Cities around Europe want EU support to develop better cycling infrastructure, a new survey has found.
29 cities aiming for at least 20% cycling
The European Pulse survey, conducted by pro-cycling group Eurocities, collected results from 29 cities. Their responses show they “want strong support from the European institutions to develop safe, high-quality infrastructure, such as cycling paths, segregated lanes and bike parking spaces,” the report says.
How to boost cycling in cities? 🚲🏙️
— Eurocities (@EUROCITIES) September 18, 2023
Lean what municipalities have to say in this new #EurocitiesPulse survey ▶️ https://t.co/utSfITb4z7
Read Eurocities’ advice to the @EU_Commission ahead of its #cycling declaration ▶️ https://t.co/uwZBBBdh4F pic.twitter.com/yeIGMeJ7Ue
Nearly half of cities say their aim is to increase cycling’s share of journeys made, taking it to at least 20% of the total number in their area by 2030.
Trail-blazing
Over the past 7 years, the EU has tripled the amount of spending on cycling and walking projects, but further targeted EU funding will be required if cities are to achieve their cycling goals, Eurocities says.
As well as a review of cyclist safety regulations and local speed limits, the countries surveyed also called for more EU research into cycling data, with technologies to help cities identify potential bike safety or parking issues.
Using the upcoming European Cycling Declaration as the occasion to “collaborate with European institutions”, cities want “to deliver a trail-blazing declaration that can revolutionise cycling and transform city living,” says André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities.
The European Cycling Declaration was planned earlier this year as part of high profile inter-institutional work to promote cycling and double the number of kilometres cycled in Europe by 2030.
84% fewer carbon emissions than cars
Noting the eco credentials of cycling, Sobczak pointed out the room for growth in the cycling sector and the potential green impact.
Cyclists produce 84% less carbon emissions than car drivers, yet on average in the EU only 7.4% of the total number of passenger trips are made by bike.
André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities
Highlighting the success of examples like Paris (where annual cycling traffic has surged by 166% since 2018, due to 1,000km of new bike lanes) Eurocities are now urging city and European leaders to come together to create “ground-breaking cycling initiatives that will get people out of cars and onto their bikes, improving their health, and reducing congestion and pollution.”
The Eurocities Pulse research is accompanied by a new policy statement, entitled “Pedal-powered progress – Towards an EU cycling policy. It highlights the need, among other priorities, to build on existing cycling policies; set cycling quality and infrastructure standards; provide funds; ensure safety especially through speed limit reviews (30km per hour is recommended); as well as to connect cities and ensure accessibility.
