In order to design the Duobell, Škoda joined forces with a team of scientists and audiologists from the University of Salford. Together, they examined how Active Noise Cancelling affects the audibility of conventional bicycle bells. Acoustic testing revealed that one narrow frequency band – a so-called safety gap – proved capable of penetrating ANC headphone filters, which work by generating an opposite sound wave to filter out noise before it reaches the wearer.

“Bicycle bells have remained almost unchanged for over a century, but the world around them has not. Škoda DuoBell is the first bell ever designed to penetrate noise-cancelling headphones. It is a smart analogue trick that outsmarts the artificial intelligence algorithms in these headphones. It is a small adjustment that will improve safety on city streets,” said Ben Edwards from AMV BBDO, the agency involved in developing the concept.

As the safety gap is located between 750 and 780 Hertz, this is exactly where the bell hits in order to beat Active Noise Cancelling. The name DuoBell refers to an additional resonator, which is tuned to a higher frequency and produces rapid and irregular strikes through a specially designed hammer mechanism. This generates sound waves that ANC algorithms are unable to process quickly enough to suppress. Altogether, the bell thus creates a sound wave that even the smartest of noise-cancelling headphones can’t suppress. Škoda has published the research behind the DuoBell in a white paper outlining the science behind its design.

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“For Škoda, exploration has always been fundamental. This project is an excellent example of how a simple, yet clever idea can help make exploration safer for everyone,” said Meredith Kelly, Global Head of Marketing at Škoda Auto.

During testing, it was demonstrated that the DuoBell allowed pedestrians wearing active noise-cancelling headphones up to 22 metres of additional reaction distance, which translates into 5 seconds of extra reaction time. During a test of the product in cooperation with Deliveroo couriers in London in February 2026, “the bell proved so effective that couriers expressed a desire to keep it.”

With the rising use of noise-cancelling headphones in cities, innovations such as the DuoBell could play a key role in improving safety for both cyclists and pedestrians.

L’article Škoda designs new bicycle bell that can outsmart noise-cancelling headphones est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Named for the wildflowers — a regional symbol — that grow along the way, the Ljungleden trail, or “heather trail” covers 170 km and takes mostly asphalted, dedicated cycle paths and low-traffic roads, with some gravel sections, making the itinerary suitable for both experienced and casual cyclists. And with accommodation options and rail connections en route, it can be tackled as a complete adventure, or broken into segments that offer single days out.

The cycling path starts in Drottningtorget, a prominent public square in the heart of Gothenburg that serves as a major transport hub, with the city’s central train station nearby. It’s a strategic location that is usually an ideal starting point for exploring the city of Gothenburg. But cyclists heading out of town will soon find themselves taking a former railway embankment towards the village setting of Sjövik.

In addition to the spectacular scenery of Västergötland, culinary highlights are promised along the way, such as the Folket på Garveriet bakery and cafe 30 km in at Floda, where a historic castle filled with Arts and Crafts also awaits. Or why not indulge in the tradition of fika, with a tour and the ultimate coffee and bun, in Alingsås, known as Sweden’s fika capital.

Further along, you can explore Swedish cycling history with a visit to an exhibition dedicated to the Fåglum brothers, who won medals in the Giro d’Italia, World Championships and Olympic Games in the 60s and 70s. Regional produce and specialties provide the fuel at Dahlbogården, part of the Taste of Sweden network, and at Herrljunga’s farm shop, where you can take the produce away with you as you reach the end of your trip.

For those who wish to carry on the two-wheeled adventures, the new route provides a new connection between two other popular cycle trails. Awarded ‘European Cycle Route of the Year’ in 2018, the Kattegatleden sea path in Gothenburg—a 390-km-long itinerary from Helsingborg in the south to Gothenburg in the west—takes riders along the coast, through idyllic fishing villages, beautiful gardens, and iconic bathhouses, as well as offering up Kullaberg nature reserve, where other outdoor pursuits like hiking and rock climbing can be tried.

