Brussels, 3 April 2024
Today, the EU is taking another important step in reducing transport emissions by adopting the European Declaration on Cycling. In the margins of the Informal Transport European Council and the Connecting Europe Days, Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport, will sign the declaration together with Karima Delli, Chair of the Transport Committee of the European Parliament and Georges Gilkinet, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium. Today’s signature also aligns with the Belgian Council Presidency objective to decarbonise the EU’s transport sector.
The declaration recognises cycling as a sustainable, accessible, and affordable means of transport, with strong added value for the EU economy. It includes clear commitments, such as safe and coherent cycling networks in cities, better links with public transport and secure parking spaces and access to recharging points for e-bikes. These commitments shall be taken at EU, national regional and local level. These are all necessary elements in improving the quality and quantity of cycling infrastructure across Member States and making cycling more attractive to the public.
Based on a proposal launched by the Commission in October 2023 and responding to requests from the European Parliament and Member States, the declaration constitutes a joint political commitment and a strategic compass for existing and future policies and initiatives related to cycling.
Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said:
“We recognise cycling’s myriad benefits: it reduces pollution, eases urban congestion, and promotes healthier lifestyles. Moreover, cycling is a cornerstone of the European industry, driving innovation and growth while creating high-quality local jobs. Embracing cycling aligns with the EU’s industrial strategy and its objectives.”
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EU Parliament on the European Declaration on Dycling:
“Cycling is a fantastic means of transport and a great industrial opportunity”, said Transport and Tourism Committee Chair Karima Delli, signing European Declaration on Cycling.
On Wednesday, following the signature of European Declaration on Dycling by the European Parliament, Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union and European Commission, the Chair of Transport and Tourism Committee Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, FR) issued the following statement:
“It’s an historic moment for the future of cycling in Europe. I am very proud that the European Parliament’s resolution has resulted in this Declaration, ratified by the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission. Cycling is a fantastic means of transport and a great industrial opportunity for the European Union.
I am convinced that we can move away from a car centred approach and replace it with a combination of soft mobility and public transport. The European Cycling Declaration is a logical step in this direction. Cars are still responsible for 15% of CO2 emissions in Europe.”
European declaration on cycling was signed by EP’s Transport and Tourism Committee Chair Karima Delli, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet and Commissioner for transport Adina Vălean.
The declaration was inspired by last year’s Parliaments resolution, which suggested boosting cycling habits and the EU’s green transition through more dedicated cycling lanes, parking places for bikes and reduced VAT.
The declaration recognises cycling as one of the most sustainable, accessible and inclusive, low-cost and healthy forms of transport and recreation. It commits EU institutions to strengthen cycling policies, create more and better cycling infrastructure, increase investments and support European cycling industry as well as cycling tourism amongst other measures.