“Future Cycling” conference: multi-billion pound investments could be made available for EU Cycling Strategy

Attendees at the “Future Cycling” Conference in Brussels heard that there are multi-billion Euro investments available from the EU for regional investment and innovation in cycling, if the relevant sectors advocate for the funding in the next EU budget round.

According to the ECF, this funding could be committed to the delivery of the EU Cycling Strategy which aims to grow cycling in Europe by 50% and create over 200,000 new jobs in the cycling economy.

To demonstrate support for these goals, the business sector of cycling announced a new united organisation called Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), tasked to bring together cycle and accessory suppliers with bike-share operators, cycle delivery companies, consultancies and digital service providers. CIE’s fundamental aims are to support the EU Cycle Strategy with industrial innovation and provide added weight in cycling advocacy.

ECF President and Deputy Mayor of Paris for Transportation, Mobility, Roadway and Public Space, Christophe Najdovski, said at the conference: “European cycling needs strong voices and investments from the public bodies, civil society and the private sector. We are looking forward to continue this collaboration – we fully support the step leading from the cycling industry companies to create their new organisation: CIE.”

Founding members are coming from across the globe to represent diversity in cycling, from bicycle and parts makers to bike sharing, cycle logistics, online services, financial services, infrastructure, tourism and consultancy.

Tony Grimaldi, CEO of Cycleeurope, has been elected founding president of CIE. He said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved with the development of the e-Bike and bike-sharing which are contributing to new mobility in Europe. Now it is time for the cycling industries to step up, we will take our share of the advocacy in Brussels and bring our company voices alongside ECF.”

The “Future Cycling” conference also heard strong policy commitments from the EU and regional government contributors to the event. Pascal Smet, Brussels’ Minister of Mobility and Public Works, hosted the event and stated Brussel’ ambition to become the cycling capital of Europe: “Investing in cycling is investing in your city.”

This announcement comes shortly after the members of the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee voted to support a proposal to introduce a minimum of eight bicycle spaces on all new and refurbished European trains, last week.