Alternatively, the Ätradalsleden route goes inland, along car-free, disused railway embankments, passing peaceful fields, lakes, and plenty more farm cafés and local produce shops. A special mention here must go to Torpa Stenhus, a private estate and one of the country’s best-preserved medieval castles, situated on the shore of Lake Åsunden, which is open for guided tours and exhibitions during the summer.

L’article Sweden to launch new 170km cycling route from Gothenburg to Falköping in May 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

With the European Sustainable Tourism Strategy underway and scheduled to be released somewhere at the start of 2026, the Active Tourism Coalition is using that momentum to highlight the important of active tourism. The organisation underlines that, by focusing on accessible physical activity for mobility, recreation, and leisure, including cycling, walking, and hiking, active tourism enables visitors to experience destinations at a human scale. It combines low environmental impact with strong social value and meaningful connections. 

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Moreover, according to the Active Tourism Coalition, active tourism also comprises a significant economic potential of the sector. In 2012, cycling tourism alone was estimated to generate €44 billion annually in Europe, while as of 2025, the global adventure travel sector is said to represent a trillion-dollar global market. 

“Active tourism should be the cornerstone of the European Sustainable Tourism Strategy. By encouraging tourists to move through regions by bike or on foot, it supports healthier lifestyles, low-carbon travel, and stronger local economies. It can also boost European competitiveness with strong products and brands such as EuroVelo. Today, we are proud to be part of 15 industry and civil society voices calling on the EU institutions to turn these benefits into reality across Europe”, said Laurianne Krid, Chief Executive Officer at ECF.

Room for growth

However, the Active Tourism Coalition finds that active tourism remains under-represented in European tourism strategies. With the European Sustainable Tourism Strategy forthcoming,  the 15 civil society and industry organisations seizes the opportunity to highlight its potential as a solution to unbalanced tourism, a driver of regional development, and a flagship element of Brand Europe. With that in mind, the coalition is issuing four key policy recommendations.

1. Recognition and integration of active tourism as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism policy, including its integration into destination mobility strategies, multimodal transport planning, and last-mile solutions, supported by robust impact monitoring. 
2. Brand Europe leadership, showcasing Europe’s unique natural and cultural heritage through its extensive network of long-distance routes such as EuroVelo, who are creating an entire bicycling network throughout Europe, greenways, E-paths, and GR footpaths, supported by open, high-quality tourism data and recognised certification and training schemes. 
3. Integrated governance, bringing together local communities, destination management organisations, tourism operators, NGOs, land managers, transport providers, media, and outdoor sport organisations to ensure tourism development benefits residents while protecting natural and cultural landscapes. 
4. Targeted investment, with active tourism prioritised in the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), including dedicated funding for cycle routes, hiking trails, and cross-border active tourism offers. 

In its press release, the Active Tourism Coalition states to be prepared to collaborate with European and National institutions to work towards a European sustainable travel future in which active tourism plays a key role.

L’article Active Tourism Coalition urges EU to rethink sustainability through movement est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable road users. While many cities have taken it at heart to make life safer for those who cycle or walk, a lot remains to be done in order to secure safety for all. Drivers of motor vehicles, in particular, should be more aware of the traffic rules and the rights of those travelling on foot or by bike.

According to personal injury law firm Wagner Reese, recent Google searches for ‘bike lane rules’ are up over 130% while searches asking ‘do pedestrians have the right of way’ are up over 70%. This highlights what seems to be a lack of information and awareness that may be contributing to both pedestrian and bicycle accidents. In the first half of 2024, 3,304 pedestrians were killed across the US – a 48% increase compared to 10 years ago. As for bicyclists, nearly 1,000 of them die in crashes across the country every single year.

In order to raise awareness, Wagner Reese looked at the number of fatalities per 100,000 residents – provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System – in 300 cities across the US to determine which scored best at protecting them and which could do a lot better.

