European Parliament adopts resolution to “double cycling miles” by 2030

The European Parliament has adopted by near unanimous agreement a new resolution that cements a 17-point action plan designed to “double cycling miles ridden by 2030” in the EU.

Crucial to the ambition will be a detailed plan to develop cycling infrastructure and build an ecosystem for industry that will create 1 million additional jobs across manufacturing, tourism, retail and in the sporting world.

The jobs goal is particularly ambitious as represents a doubling of employment for the sectors. Much of this growth is likely to be aligned to the eBike market, which is seen as attractive in capturing lost skills from the automotive world where simplification of the manufacturing process has inevitably means a shrinking of the workforce.

As you’d expect, the 17-point plan is big on detail and has points dedicated to the electric bike space, widely considered as a tool to unlock the mass rates of cycling desired. As a result there is attention given to the legislative protection of the bike type, the document offering “in order to maintain the swift deployment of and access to eBikes, those with assistance capable of attaining speeds of up to 25 km/h need to be given proper legal classification in both EU and national legislation.”

Creation of an ecosystem to support cycling is seen as critical. Joined up thinking means leaving no detail of the cyclist’s journey lacking in support and so a following point addresses housing planning and the need to promote the installation of secure bike parking, as well as charging capacity for eBikes when construction takes place.

Similarly, well considered multi-modal transport options are considered vital to changing commute habits. On this the policy pointers recommend “the creation of synergies between cycling and other modes of transport, such as making more places available for bikes inside trains and providing more secured parking areas for bikes at stations and mobility hubs”

The cycling plan runs in parallel to several other EU ambitions, including the Green Deal. Cycling, says the document, is “essential for achieving the EU’s climate and pollution reduction objectives and for delivering on its ambitions in the EU ‘Save Energy’ and REPowerEU initiatives.”

As a knock on effect of reducing transport emissions and upping active travel rates, the EU’s goal is to reduce the burden on health services, alongside reductions in noise pollution, road congestion and increasing economic productivity. “Cycling is a relatively inexpensive means of transport, which most citizens can afford, and promotes a sustainable economy,” writes the plan.

Manuel Marsilio, General Manager of CONEBI, said of the policy momentum: “The bicycle, e-bike, parts and accessories industries in Europe welcome the European Parliament’s call on both the European Commission and EU Member States to develop an EU Cycling Strategy: this is an historic appeal for the further growth of the whole sector and a clear acknowledgement of its pivotal role in the mobility ecosystem of the EU industrial strategy.”

Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, added: “This is an important step forward for the coalition of associations, companies, cities, regions and governments that have supported the European Parliament in developing this resolution. From an industry perspective this is the most comprehensive endorsement of the importance of our sector that we have ever had by the EU institutions.”