National cycling policies
In recent years, a growing number of national authorities have been recognising the importance of cycling as a means of daily transportation, recreation, and tourism. These authorities increasingly acknowledge their central role in supporting the development of cycling within their territories. This recognition has led to the creation of strategic policy documents at the national level, such as national cycling strategies and action plans.
The concept of a national cycling strategy is not a new policy tool. The Netherlands, widely regarded as the most cycling-friendly country in the world, pioneered it in 1990, followed by the UK in 1996, Germany in 2002, and Czechia in 2004.
With the adoption of the Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion in May 2021—developed under the auspices of WHO/Europe and the UN Economic Commission for Europe—all 56 participating countries are now politically committed to developing and implementing a national cycling strategy by 2030.
What is a national cycling strategy?
A national cycling strategy is a multi-year plan designed to establish a comprehensive vision for coordinating policies, objectives, and actions related to cycling. It defines clear interventions, tools, and specific goals to promote and develop cycling at the national level.
In essence, a national cycling strategy aims to consolidate all policies implemented at the national level in support of cycling. It sends a strong political signal that cycling matters and should therefore be systematically supported by public authorities, businesses, academia, and civil society organisations.
Why focus on putting national cycling strategies in place?
National cycling strategies are a vital—if not indispensable—instrument for promoting cycling across a country. They ensure that cycling is developed not only in progressive metropolitan cities but also in small and medium-sized towns, as well as rural areas where cycling may not yet be a natural choice for many. A national cycling strategy addresses this challenge by mobilising the necessary resources and aligning stakeholders to foster change, with the goal of getting more people cycling more often.
Research suggests a strong correlation between national cycling strategies and higher levels of cycling. Almost all European countries with a reasonably high level of cycling (greater than 5% of the modal split) have a national cycling strategy in place, while those lagging behind tend not to.
What is the current state of national cycling strategies?
Every year, ECF tracks and analyses the current state of national cycling strategies. ECF research showed that in 2024:
- 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.
