Cycling better integrated into the EU's flagship transport policy
The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is the EU's primary network of roads, railways, inland waterways, ports, maritime shipping routes, airports and multimodal terminals. Unfortunately, cycling was not considered relevant for the network for many years. This often resulted in the negative impact of TEN-T projects on active modes, with a new ring road or an upgraded rail line creating a barrier for walking and cycling.
Thanks to the European Cyclists' Federation work, in 2024, for the first time, promoting active modes of transport has been included in TEN-T objectives, highlighted for synergies, included in general priorities for the whole network and additional priorities for railways, inland waterways and roads. The revised regulation, adopted by the European Parliament in April 2024, also recognises the critical role of urban nodes, stipulating the need to integrate cycling with long-distance transport and a modal shift towards active modes.
