Europe approves the European Declaration on Cycling

Europe recognizes the bicycle for the first time as a "sustainable, accessible, inclusive, economical and healthy means of transport".

With the European Declaration on Cycling a new step forward is taken on the topic of active and sustainable mobility.In fact, thanks to Declaration signed in April by the Council, Commission and European Parliament, for the first time a European-level policy is officially adopted in this area, recognizing the bicycle as “sustainable, accessible, inclusive, economical and healthy means of transport, with strong value for the economy of the European Union”.

The principles of the European Declaration on cycling

There are eight fundamental principles that regional, local and national institutions can implement to support the spread of cycling.

1. Development and strengthening of cycling mobility policies.Among other things we read that "companies, institutions and organizations must promote the use of bicycles with incentives for bike to work, providing bikes/e-bikes to staff, adequate parking and services and using the bike delivery service.Communication and awareness campaigns play an important role.
2. Encouragement to one inclusive, healthy and affordable mobility.The use of a bicycle is beneficial for physical and mental health and should also be guaranteed for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, regardless of age and gender.
3. Realization of cycling infrastructure more numerous and better
4. Increase in investments and establishment of favorable conditions for cycling mobility
5. Increase in road safety
6. Support for jobs of high quality and the development of aindustry of world-class cycling mobility
7.  Promotion of multimodality and of cycle tourism. In particular, the train+bike combination must be encouraged, both in urban and rural areas.Bike sharing is useful for reaching public transport services.
8. Improvement of collection of data on cycling mobility. This last point is fundamental for a monitoring effective progress in implementing the principles and commitments contained in this declaration.

European declaration on cycling, a strategic compass

This statement, although it does not have a binding legal value, it can guide policies and investments in favor of cycling, essentially offering guidelines for the EU (European Union) and for the national policies of the member states.It therefore plays the role of strategic compass for the reduction of pollution and the decarbonisation of transport and is fully part of the path started to combat the climate crisis, cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency, according to the objectives set for 2050.In particular, it is of crucial interest for the management of urban centres.

The document was signed on 3 April during a meeting of transport ministers of the member states.“We recognize the many benefits of cycling:reduces pollution, alleviates the urban congestion and promotes healthier lifestyles – says the Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean.“Moreover, the bicycle is a cornerstone of European industry, it stimulatesinnovation and growth and creates high-quality local contexts.The adoption of the Declaration is in line with the European Union's industrial strategy and its objectives."