As the
world’s leading cycling conference approaches, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) is once again gearing up to celebrate the brightest stars of the global cycling movement with the return of the ECF Awards. Now in their fourth edition, the awards continue to shine a light on exceptional progress in cycling policy, infrastructure, and grassroots advocacy — showcasing projects that not only change streets, but transform lives.
Each award reflects the diverse ways cycling is being embraced by cities, institutions, and communities around the world. From groundbreaking infrastructure to visionary safety measures, the ECF Awards are a platform to inspire, replicate, and scale up success. They are proudly supported by industry leaders and government partners who share ECF’s mission to promote more, better and safer cycling for all.
Four Categories, Countless Reasons to Celebrate
This year’s awards will be presented across four key categories, each backed by a dedicated sponsor committed to advancing the cause of cycling.
Cycling Infrastructure Award — sponsored by Arup
This award recognises excellence in the planning and delivery of cycling infrastructure that makes everyday riding safer, easier, and more accessible. From protected lanes to bike-friendly intersections, nominees demonstrate how smart design can reshape mobility.
"At Arup, we are committed to shaping a sustainable future where active travel, and particularly cycling, take centre stage.
We collaborate with like-minded cities and authorities to provide policy advice, develop mobility strategies and corridor studies, design cycle infrastructure, and promote behavioural change initiatives to achieve these shared goals. That is why we are proud to encourage best practice by supporting the Cycling Infrastructure Award at this year’s ECF Awards."
Tiago Oliveira, Associate Director, Transport Planning — Arup
Road Safety Award — sponsored by Geveko Markings
Honouring initiatives that put safety first, this category celebrates projects that protect vulnerable road users through better engineering, signage, education, or policy.
"At Geveko Markings, we create safe, sustainable, and efficient mobility for all by providing high-quality road markings in any size, material, color, or form that meet the requirements of our customers, surface owners, and end-users.
Our mission is to develop road marking materials that make a meaningful difference in traffic safety wherever they are applied.With this motivation in mind, we are delighted to be supporting the ECF Award for Road Safety again this year."
Bianca Pape, Head of Commercial PM, Northern & Central Europe — Geveko Markings
Cycling Improvement Award - sponsored by Eco-Counter
This category applauds strategic actions that have boosted cycling levels, from public engagement to new services or monitoring tools. It’s about rewarding measurable change and lasting impact.
"As a daily observer of urban transformations through data-driven decisions, Eco-Counter is always delighted to support the ECF Awards! It is a fantastic event to promote the best initiatives around the world to develop bicycle use.
Supporting inspirational policies for cycling improvement is our purpose, and we are proud to sponsor the 'Cycling Improvement' category, recognising efforts that transform mobility and inspire others to follow. These initiatives not only promote cycling but also contribute to healthier, calmer and more sustainable cities!"
Enrico Durbano, General Manager — EcoCounter
Best Active Mobility Initiative — sponsored by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands
From the heart of Europe to the streets of the Global South, this award honours creative, inclusive approaches to promoting active travel. It champions initiatives that break down barriers and empower people to move differently.
"By presenting this award, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands aims to recognise outstanding innovation and collaboration in active mobility — and to inspire others to follow suit with bold, forward-thinking initiatives that transform our cities into more livable, accessible, and inclusive places for everyone."
Arlette van Gilst, Director Active Mobility – The Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
A Legacy of Excellence
Last year’s winners set a high bar: the European Parliament was recognised as a Cycle-Friendly Employer; Bologna took home the Road Safety Award for its transformative streetscape changes; Lyon earned accolades for its commitment to cycling improvements; Quelimane in Mozambique won praise for its holistic active mobility push; and Ghent cemented its status as a cycling capital with the Infrastructure Award.
Who Will Inspire Us in 2025?
The 2025 award winners will be announced at the
Velo-city conference in Gdansk, Poland, bringing their success stories to the global stage. As ever, the ECF jury of cycling experts will assess entries based on impact, innovation, inclusivity, and potential for replication.
From city halls to neighbourhood groups, the ECF Awards showcase what’s possible when cycling is prioritised. Whether you’re planning, building, or riding — there’s something here to inspire your next move.
Stay tuned to our channels as we unveil the winners and share their stories.
