European Institutions Embrace Cycling En Masse with Historic Declaration

Crafted under the leadership of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Declaration on Cycling was ratified during an informal gathering of EU transport ministers. This pioneering accord, hailed as the most ambitious EU initiative regarding cycling to date, acknowledges cycling as a fully recognized mode of transportation, highlighting its sustainability, accessibility, and significant societal and economic contributions.

Henk Swarttouw, President of ECF, lauded the declaration as a momentous feat, underlining its pivotal role in promoting cycling alongside other modes of transportation. He remarked, "The European Declaration on Cycling will be remembered as a monumental milestone for the advancement of cycling in Europe."

Echoing Swarttouw’s sentiments, Jill Warren, CEO of ECF, celebrated the declaration's potential to unleash the benefits of cycling for millions of European citizens. She remarked, "Today, we commemorate the adoption of the European Declaration on Cycling as a truly historic accomplishment."

The adoption of the declaration follows a succession of high-level political commitments, underscoring the collaborative endeavors of civil society, the cycling industry, and governmental bodies. ECF, alongside its industry partners, had long advocated for a cohesive cycling policy at the European level.

Erhard Büchel, CONEBI President, remarked on the EU’s endorsement of the declaration, emphasizing its importance in prioritizing cycling and acknowledging its role in sustainable mobility. He stated, "Greater adoption of cycling not only leads to more high-quality local employment opportunities but also serves as a boon to the EU economy, aligning with the objectives of the current and future EU industrial strategy."

As the 2024 EU Parliament elections draw near, ECF's "Shift Gears for Europe" manifesto urges MEP candidates to pledge their support for cycling in the forthcoming political term, aiming to make it an inclusive, affordable, and dependable mode of transportation for individuals across all socioeconomic backgrounds. The adoption of the European Declaration on Cycling provides MEPs with a unique chance to ensure that cycling remains a top priority on the EU's political agenda. The manifesto outlines six specific action points that MEPs can undertake to ensure direct benefits for citizens from cycling.

The European Declaration on Cycling will be a central focus at ECF’s flagship Velo-City conference, slated to be held from June 18-21, 2024, in Ghent, Belgium. The conference will convene 1,500 delegates from municipalities, national governments, advocates, academics, and industry stakeholders from over 60 nations. A plenary session featuring EU and national ministry representatives will delve into discussions and exchange insights regarding the significance and execution of the declaration.