European Parliament passes ‘historic resolution’ to recognise cycling as mode of transport

The European Parliament has passed a ‘historic resolution’ to help dramatically increase cycling levels by 2030. 

In a bid to promote cycling across Europe, the European Parliament has voted on a resolution to recognise cycling as a fully-fledged mode of transport, and as an essential industrial asset to meet the parliament’s climate and clean manufacturing objectives. The aim is to double the number of kilometres cycled across Europe by 2030. 

The resolution, passed on 16th February, set out a 17-point action plan to develop more cycling infrastructure, to encourage the building of safe cycle lanes, to create more green jobs, and to support components and bikes made in Europe. 

In response to the resolution, a variety of Europe cycling organisations welcomed the development, including European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association (EBMA).

Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation, said: “This important resolution, which reflects many of our longstanding advocacy and policy demands, represents a key milestone for cycling. We applaud the entire European Parliament for adopting an EU Cycling Strategy that can unlock cycling’s potential to enable more people to cycle – and to cycle more safely – all across Europe.” 

 The Resolution calls for a range of specific actions to enable and grow cycling, including: 

• Significantly increase investments in safe, separated cycling infrastructure and integrate cycling into urban frameworks
• Take cycling into account when building or upgrading Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) infrastructure
• Include the cycling industry in the mobility ecosystem of EU industrial strategy
• Support the production of “Made in Europe” bicycles and components
• Enable the creation of additional high-quality green jobs in the cycling industry
• Increase the accessibility and affordability of bicycles
• Accelerate the development of EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, and its 17 routes
• Promote cycle-friendly workplaces
• Enable safe and secure bike parking spaces and charging capacity for e-bikes
• Designate 2024 as the European Year of Cycling.

Manuel Marsilio, general manager of CONEBI, added: “The bicycle, e-bike, parts and accessories industries in Europe welcome the European Parliament’s call on both the European Commission and EU Member States to develop an EU Cycling Strategy: this is an historic appeal for the further growth of the whole sector and a clear acknowledgement of its pivotal role in the mobility ecosystem of the EU industrial strategy.” 

The European Parliament’s Resolution for an EU Cycling Strategy is legally non-binding, but is a key document to shape future policy priorities and decisions for which the Parliament can hold the European Commission accountable.  

Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, said: “This is an important step forward for the coalition of associations, companies, cities, regions and governments that have supported the European Parliament in developing this resolution. From an industry perspective this is the most comprehensive endorsement of the importance of our sector that we have ever had by the EU institutions.” 

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MEP Karima Delli added: “Cycling brings so many benefits: better health, less congestion, more liveable cities and so on. However, up until now, we were lacking from the EU institutions a strong signal that recognises the central role of cycling in our societies.”