Watch out for people! In the United States, a pedestrian dies every 72 minutes and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes on average.

Everyone needs to work together to keep our roads safe. #PedestrianSafety #DriveSafe #DriveSober #TrafficSafety pic.twitter.com/9vSQe8C0Zm

— Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (@OkHighwaySafety) October 8, 2025

Worst cities for pedestrians and cyclists

1. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2. Tucson, Arizona
3. Jacksonville, Florida
4. San Bernardino, California
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Albuquerque, New Mexico
7. Detroit, Michigan
8. Tampa, Florida
9. Glendale, Arizona
10. Phoenix, Arizona

According to the analysis, a lot of factors are to blame for the high number of casualties in some US cities. High-speed roads located near residential or commercial areas, dangerous roads with poor visibility at intersections, a lack of lighting, a lack of crosswalks and protected bike lanes, and limited traffic enforcement in high-risk zones are just some of the pain points to take into account.

“No matter how well a city has updated the roads to better accommodate the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, a significant problem remains with distracted drivers and aggressive drivers. More attention needs to be given to public awareness paired with active law enforcement to help reduce injuries and fatalities that give rise to both pedestrian accident claims and bicycle accident claims”, Wagner Reese specifies.

Best cities for pedestrians and cyclists

1. New York City, New York
2. Irvine, California
3. Frisco, Texas
4. Boston, Massachusetts
5. Lincoln, Nebraska
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
7. Plano, Texas
8. Madison, Wisconsin
9. Santa Clarita, California
10. Omaha, Nebraska

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The high safety score for New York City can mainly be explained by the city’s Vision Zero initiative, according to the personal injury firm. By focusing on making streets safer by reducing speed limits, including leading pedestrian intervals, protected bike lanes, and raised crosswalks, these efforts have successfully curbed the occurrence of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.

Wagner Reese also has some tips for pedestrians and cyclists to stay safe in traffic. Using crosswalks, wearing reflective clothing, and avoiding distractions can do a lot. Cyclists are also advised to wear a helmet and to make sure their safety lights are in place when riding at night.

L’article The 10 best and worst cities in the US for pedestrians and cyclists est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Around 20% of all journeys in the Flemish region, including commutes to work and school, leisure travel, and shopping trips, are now made by bike – a shift authorities attribute to a surge in cycling infrastructure, such as bridges, cycle paths and bike “super highways” or fiets-o-strade, like the route that links Antwerp and Mechelen, running along a former railway and connecting to existing cycleways.

Safety at intersections has also been key to the pro-cycle strategy, which Patrick D’Haese, Flanders region mobility manager, has described as “build it and they will come.”

Almost 20% of trips in Flanders are now done by bike but there are big differences between regions https://t.co/7GjmhCYGnT pic.twitter.com/nDsX7OepAm

— Alixxa (@Alixxa01) September 15, 2025

In Belgium as a whole, meanwhile, over 41% of workers cycle for all or part of their daily commute, an increase of 35% over five years, according to figures from Acerta. Approximately 15% of Belgians commute exclusively by bike, but in Flanders that proportion increases to 17.3% per cent, while it is just 2.2% in Wallonia, where the landscape is marked by forests and deep river valleys.

Ironically, perhaps, the proportion of people still using their car for daily journeys in Belgium (78% of commutes) is part of the reason why cycling is more popular in dense, urban areas like Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent, where cycling rates are over 20% partly due to traffic congestion for cars.

Ten years ago, the five Flanders provinces began an ambitious dream: a 2,800km network of cycle highways to connect all cities and towns in the region.

