The European Parliament suggests boosting cycling habits and the EU’s green transition through more dedicated cycling lanes, parking places for bikes, and reduced VAT. The European Parliament’s resolution on developing an EU cycling strategy adopted on Thursday, 16 February, advocates for cycling to be recognised as a fully-fledged mode of transport. It highlights the benefits cycling could bring to the EU’s green transition: better health, reduced road congestion and noise pollution improved air quality and economic growth. MEPs urge the Commission to develop a European cycling strategy with the aim of doubling the number of kilometres cycled in Europe by 2030.

Cycling should be part of urban plans

A lack of secured parking and dedicated bike lanes, but also insufficient measures to prevent theft, are some of the obstacles preventing the growth of cycling in cities, MEPs say. The resolution suggests regional and local authorities should integrate cycling, affordable e-bikes and bike-sharing schemes into urban mobility plans. More synergies with other transport modes, such as more places for bikes in trains or more secured parking areas for bikes at stations, could also help increase cycling numbers.

More support

MEPs encourage EU governments and local authorities to invest significantly more money in the construction of segregated cycling infrastructure and reduce VAT rates for the supply, rental, and repair of bikes and e-bikes. They call on the Commission and EU governments to support the production of ‘Made in Europe’ bicycles and components, stimulating EU-based manufacturing.

MEPs also call on the Commission to designate 2024 as the European Year of Cycling.

EP rapporteur and TRAN chair Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, FR) said: “The European Parliament is taking a historic first step in unlocking cycling’s potential in Europe with benefits for health, climate and jobs. The cycling ecosystem represents one million jobs in Europe and has the potential to reach two million by 2030. We want a dedicated European strategy and for the cycling industry to be recognised as a key partner in the European industrial strategy. Everyone in Europe should be able to cycle on a “made in Europe” bike.”

Source: European Parliament