Europe leads the way with cycling declaration but can North America follow example?

European cycling leaders have hailed a significant moment for the cycling world as they give their resounding endorsement of the European Cycling Declaration. It’s a monumental development from a cycling perspective and maybe North American governments can learn something from Europe’s commitment to pedal power.

The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), and the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) came together with enthusiasm to welcome the proposal for an inter-institutional European Cycling Declaration. European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean unveiled this groundbreaking initiative at an event in Seville, and it promises to be a pivotal guide for existing and future policies, aiming to “unleash the full potential of cycling in the European Union.”

This declaration, considered the Commission’s most ambitious step in cycling advocacy thus far, elevates cycling to a strategic priority. It recognizes the immense benefits cycling offers to Europe, describing it 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 Commissioner launching the Declaration in Seville (photo: ECF)

According to the ECF, the declaration contains eight principles with 36 commitments to enable more and better cycling and to support the delivery of climate targets. The eight principles include:

• Developing and strengthening cycling policies
• Encouraging inclusive and affordable mobility
• Creating more and better cycling infrastructure
• Increasing investments and creating favourable conditions for cycling
• Improving road safety and security
• Supporting green jobs and the development of a world-class European cycling industry
• Supporting multimodality and cycling tourism
• Improving the collection of data on cycling

Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation, expressed her elation: “This is a key milestone for cycling. We are delighted that the Declaration reflects many of ECF’s longstanding advocacy and policy demands aimed at increasing and improving cycling in Europe, such as creating more and better cycling infrastructure and encouraging inclusive and affordable mobility. This is an excellent framework for enabling many more Europeans to cycle – and to cycle more safely.”

This momentous declaration fulfills a pledge made earlier in the year by former Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans and aligns with an EU Parliament Resolution from February, as well as a Member State Declaration led by Belgium. With its eight principles and 36 commitments geared towards boosting cycling and aligning with climate targets and the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Declaration amalgamates prior announcements and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2023 as a united inter-institutional commitment.

Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, emphasized the importance of this unified approach: “We have long advocated for a unified EU cycling policy that would place cycling on the same level as other modes of transport and industrial sectors in the EU, releasing more coherent policy support, greater consistency across EU Member States, and billions more for investments. The Declaration breaks new ground by including all the key areas required for a successful cycling ecosystem for society and business.”

It’s worth noting that the European cycling organizations commend the Commission’s collaborative and consultative approach, which has led to this Declaration. They worked closely not only with the European Parliament and Council but also externally with key stakeholders, including cities, regions, member state officials, industry associations, companies, and NGOs represented in the Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM).

As North America looks to the achievements of Europe, it becomes evident that there are valuable lessons to be learned. The European Cycling Declaration is a testament to the power of collaboration, comprehensive policy, and visionary leadership in promoting cycling as a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive mode of transport. These principles serve as a blueprint for North America to elevate cycling and reap the numerous societal and environmental benefits it brings.