With a full subsidy from the Flemish government, municipalities have now built 2,000km—like the 25km “F7” from Ghent to Deinze. pic.twitter.com/aEF6tnMWX9

— Melissa & Chris Bruntlett (@modacitylife) June 22, 2024

The success of cycling in Flanders is not only down to traffic jams, though and better bike infrastructure. In Brussels and Limburg, built-up areas where bike usage is just 10%, research links that reluctance to sparser housing, historic reliance on cars, and cultural barriers, which authorities are trying to address with cycling lessons and promotional campaigns.

The availability of cycles themselves, as well as their suitability for different types of riders and journeys, is also inciting more people to take to two wheels. The growth of e-bikes, which, according to Statista, represent the largest share of the overall bicycle market, and whose speed and ease-of-use make commuting by bike a realistic prospect for many more people, is part of the phenomenon.

Likewise, bike-sharing schemes, such as Antwerp’s red city “Velo” bikes, are an important part of the story, with over 300 Velo stations open 24/7 in the city and its surroundings, many of them positioned at train, tram and bus stations to make mixed mobility approaches to the daily commute easier. 

L’article Flanders moves into second place for highest cycling rates in Europe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Routes in Flemish Brabant and Brussels

1. On the wheel of Eddy Merckx

Would you like to try for yourself how Belgian cycling heroes prepare for races in their own area? If so, you can do it on the three circular cycling routes marked out for this purpose. Armed with a cycling map you can start and stop wherever you like at the information panels along the route. You can also take the digital option using your smartphone. Just scan the panels along the way and we will immerse you in the experience.

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2. The Hageland Eddy Merckx loop

Starts from Boerenhof cycling café near the church in Meensel (Binkomstraat 12, 3391 Meensel-Kiezegem) and takes you along the same roads where a young Eddy Merckx trained for the first time. This 30 km recreational route follows the nodes of the Flemish Brabant cycle network. This 70 km sporty route has its own signposts. Be prepared for a few challenging slopes. We think a break now and then will be more than welcome, especially if you can see some amazing sights along the way.

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3. Sven Nys Cycling Route

The Hageland hills, which are lined with rows and rows of vines and fruit trees, provide a stunning rural backdrop for your ride. But the steep hills also make for a gruelling trek requiring you to stand up on your pedals. Just ask Sven Nys, who criss-crossed through the Hageland from his Balenberg during his many training sessions. This sporty route starts from the Sven Nys Cycling Center. Sven Nys himself mapped out this 93 kilometer loop, which follows his favourite training route. A challenging ride, with a few beauty spots en route to take a break.

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Un post condiviso da Dominique Cockx (@dominiquecockx)

4. De Brabantse Pijl Cycling Route

Bravely battling the wind through open fields, then coursing downhill to conquer the climb on the opposite side of the valley while pedalling standing up. Thundering across the cobbles while you take in the fresh forest scent and then breaking into a sprint to the next village. When the 2021 spring classics seasons starts, you can ride your own classic cycle race along the roads of the Brabantse Pijl.

Make sure your legs are up to the job on this varied route, where only the greatest cyclists cross the finish line in triumph. Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, Freddy Maertens, Eddy Planckaert, have all taken the top spot on the podium in the Brabantse Pijl. Edwig Van Hooydonk even did it four times. Unlike them, however, you have plenty of opportunities to stop and catch your breath in one of the many nice cafés and restaurants along the route.

This sporty cycling route takes you to into Southern Dijle country, winding its way through Oud-Heverlee, Korbeek-Dijle, Leefdaal, Duisburg, Vossem, Tervuren, Eizer, Huldenberg, Sint-Agatha-Rode, Overijse, Tombeek, Ottenbrug, briefly crossing the language border to Pécrot, Nethen, Beauvechain after which you make your way back to Oud-Heverlee via Opvelp. About 98 km long, with 1,033 altimeters. The route is signposted, but you can also download a gpx route file for your own satnav.

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Routes in Antwerp

1. Cyclo cross trail in Lichtaart

Practice your cyclo cross skills on this 2500m long trail in Lichtaart, near the Floreal Kempen campsite. Open from the first of September to the end of February.

