Strategic documents
On April 3, 2024, the European Council, the Commission, and the Parliament signed the European Declaration on Cycling, marking the official adoption of the first inter-institutional cycling policy at the European level. The signing took place against the backdrop of an informal meeting of EU transport ministers, organized by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The European Declaration on Cycling—the EU’s most ambitious cycling initiative to date—recognizes cycling as a fully-fledged mode of transport. Comprising eight core principles and 36 commitments, this landmark declaration describes cycling as one of the "most sustainable, accessible, and inclusive forms of transport and recreation—low-cost and healthy—and highlights its key importance to European society and the economy."
Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), stated:
The European Declaration on Cycling—the EU’s most ambitious cycling initiative to date—recognizes cycling as a fully-fledged mode of transport. Comprising eight core principles and 36 commitments, this landmark declaration describes cycling as one of the "most sustainable, accessible, and inclusive forms of transport and recreation—low-cost and healthy—and highlights its key importance to European society and the economy."
Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), stated:
"The European Declaration on Cycling will go down in history as a monumental milestone for the advancement of cycling in Europe. This inter-institutional declaration commits all European institutions to supporting and strengthening policies that promote cycling and to placing it on an equal footing with other modes of transport. We are proud to have played a decisive role in championing this declaration, alongside our members and industry partners."
