European Commission seals new mobility framework, cycling a key beneficiary

The European Commission has today announced the signing off of a new Urban Mobility Framework, which sets in stone some of the ideas laid out in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy Action Plan.

Cycling and walking will be a key beneficiary of the EU-wide re-assessment of transport priorities as part of a modernisation plan aligned to the European Green Deal, a framework that hopes to drastically reduce Europe’s carbon emissions.

A supporter of cycling’s role as a key city transport mode, Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans, said: “Today’s proposals set European mobility on track for a sustainable future: faster European rail connections with easy-to-find tickets and improved passenger rights support for cities to increase and improve public transport and infrastructure for walking and cycling, and making the best possible use of solutions for smart and efficient driving.”

Four proposals make up the framework of changes. These are a smart and sustainable TEN-T network; increasing long-distance and cross-border rail traffic; intelligent transport services for drivers; and clean, greener and easier urban mobility.

Civitas, a flagship programme set up to help the European Commission achieve a transformation in mobility aligned with the Green Deal today celebrated the announcement. It says that the proposals will see public transport, cycling and walking take a starring role, alongside a development of e-mobility and last-mile logistics; all of which will finally address the unwanted side-effects of economic activity, such as congestion, emissions and noise.

The guidance for European cities will now demonstrate how to create sustainable urban mobility plans, with funding options explained for those local and regional authorities implementing the structures.

Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said, “Today we are proposing higher standards along the TEN-T network, boosting high speed rail and embedding multimodality, and a new north-south Corridor in Eastern Europe. With our Intelligent Transport Systems Directive we are embracing digital technologies and data-sharing. We want to make travel in the EU more efficient – and safer – for drivers, passengers and businesses alike. The cities linked by EU infrastructure are our economic powerhouses, but they must also be lean cities – for inhabitants and commuters. That is why we are recommending a dedicated framework for sustainable urban mobility – to guide the faster transition to safe, accessible, inclusive, smart and zero-emission urban mobility.”

In 2022, the Commission will make recommendations to EU Member States for ongoing development of national plans that will seek to assist built up areas in developing their mobility plans.

To read more detail on the new mobility framework, see the announcement here.

Last week the EU Council announced a VAT adjustment on cycling goods, electric bikes and even servicing, something that is further designed to stimulate cleaner, active transport choices.