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Routes in Limburg

1. Climbing in the ‘Toscane of Limburg’

Gorgeous and tough route from the centre of Borgloon through the rolling countryside of South Limburg with beautiful views. Along the way, you will conquer various climbs. The route uses the cycling network and is suitable for recreational cyclists who like a sporting challenge.

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2. Limburg Cycling Tour

Ride the Tour of Limburg track. Discover and enjoy the stunning scenery with tough slopes and challenging cobbled streets.

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3. South-Limburg

Here you can enjoy the beautiful South Limburg scenery while taming the most challenging slopes in the Tour of Limburg, like the Slingerberg in Kanne or ‘petit L’Alpe-d’Huez’ with its ten serpentines. Start and finish are in the Land Commandery Alden Biesen, one of the largest castle complexes in the Euroregion.

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4. Tongria Classic

You ride along the beautiful castles and rolling countryside of South Limburg and Haspengouw. Enjoy the beautiful vistas and flowering blossoms. On these low-traffic roads you can quietly enjoy a tour around Tongeren and Borgloon.

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Routes in East Flanders

1. Flemish Ardennes

Created by Tourism East-Flanders, the Tour of Flanders Route takes you on a tour of the most legendary hills and cobbled sections. ‘Bergs and Cobbles’ is a guide full of practical information with four varied routes in the Flemish Ardennes. The guide is specifically designed for four different types of cyclists: the athlete, the gourmand, the culture lover and Tourfanatic. The routes range from 42 to 181 kilometers.

The longest route named the ‘Spartacus Route’, a loop with 8 cobbles, 18 slopes and 2029 meters of climbing. The numbers on the cycling network of the 4 routes are included on a sticker, so you don’t have to take the pocket with you on your trip. Apart from new cycling routes, the pocket also provides a complete overview of bicycle-friendly accommodation, cycling cafés and sporting events in the Flemish Ardennes.

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2. On the wheel of Lucien Van Impe

The summer of ’76 was Lucien Van Impe’s summer. That year, cycling-mad Flanders was absolutely rapturous when Lucien Van Impe won the Tour de France. Find out why Lucien loves the region around Aalst so much and follow this cycling legend for 35 km. See where he trains and discover his favorite spots en route. And don’t forget to drink a Saison de Lucien beer.

Tourism East-Flanders also has a number of brochures available on both pro and recreational cycling in the Flemish Ardennes. All routes in these brochures are loop routes. Some follow the cycling network, others deviate from it but they are all marked with the rectangular green and white signs of the cycling network, hexagonal red and white signs or the rectangular Tour of Flanders route markers.

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Routes in West Flanders

1. Hellingenroute Heuvelland

You can choose between three routes. The longest one tackles 40 hills (the Kemmelberg is the most famous one), over a total distance of 116 kms and makes you climb 1498 m.

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2. West-Vlaamse Bergen route

Cyclists will puff and pant their way up Heuvelland’s ancient chain of hills, which have played such a prominent role in the region’s history and still dominate its landscape. In addition to the famous Kemmelberg (Kemmel Hill) and Rodeberg (Red Hill), the route also takes in Mesen (Messines), a small town situated right on the Belgian language frontier (with French-speaking Wallonia), as well as the Palingbeek provincial domain.

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3. Freddy Maertens route

Freddy Maertens is a former cyclist who became world champion in 1976 and 1981, won the green jersey in the Tour de France 3 times and won 28 stages in the Tour and Vuelta. More than enough reasons to name this cycling route after him. The 42 km long route takes you along the coastline and the quiet landscapes behind it.

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4. Michel Pollentier route

Michel Pollentier is a former professional rider. Among the highlights of his career where his overall win in the 1977 Giro d’Italia and his win in the 1980s edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen. The 62 km route starts in his birth town Diksmuide and takes you to the coast.

