Cycling is truly becoming a fully fledged mode of transport in Europe. The advancements made in cycling infrastructure and initiatives in just a few cities have ultimately led to the adoption of a European cycling declaration, now recognising cycling as a fully fledged mode of transport across the EU, the institutions committing to developing and strengthening cycling policies across the bloc.
While the declaration has just been adopted in April, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has recognised 3 cities that are betting on cycling and advancing the industry even more. The third edition of the ECF Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in promoting and enabling cycling, took place on 18 June, in the Belgian city of Ghent, amid the federation’s annual conference, Velo-city.
“Our annual flagship event, Velo-city, is where the global cycling community unites under one roof. So this is the perfect occasion to spotlight some remarkable achievements in cycling and active mobility promotion”, ECF CEO, Jill Warren, told the over 1,600 delegates gathered in Ghent’s iconic “Kuipke” Velodrome.
Through these ECF Awards, we aim to inspire, spread innovative ideas, and share best practices that benefit all categories of cyclists.
Henk Swarttouw, ECF President
1. Bologna, Italy – ECF Road Safety Award
Bologna is the first major Italian city to impose a bold new 30 km/h speed limit on most streets, citing safety and liveability. This has led to an increase in cycling by 29% within the first months of implementation, while making it safer and more inviting for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Moreover, “Bologna implemented its speed reduction initiative against the backdrop of a particularly difficult political climate for such changes yet stayed the course”, the ECF commended.
2. Lyon, France – ECF Cycling Improvement Award
Grand Lyon is pursuing an ambitious cycling strategy to create a fully bikeable city by 2030. Its €500 million plan includes an aim to ensure that 99% of its citizens live within 10 minutes of a high-quality bike lane by 2030. Their efforts are already generating measurable improvements, with a 6.7% increase in the number of cyclists recorded just over the past year.
3. Ghent, Belgium – ECF Cycling Infrastructure Award
Ghent has become a showcase city for cycling, with a wealth of infrastructure, including over 500km of routes and more than 60 bridges and underpasses. The newest piece of major infrastructure was even inaugurated during the Velo-city conference, a bridge that will accommodate over 3,000 cyclists and pedestrians a day.
The Annie Vande Wielebrug bridge is a major link in the completion of the bicycle highway, the “Westerringspoor’”, connecting Ghent-Sint-Pieters train station with the neighbourhoods Muide, Wondelgem, Mariakerke and the Brugse Poort.
