Urban leaders are inviting the European Commission to use their expertise to define the content of the upcoming EU Cycling Declaration. Expected in October, the Declaration will detail how to boost cycling uptake in Europe thanks to new rules, guidance and funding instruments.
City officials made the offer in a letter sent to top European Commission officials on 21 June.
With more and more urban residents swapping their cars for their bikes, local leaders believe the know-how they acquired in recent years can underpin EU policymakers’ work. “For years, European municipalities have shown leadership in taking cycling to the next level with ambitious cycling policies and concrete actions…Our administrations are at the disposal of EU policymakers to share knowledge, experience, and technical support to ensure the EU declaration on cycling delivers its ambition,” the letter reads.
The invitation was also shared with the European Parliament and selected Member states, which are also expected to play a role in outlining the Declaration.
Cities’ vital role
In their letter, cities urge the Commission to adopt an ambitious EU cycling declaration, consider local needs and bolsters previous efforts to expand cycling’s potential.
The missive was sent by Line Barfod, Copenhagen’s Mayor for Technical Environmental affairs, on behalf of a group of city representatives.
In their text, signatories also mention the recently-launched Eurocities Task Force on EU Cycling Policy which is working on defining urban leaders’ expectations and recommendations for the Declaration.
“Cities are leading the way on how to boost cycling practices. We’re teaming up with Eurocities members to ensure that the EU Cycling Declaration will support our efforts to make cities more cycle-friendly”, Barfod remarked.
Putting Cycling on the Map
Since fostering cycling uptake is a long-term effort, cities are urging the European Commission to ensure that the EU Cycling Declaration will remain relevant even after the 2024 EU Parliament elections. For local leaders, the Declaration’s content must continue to be treated as a priority by the new EU leadership that will result from next year’s vote.
In addition, urban leaders are advocating for the designation of 2024 as the European Year of Cycling, adding their voice to a growing chorus of stakeholders.
The EU Cycling Declaration is expected to be unveiled as part of EU urban mobility days that will take place in Seville from 4 to 6 October this year. The event is co-organised by the European Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and will see the participation of Eurocities, among others.
Read the full content: Eurocities’ open letter on the EU Cycling Declaration
