In recent years, an increasing number of national authorities have recognised the importance of cycling as a daily means of transportation, recreation, and tourism—and their central role in supporting cycling development within their territories. Currently, 14 countries have an active national cycling strategy.

In April 2024 the European Council, Commission and Parliament signed the European Declaration on Cycling, marking the official adoption of the first inter-institutional cycling policy at the European level. Organised by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, an informal meeting of EU transport ministers provided the backdrop for the signing.

The European Declaration on Cycling, the most ambitious EU initiative on cycling to date, recognises cycling as a fully-fledged mode of transport. With eight core principles and 36 commitments, this landmark declaration described 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 Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion, adopted in May 2021 under the Vienna Declaration, acknowledges cycling’s growing role in transport and provides guidance to countries on how to implement supportive national policies. Coordinated by WHO/Europe and UNECE, the plan covers 54 countries, including all 27 EU members, aiming to double cycling levels by 2030. Key objectives include the development of national cycling strategies for all countries by 2030. 

ECF is a founding member of the Partnership for Active Health and travel (PATH) the first global coalition on walking and cycling. The coalition, backed by over 400 supporters, calls on governments and cities to make a real commitment to walking and cycling as a key solution to the climate, health and equity challenges which they face. Most recently it advocated for the inclusion of walking in cycling in goverbments updated Nationally Determined Contributions. ECF is also a proud member of the SLoCaT Partnership. 

On a global level, ECF and the World Cycling Alliance (WCA) advocate for cycling.

Finally, after two years of lobbying, ECF succeeded in 2018 in having the UN designate June 3rd as World Bicycle Day, an occasion for the celebration and promotion of cycling worldwide.