Walking, cycling and other active modes can bring health benefits associated with an active lifestyle, and they are low-cost and emission-free! In order to develop their full potential, these modes need to be properly addressed in urban mobility policy at all levels of governance, including aspects related to funding, transport planning, awareness-raising, allocation of space, safety regulations and adequate infrastructure, while bearing in mind a specific focus on people with reduced mobility.
Cycling and walking already feature prominently in the EU Urban Mobility Framework and in the revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation. The European Declaration on Cycling, as jointly signed by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council, is a decisive step forward to provide a prominent place for active mobility in European transport policy.
The EU Urban Mobility Framework promotes active mobility at the EU level by:
- highlighting the numerous benefits of cycling (and walking) in decarbonising transport and reducing air and noise pollution, alleviating congestion, improving health; pointing also to the many advantages of e-bikes, the fastest-growing e-mobility segment in Europe;
- setting clear priorities to favour active modes in the updated sustainable urban mobility plan (SUMP) concept published in March 2023 as part of the Commission Recommendation on national SUMP support programmes;
- introducing the concept of mobility management plans in which employers can organise awareness-raising campaigns and workplace incentive schemes to encourage active mobility by their staff and visitors;
- announcing the adoption of guidance on quality infrastructure requirements for vulnerable road users in the initial audit of the design phase under Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management;
- declaring that EU funding for urban mobility projects and for urban infrastructure projects should be increasingly linked with having a SUMP in place, and with following the ‘safe system’ approach, to protect in particular active (vulnerable) road users.
The revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation promotes active mobility by proposing:
- an obligation for 431 major cities/regional hubs on the TEN-T network to adopt a SUMP by 2027 and to collect relevant data;
- requirements for multimodal passenger hubs in urban nodes to facilitate first- and last-mile connections, including access to public transport infrastructure and active mobility;
- requirements to ensure the continuity and accessibility of cycle paths when building and upgrading rail, road and inland waterway infrastructure; as well as to develop bicycle parking in the vicinity of railway stations.
The European Declaration on Cycling is a comprehensive strategy with very ambitious commitments. The Declaration recognises cycling as a sustainable, accessible and affordable means of transport, with strong added value for the EU economy. It aims to make cycling accessible for everyone in Europe; to create appropriate conditions for cycling; and to enable the rollout of cycling infrastructure, including better links with public transport, secure parking spaces and recharging infrastructure for e-bikes.
Furthermore, cycling is recognised as a key European industry for global innovation and leadership, as well as an important and growing sector of the economy and a partner in the mobility system. Cycling is not only an enjoyable means of transport but also a strong element of sustainable tourism with clear added value for the economy.
The commitments outlined in the European Declaration on Cycling are to be taken at the EU, the national, the regional and the local level, and these cover all necessary elements to ensure improved quality and quantity of cycling infrastructure across Member States, and to make cycling more attractive for the public.
EU road safety policy focuses on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, in all aspects of the ‘Safe System’ approach. This includes the revised General Vehicle Safety Regulation, which has introduced mandatory safety features to benefit people outside the vehicle, including technologies to reduce possible blind spots for buses and trucks, and warnings to prevent road crashes.
While primarily an issue for local regulation and enforcement, the Commission supports local, regional and national authorities with guidance on safe urban cycling, walking, and the use of micromobility devices.
The EU also supports leading-edge research into safe active mobility. This brochure gives an overview of some EU Horizon-funded road safety projects, many of which target active mobility. Safe active mobility is further supported under the current EU research funding programme, Horizon Europe.
The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive introduces obligations regarding the provision of sufficient parking spaces for bicycles and e-bikes, as well as enabling conditions for the subsequent installation of charging facilities, with differentiation between new or renovated public buildings and residential buildings.
The EU Save Energy Communication, adopted as part of the REPowerEU package, highlights the importance of active mobility in reducing Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels.
The Mobility Transition Pathway includes for the first time the bicycle industry value chain as part of the mobility ecosystem. The transition pathway for the mobility ecosystem supports its twin green and digital transition, while ensuring it remains competitive and crisis resilient. As part of the co-implementation process, stakeholders are invited to join in the co-creation of this transition pathway, identifying specific actions and commitments needed to accompany the transition. A first call for pledges among public and private actors and stakeholders in the EU mobility ecosystem to encourage a green and digital transition closed on 1 October 2024. The Commission will now review the submitted pledges and publish them in stages. A second round of submissions will open soon.