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Whether you are commuting, exercising, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, the cycling routes across Brussels and Flanders highlight how the region is embracing the bicycle as both a practical and cultural asset.

L’article Discover these cycling routes in Brussels and Flanders est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new route takes cyclists through a mix of terrain with more than 65 per cent of the journey off-road along bridleways, forest tracks and byways. It also includes around 3,383 metres of climbing, making it a tough but satisfying challenge, with the scenic reward as a beautiful bonus. Rolling through countryside, woodland tracks, and historic sites, the trail was designed to appeal to those seeking a multi-day “bikepacking” adventure that blends long-distance cycling with the spirit of backpacking. For anyone looking to take it at a slower pace, Cycling UK divided the trail into three shorter circuits, allowing cyclists to complete it in sections rather than tackling the full distance at once.

Hannah Foster, Head of Membership at Cycling UK, emphasised the broader impact: “Long-distance cycle routes are one of the best ways to explore Britain. They connect cities, towns and villages and bring real benefits to local communities by supporting regional economies. They also offer a healthier, greener way to discover the incredible corners of our countryside that are impossible to access by car.”

One of the highlights of the route is the way it blends natural beauty with cultural and historical landmarks. Along the way, cyclists will pass Reading Royal Abbey, Chenies Manor House, the remains of Berkhamsted Castle dating back to the 11th century, as well as picturesque market towns and villages including Henley-on-Thames, Amersham, and Wendover. Each site offers an opportunity to pause and enjoy the landscapes and local atmosphere. Beyond sweeping hills, riders can expect to encounter some local wildlife like lizards, deer, red kites, and even wallabies that escaped from nearby zoos and private collections and now live free. 

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“This lesser-known part of the South-East has so much to offer and in working closely with Cycling UK we carefully crafted a route that would give people the chance to escape and connect with nature,” shared Max Darkins, Cycling UK’s ride guide and route planner.

“Out on the trail you get to experience everything that the Chilterns has to offer, ranging from verdant landscapes to historic market towns, medieval earthworks and majestic rivers. And to top it off, the area is just bursting with farm shops, cafés, vineyards, breweries and country pubs,” notes Darkins, adding to its appeal as both a physical adventure and a cultural experience.

Routes are available for free download from the Cycling UK website as GPX files, compatible with both cycling computers and smartphones. Each provides key safety guidance, helping riders cycle responsibly and respect the countryside.

For each route, Cycling UK has produced weather-resistant guidebooks that can be used out on the trail. Guides cover detailed navigation, Ordnance Survey mapping, and insights into local landmarks. Proceeds support the development of future routes. 

The launch of a new route reflects Cycling UK’s broader goal of encouraging people to embrace the health benefits of cycling. As a low-impact aerobic exercise, it strengthens the heart, lungs, and muscles while improving overall fitness. It also boosts mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and supporting better sleep. “We all know how much cycling can improve our physical and mental health, and with every new route launched, we introduce that to more and more people,” adds Darkins, underscoring the project’s positive impact.

Beyond health perks, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) reports that cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion each year, supporting thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops. Taking into account the savings from better health and lower fuel use, the ECF estimates that cycling contributes around €150 billion in overall benefits to Europe.

L’article New 280km Chiltern Hills cycling route offers scenic escape just 30 minutes from London est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Greening Corporate Fleets initiative is part of the European Green Deal’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, which aims for transport emissions to be reduced by 90% by 2050 compared to the levels measured in 1990. In order to achieve this, corporate fleets should be transitioned to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

🚲Europe’s cycling sector is calling on @ec.europa.eu & President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu to include bikes & e-bikes in the #GreeningCorporateFleets initiative. 📢 A mode-neutral approach is essential. Bikes are already transforming how businesses move—clean, cost-effective, and made in Europe.

