European Union aims to ‘unleash the full potential of cycling’ through ‘historic’ declaration

The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has welcomed the ‘European Declaration on Cycling’ as a “historic milestone” for cycling.

Adopted by the European Council, Commission and Parliament this week, the new scheme aims to “unleash the full potential of cycling” through its 36 commitments and eight core principles. It is the first inter-institutional policy submitted at European level and, while it doesn’t enforce any laws or legislation, it promises to harness the power of cycling in Europe.

“This Declaration recognises cycling as one of the most sustainable, accessible and inclusive, low-cost and healthy forms of transport and recreation, and its key importance for European society and the economy,” it states.

The declaration is a formalisation of a draft laid out last year, which provides a “strategic compass for existing and future policies and initiatives related to cycling”. Along with sustainability, it is hoped that the declaration will also spur on the European cycling economy.

Both the EU and member states will play a key role in supporting the declaration and the 36 commitments, which are split into the eight different principles. These include ‘developing and strengthening cycling policies’, ‘creating more and better cycling infrastructure’ and ‘improving road safety and security’.

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Reflecting after its adoption, the ECF, which is one of the largest cycling advocacy groups in Europe, praised the declaration while also calling on MEPs “to ensure that cycling is a top EU political priority” by following the principles.

“The European Declaration on Cycling will be etched in history as a monumental milestone for the advancement of cycling in Europe,” ECF president, Henk Swarttouw, said in a press release. “This inter-institutional declaration commits all European Institutions to support and enhance policies towards more cycling and to place it on the same level as other modes of transport. We are proud to have played a decisive role advocating for this declaration, alongside our members and our industry partners.”

The declaration is the latest initiative launched by the EU aimed at promoting cycling. Last year, the body passed a resolution setting out a strategy for doubling the number of kilometres cycled in Europe by 2030.

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