April 3, 2024 - (Brussels, BEL) The European Council, Commission and Parliament signed the European Cycling Declaration today at Egmont Palace in Brussels, marking the official adoption of the first inter-institutional cycling policy at the European level.
The declaration is the most ambitious EU-level policy initiative to date, recognizing cycling as a strategic priority and acknowledging its power to generate enormous benefits for Europe.
With eight core principles and 36 commitments, this landmark policy initiative describes 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.”
The adoption of this declaration sets out a roadmap for further coordinated action in promoting cycling as a sustainable and inclusive mode of transport for all European citizens.
The Informal Council meeting saw 27 European Transport Ministers gather to take a major step forward to grow cycling and develop a world-class European cycling industry.
The adoption of the European Cycling Declaration follows a series of high-level political commitments on cycling, including the pledge made in 2023 by former Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, the European Parliament’s Cycling Resolution, the Member State led Declaration on Cycling, and the announcement of the Cycling Declaration proposal by EU Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, at the EU Urban Mobility Days event in Seville last October.
Earlier this year, the Transport Committee of the European Parliament overwhelmingly voted to adopt the European Cycling Declaration.
This monumental milestone for the advancement of cycling in Europe marks the successful collaboration of the European Cyclists’ Federation, Cycling Industries Europe and the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI), who have long advocated for a unified cycling policy at the European level.
Access the text of the European Declaration on Cycling in all EU official languages.
Cycling Industries Europe release here.
European Cyclists’ Federation release here.
Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) release here.
