October 4, 2023 - (Seville, ESP) Cycling advocacy associations the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), and the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) enthusiastically welcomed today’s proposal for an inter-institutional European Cycling Declaration, announced by the European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean at an event in Seville. The Declaration aims to serve as a “strategic compass for existing and future policies“ to “unleash the full potential of cycling in the European Union.”
The Commission’s most ambitious initiative on cycling to date, the proposed Declaration elevates cycling to a strategic priority and acknowledges its power to generate enormous benefits for Europe, stating: “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 economy.”
Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation, said: “This is a key milestone for cycling. We are delighted that the Declaration reflects many of ECF’s longstanding advocacy and policy demands aimed at increasing and improving cycling in Europe, such as creating more and better cycling infrastructure and encouraging inclusive and affordable mobility. This is an excellent framework for enabling many more Europeans to cycle – and to cycle more safely.”
Today’s Declaration delivers on a pledge made earlier this year by former Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans at the CIE Summit and follows an EU Parliament Resolution in February and a Belgium-led Member State Declaration signed by a majority of EU countries. With eight principles and 36 commitments to boost cycling and support the delivery of climate targets and objectives of the European Green Deal, the Declaration consolidates the previous announcements and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2023 as a joint inter-institutional commitment.
Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, said: “We have long advocated for a unified EU cycling policy that would place cycling on the same level as other modes of transport and industrial sectors in the EU, releasing more coherent policy support, greater consistency across EU Member States and billions more for investments. The Declaration breaks new ground by including all the key areas required for a successful cycling ecosystem for society and business.”
Manuel Marsilio, General Manager of CONEBI, added: “The bicycle, e-bike, parts and accessories industries in Europe highly appreciate the Commission’s European Cycling Declaration proposal. Its implementation will help to further develop and grow the cycling sector as central partners in the EU mobility ecosystem and as a world-class European cycling industry. We look forward to continuing our political dialogue with the EU Institutions about our role in Europe’s economy and the delivery of an ambitious EU industrial strategy.”
The cycling organisations congratulate the Commission on their collaborative and consultative approach that has led to this Declaration, not only with the European Parliament and Council and internally within the Commission, but also externally with key stakeholders including the cities, regions, Member State officials, industry associations, companies and NGOs represented in the Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM).
ECF and CIE, who played leading roles in an EGUM stakeholder consultation held in July, were pleased to see that many of the recommendations in their joint statement were incorporated into the Declaration.
To read the Declaration click here.
