ERTICO – ITS Europe is proud to announce the launch of its latest initiative, the ‘Partner in the Spotlight’ interview series. This exciting new chapter aims to highlight the achievements of ERTICO Partners, showcasing their innovations, expertise, and impact within the ITS ecosystem.

As a new ERTICO Partnership initiative, the interview series aligns with ERTICO’s broader strategy of fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector engagement among its diverse network of public and private stakeholders. By providing a platform for Partners to share their vision, projects, and contributions to intelligent mobility, this initiative reinforces ERTICO’s mission to connect, innovate, and transform the transport sector. It also supports ERTICO’s long-term vision of delivering safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions across Europe and beyond.

A first edition with Cycling Industries Europe (CIE)

The first featured Partner in this series is Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), a leading advocate for cycling as a key pillar of sustainable urban mobility. As an ERTICO Partner, CIE plays a vital role in integrating cycling into smart transport networks, advancing digitalisation, and promoting policies that support active mobility solutions. Through this interview, CIE highlights the role of ITS in integrating cycling into Europe’s mobility networks. Emphasising policy shifts, infrastructure investment, and digital integration, CIE leverages the ERTICO Partnership to drive innovation, advocacy, and a more sustainable transport future. Read here below this exclusive conversation with Samuel Pierce, Project Manager at CIE:

Can you share a brief overview of your organisation?

CIE is the leading trade association representing the cycling industry at the EU level, advocating for sustainable mobility and economic growth. Our mission is to double cycling levels in Europe by 2030 and create one million green jobs. We bring together businesses from across the cycling sector, supporting innovation, policy influence, and industry development. CIE engages with EU policymakers, runs expert groups, and leads projects that drive cycling’s role in improving cycling and its industrial ecosystem in Europe. Through advocacy, networking, and collaboration, we ensure cycling is central to Europe’s sustainable future.

The integration of cycling into multimodal transport planning is increasingly recognised as a priority. From your perspective, what policy shifts or infrastructure investments are needed to ensure cycling is fully embedded in Europe’s mobility networks, and how is your organisation working to make this vision a reality?

At CIE, we believe cycling must be at the heart of Europe’s mobility networks. To make this a reality, we need bold policy shifts – more dedicated bike lanes, better connections to public transport, and stronger investment in cycling infrastructure like secure parking and digital integration. The EU has made progress and is in many ways a leader in this field, but there’s still work to do, and we’re pushing hard to keep cycling on the agenda. Through direct engagement with policymakers, industry collaboration, and expert-driven advocacy, we’re making sure cycling gets the funding and recognition it deserves. Our vision is clear: a Europe where cycling is the easiest, safest, and most accessible choice for daily transport.

The European Declaration on Cycling marks a significant step in embedding cycling into EU transport and climate policy. How do you see this declaration influencing both policy and industry and how is Cycling Industries Europe contributing to its implementation?

The European Declaration on Cycling is a game-changer, putting cycling front and centre in EU transport and climate policy. It’s a clear signal that cycling isn’t just a niche activity – it’s a key solution for sustainable mobility, job creation, and economic growth. But a declaration alone isn’t enough; now comes the real work of turning words into action. At CIE, we’re making sure the industry has a seat at the table, pushing for strong funding, investment in infrastructure, and policies that truly integrate cycling into Europe’s transport system. Through advocacy, expert groups, and collaboration with EU institutions, we’re driving real change to make cycling a pillar of Europe’s green future.

What are the key benefits your organisation has experienced as part of the ERTICO partnership that helps to achieve your goals?

Being part of the ERTICO partnership has been incredibly valuable for Cycling Industries Europe (CIE). Through our involvement in ERTICO activities, we’ve gained access to a wealth of project proposals that help us push the boundaries of cycling innovation – fingers crossed for a win on the next one! ERTICO also provides invaluable networking opportunities, allowing us to connect with industry leaders and policymakers at high-profile events like the ITS Congress. The visibility within the ERTICO network strengthens our voice, enabling us to advocate more effectively for cycling’s place in the future of transport. This collaboration helps us align our goals with broader EU mobility strategies and accelerates the progress we’re working toward.

From your perspective, what makes the ERTICO partnership unique or particularly valuable in the intelligent transport systems space?

The ERTICO partnership stands out in the intelligent transport systems space because it brings together a diverse and powerful network of stakeholders, from industry leaders to policymakers, all working towards common goals. What makes it truly unique is the collaborative environment it fosters, where innovation thrives, and cross-sector partnerships are formed. For CIE, this means we can directly contribute to shaping the future of mobility by integrating cycling solutions into cutting-edge transport technologies. ERTICO’s focus on sustainable, connected, and intelligent mobility aligns perfectly with our vision, making it an essential platform to drive real-world impact and ensure cycling is part of the intelligent transport systems revolution.

If you could describe the ERTICO partnership in one word or sentence, what would it be and why?

I’d have to use two words, but I would say “Collaborative innovation.” The ERTICO partnership is all about bringing together diverse experts and stakeholders to drive groundbreaking solutions for the future of transport. It’s where collaboration sparks innovation, and where real progress is made towards a more sustainable and connected mobility future.

 

Curious about our European foothold and initiatives? Take a closer look at the ERTICO Partnership video and download our Partnership Brochure to learn more about the offers and benefits.

Explore more of the many opportunities awaiting you at the ITS European Congress 2025 in Seville (19-21 May).