The European Commission today published its first progress report on the implementation of the European Cycling Declaration. The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) welcomes the report, noting clear signs of progress in cycling policies, projects and investments across Europe. But we urge the EU and its Member States to keep momentum going by translating political commitments into concrete actions funding, and legislation.
Progress is visible – at all levels
ECF has co-led a subgroup on cycling in the Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility which has collected information on 277 cycling measures, of which 79 have been adopted, initiated or implemented since the Declaration was signed. Highlights include:
- Lithuania’s first-ever national cycling strategy.
- Formal endorsement of the Declaration by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and the Italian city of Parma.
- The Brussels Capital Region’s permanent financial incentives for cargo bikes, with grants up to €4,000 for SMEs.
- Projects in Strasbourg to increase cycling among women and youth in deprived neighbourhoods.
- Enhanced cycling-public transport synergies in nine countries of the Danube region.
At EU level, there has also been momentum:
- The Cycling Counts project will finally provide a reliable data baseline on cycling infrastructure across the EU.
- Minimum bike parking requirements have been introduced under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- €3.21 billion of EU Structural Funds are being invested in cycling projects this period – a 30% increase from the last.
- TEN-T urban nodes are now required to integrate active mobility into Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, while the Social Climate Fund opens opportunities for cycling access for vulnerable citizens.
More action is needed
Despite the visible progress, ECF stresses that the European Cycling Declaration must be backed by a concrete action plan.
Key benchmarks for the declaration’s implementation should include:
- Setting EU-wide targets: Achieve a 10–12% cycling modal share by 2030 across the EU-27.
- Filtering commitments into legislation: the upcoming Clean Corporate Vehicles Initiative could scale up company bike leasing schemes, already successful in Germany and Belgium.
- Invest in infrastructure: Dedicate EU funds in the Connecting Europe Facility and the upcoming Multi-annual Financial Framework 2028-34 to active mobility, with a focus on places with low cycling levels.
- Ensure quality standards: EU-funded projects must meet minimum infrastructure quality requirements, expected next year.
- Tackle equity and inclusion: All Member States should use the Social Climate Fund to finance bike access for low-income citizens, inclusive bike-sharing schemes, high-quality infrastructure connecting areas at risk of transport poverty, and better bike-parking at public transport hubs.Stakeholders at every level must act
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The Declaration is a milestone, but it will only succeed if all stakeholders play their part.”
Laurianne Krid, CEO of European Cyclists’ Federation.
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The EU must set the strategic direction and provide funding tools; national governments need to prioritise active mobility in their budgets; local authorities must lead in shifting behaviours; and civil society will continue to represent the interests of citizens who want cleaner, healthier, and more affordable mobility options.”
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Lissoni
[email protected]
Communications and Media Relations Manager
European Cyclists’ Federation
