document, who is the executive vice president of this institution at the summit in Copenhagen, Frans Timmermans, described ahead of the 2022 Tour de France Grand Départ as a "cycling revolution", has finally been adopted.
European declaration on cycling recognizes bicycle transport as one of the most sustainable, accessible and inclusive, cheap and healthy forms of transport and recreation and emphasizes its key importance for European society and economy.
The declaration will serve as a strategic compass for existing and future policies and initiatives related to cycling.
"In addition to safer infrastructure such as separate cycle lanes, all elements of a safe access system should apply to both bicycles and cars", she stated Adina Valean, the European Commissioner for Transport.
Safety is a prerequisite for encouraging cycling, because cyclists are very vulnerable - namely, as many as 9 percent of those killed in traffic accidents in the European Union are cyclists.
In addition to safer infrastructure such as separate bike lanes, all elements of a safe system approach should apply to both bicycles and cars, Vălean believes.
"This includes safe speeds and road use and adequate enforcement of road traffic rules", said the European Transport Commissioner at the official presentation of the Declaration in Seville.
"In addition to safety, this Declaration will help foster high-quality jobs, including training and cycle tourism. A total of 2022 million bicycles were produced in the EU in 14,7, an increase of 29 percent compared to the period from 2012 to 2022.", she pointed out.
Clear obligations
The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, with the adopted Declaration, commit themselves to specific actions with the aim of realizing the full potential of cycling in the Union, categorized in eight key principles:
- Developing and strengthening cycling policies
- Encouraging inclusive, accessible and healthy mobility
- Creating more and better cycling infrastructure
- Increasing investment and creating favorable conditions for cycling
- Improving road safety and protection
- Supporting quality green policies and developing a world-class European cycling industry
- Supporting multimodality and cycle tourism
- Improving cycling data collection
Clear commitments - such as safe and coherent cycling networks in cities, better links with public transport, safe parking spaces, the installation of e-bike charging stations and cycle highways connecting cities with rural areas - have been identified as a necessity to improve the quality, quantity, continuity and attractiveness of cycling infrastructure in all member states.
A key turning point
Associations for the advocacy of cycling - European Cycling Federation (ECF), Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) and Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) - enthusiastically welcomed this decision.
Cycling organizations congratulated the Commission on their collaborative and consultative approach that led to this Declaration, not only with the European Parliament and the Council and within the Commission, but also with key external stakeholders - including cities, regions, Member State officials, associations, companies and NGOs represented in To the expert group of the Commission for Urban Mobility (EGUM).
"This is a key milestone for cycling. We are pleased that the Declaration reflects many of ECF's long-standing advocacy and policy demands aimed at increasing and improving cycling in Europe, such as creating more and better cycling infrastructure and encouraging inclusive and accessible mobility.", the executive director of ECF commented on the announcement Jill Warren.
"We have long advocated for a single European Union cycling policy that would put cycling on the same level as other modes of transport and industrial sectors in the EU, unlocking more coherent policy support, greater consistency across the bloc's member states and billions in investment. The declaration sets new foundations by integrating all key areas necessary for a successful cycling ecosystem for society and business"he said Kevin Mayne, CEO of CIE.
"The bicycle, e-bike, parts and accessories industry in Europe highly values the Commission's proposal for a European Declaration on Cycling. Its implementation will help further develop and grow the cycling sector as a central partner in the EU mobility ecosystem and as a world-class European cycling industry", he continued Manuel Marsilio, general director of CONEBI.
Climate strategy and cycling
Six countries joined forces in June 2022 for the European Cycling Strategy. Mobility ministers from Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Ireland signed a declaration calling on the EU to "implement a real cycling policy" and to 2024. will be announced European Year of Cycling.
The document further states that the EU should prioritize cycling in its climate strategy and make citizens aware of the benefits of cycling.
So far, five other bloc countries have signed the European Cycling Declaration, led by Belgium, which calls for increased use of bicycles, as well as funding for cycling.
In January 2023, the Committee for Transport and Tourism of the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the cycling strategy of the European Union, which was almost unanimously voted by the Parliament the following month. The resolution called for a series of concrete actions to double cycling in Europe by 2030.
Photo: Booking.com
Source: European Commission, Travel Tomorrow
