In 2024, cycling took centre stage at the European Union level, with the adoption of the landmark European Declaration on Cycling. This historic declaration, endorsed by the European Commission, Parliament, and Council, positioned cycling as a strategic priority, recognising its role as one of the most sustainable, inclusive, and cost-effective modes of transport.
Yet, while the EU has set a bold vision, the latest Status of National Cycling Strategies in Europe report by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) highlights a mixed picture: very little progress is being made, and the pace remains too slow to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the 2021 Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion.
Progress amidst challenges
The report reveals incremental advancements in developing national cycling strategies. Lithuania emerged as the sole new adopter of a formal national cycling strategy in 2024, while countries such as Estonia, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia have started work on new or updated strategies. Three countries – Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia – have moved backward from “developing” to “none”.
The status of national cycling strategies in Europe.
Currently:
- 14 countries have an active national cycling strategy.
- Five countries operate under similar frameworks.
- Seven countries need to renew expired strategies.
- Five countries are working on their first strategy.
- 23 countries, however, still lack any strategy or similar initiative.
While these figures show some momentum, the report underscores that achieving the Pan-European Master Plan’s 2030 goal — for all countries to adopt and implement a national cycling policy — requires a significant acceleration.
Uneven progress across regions
The Western Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Asia continue to lag, with no active strategies or plans under development in many countries. However, even regions traditionally seen as leaders in sustainability, such as Scandinavia, have gaps to address at the national level.
Among the 19 identified strategies (14 NCS + 5 similar documents), interventions in infrastructure (19), investment (16), road safety (15), and education (15) dominate. Yet, issues like bike theft and industrial strategies remain under-prioritised, appearing in only five and eight strategies, respectively.
A call for accelerated action
The European Declaration on Cycling has set the stage for change, but national governments must now match this ambition with action. With just six years left to meet the 2030 target, the ECF urges countries to prioritise cycling strategies, increase investments, and address overlooked areas like bike theft and industrial support.
2024 demonstrated that progress is possible. To truly unlock cycling’s potential as a cornerstone of sustainable mobility, Europe must now shift gears and ride with greater urgency toward its goals.