— European Cyclists' Federation (@ecf.com) 24 июня 2025 г. в 09:28

A public consultation concerning the Greening Corporate Fleets initiative was launched at the start of 2024. The aim was to determine those mechanisms that could and should be used to facilitate the transition, including mandatory targets and incentives. In a letter from September 2024, Ursula von der Leyen asked the Commissioner-designate for Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, to “put forward a legislative proposal for clean corporate fleets”. However, at the moment, the initiative seems to be focusing on electrifying cars and vans.

With the adoption by the Commission coming closer, Europe’s cycling sector is now urging Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission to adopt a mode-neutral approach that gives bikes a rightful place alongside other modes in Europe’s corporate fleet transition while at the same time giving companies more flexibility in how to achieve this transition. According to the sector, the (E-)bike industry is a fast-growing, European-made sector that is already driving zero-emission mobility, industrial growth, and jobs.

Cycling isn’t just good for your health – It’s good for the planet, our cities, and the economy.

✅ Over 92,000 km of EuroVelo cycling routes across Europe
✅ Nearly 10 million bicycles produced yearly in the EU
✅ 1.35 million jobs supported by the EU cycling sector pic.twitter.com/yXLbsZ9jfk

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) June 3, 2025

“To meet its decarbonisation targets and boost industrial competitiveness, Europe must support all clean mobility solutions—not just electric cars. Company bike leasing is a European success story already transforming how businesses and employees move across Member States,” said Paul Walsh, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe.

A growing industry, made in Europe

According to the sector, bike leasing models have already proven their success, among others in Germany and Belgium. In those countries, employers have the possibility to offer bicycles and e-bikes as a tax-efficient benefit in kind. In Germany, this resulted in 1.9 million company bikes on the road in 2023 and in Belgium, 27% of employees have access to a leased company bike.

Moreover, the cycling industry is an important part of Europe’s economy. In 2023, over 11.7 million bicycles were sold across the continent.  As 90% of e-bikes sold in the EU are made in Europe, the sector currently supports 1.35 million jobs. This resulted in €19.3 billion in revenue from bicycle and e-bike sales alone, servicing not included.

With all this in mind, the cycling sector thus asks the Commission to make (E-)bikes an integral part of the Greening Corporate Fleets initiative, following the example of countries such as Belgium and Germany.

“The case for bikes is clear—zero emissions, high in demand by users, and already delivering results for economy, environment and society. We urge the Commission to adopt a future-proof and inclusive approach that reflects the full spectrum of Europe’s clean and healthy mobility solutions,” said Jill Warren, CEO of European Cyclists’ Federation.

A broader path to corporate fleet decarbonisation

The cycling sector believes that achieving Europe’s climate and economic ambitions requires an inclusive definition of zero-emission transport. By integrating (e-)bikes into the Greening Corporate Fleets initiative, the European Commission has the opportunity to recognize a fast-growing, European-made industry that contributes not only to environmental goals but also to job creation and industrial innovation.

Rather than limiting fleet decarbonisation to electric cars and vans, a more flexible and mode-neutral policy can empower companies across Europe to adopt mobility solutions that fit their operational needs. Cycling—already transforming corporate mobility in countries like Belgium and Germany—deserves a central place in this transition.

The Commission now has a pivotal opportunity to adopt a future-proof framework that fully leverages the potential of all clean mobility solutions, ensuring that the transformation of corporate fleets aligns with Europe’s broader goals of decarbonisation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

L’article European cycling sector asks Commission to incorporate (E-)bikes in Greening Corporate Fleets initiative est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The update to Cyclists Love Trains gives three providers an “excellent” service rating. The number one, perhaps unsurprisingly in a nation of bike enthusiasts, is Belgium’s NMBS/SNCB, with a score of 88 points. The operator was praised for “expanding its bike carriage capacity by 20% since 2021 as well as for developing the accessibility app BikeOnTrain.”

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Belgium, Switzerland, and Hungary ahead of the group

The Belgians hold that the position is joint with Switzerland’s SBB/CFF/FFS, which was found to provide “ample capacity for bicycle carriage” as well as standing out with regards to booking channels and website/ app functionality. In 2023, the report notes, SBB carried approximately 1.7 million bicycles on its entire train network.

Pulling into second place is Hungary’s MÁV-START which managed 82 points and again was notable for its “generous bicycle carriage capacity” especially “on routes to popular tourist destinations.” It also performs well on affordability and software functionality.

The rest of the “peleton”

A further 18 (26.9%) operators are ranked as “good,” including operators such as Deutsche Bahn (Germany), ÖBB (Austria), the NS (Netherlands), PKP Intercity (Poland) and the SNCF (France).

But the bad news is that on average, European train operators provide just four spaces for bicycles per train. The report acknowledges that this number varies significantly across operators but points out that 31 operators (46.3%) provide fewer than four spaces per train. 

A total of 13 operators (19.4%) still do not allow bicycles on long-distance trains at all, the press release notes, with highs-speed trains slammed as “particularly underdeveloped, with 9 out of 14 operators (64.3%) not providing carriage at all, and the average number of spaces being just one.” Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB were found to be the most cycle-friendly high-speed operators.

Taking bikes on night trains is also an issue, with a majority (76.2%) of operators scoring less than 60/100 points. Polish PKP Intercity occupied the first spot in the sleeper category.

Named and shamed

Spain and Sweden remain the countries with the fewest bicycle-friendly operators (both national and private). In addition, EU candidate member countries and the United Kingdom were condemned for generally poor performance. 

If they want to improve, operators are called upon to accept non-foldable, non-dismantled bicycles on all train services, including high-speed and night trains. Other recommendations include anticipating the growth in demand for bike carriage when commissioning and renovating rolling stock.

Policies and information about taking bikes on trains should be clearly available in multiple languages, with ticketing options on multiple channels at “reasonable prices”, the report says. In addition, websites and apps should “feature user-friendly tools such as bicycle connection search tools, real-time information on train compositions and unified journey planners,” according to the Federation, which claims to be the largest and most influential cycling advocate in Europe. 

L’article Belgium and Switzerland top ranking of bicycle-friendly European rail operators  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In 2017, the city of Namur – located in Wallonia, the southern and French-speaking part of Belgium – first joined forces with Pro Vélo. The organisation has a branch in the train station of Namur and wants to make cycling accessible to everyone, amongst other things by offering cycling courses and repairs. 

Those first Namicyclettes, as the long-term bike rental system in Namur is called, have now been replaced by 30 new bikes. All bikes have been named after a prominent Namur figure and they have been painted in the colours associated with the city. 

“Modern, robust, and covered with a whole new design, these urban bikes have been developed to make active mobility accessible to all, every day,” says Pro Vélo. 

Namicyclettes practical details

The 30 new bikes can be rented by everyone who either lives, works or studies in the city. The bicycles are available in three different sizes (S, M, and L), they all come with a highly secured lock and are equipped with a luggage carrier.

The Namicyclettes can be rented for a duration of 3, 6 or 12 months. Prices go from € 50 for 3 months to € 100 for a year. Those prices include yearly maintenance. In order to rent a bike, people can fill out an online form, after which they will be informed whenever a bike is available. Those who are new to cycling (in the city) can also participate in a free course called ‘Ma Ville A Vélo’ (My City By Bike) in order to get acquainted with cycling in Namur. 

Namur by bike

Namicyclettes isn’t the only initiative in Namur aimed at making cycling more attractive and accessible to everyone. Through Pro Vélo, for example, people can test an electric bike for a duration of three months before deciding whether or not they want to purchase one. Moreover, Li Bia Vélo is a local bike-sharing service available to locals and tourists alike, with over 250 bikes available and spread over 28 different stations throughout Namur.

L’article Namur catches up with Belgian cycling trend as Namicyclettes make a comeback est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.