Local and regional authorities back EU cycling strategy 

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) has agreed to an EU Roadmap for Cycling during the European Week of Regions and Cities, in Brussels.

The move now adds to the mounting pressure on the Commission from Members of the European Parliament and transport ministers to adopt the roadmap.

Key recommendations include increased spending on cycling, developing a common data collection methodology, harmonising definitions for national data on cycle use, and creating a cycling focal point at the European Commission.

“I understand that [Transport] Commissioner Bulč is sympathetic but perhaps some colleagues are not so much,” Kevin Peel, Member of Manchester City Council and Rapporteur for the report, told Cities Today in Brussels. “We need to make clear the very strong economic case and the possibility of investment in cycling to achieve so many of our goals.”

The roadmap calls for an increase of the EU transport budget for cycling from 1.5 percent to 10 percent. Peel added this is a “no brainer” as the benefit-cost-ratio from cycling is 5:1–with some analysts believing this to be 13:1.

“If we achieved a doubling of cycling in Europe, we would create 400,000 jobs in our local communities and make a substantial contribution in easing urban congestion and improving air quality,” he said.

One contentious amendment that recommends a cycling speed limit of 30km/h in built up areas only narrowly passed by five votes.

“It is only a recommendation,” stated Peel. “Many member states and cities and regions already have these in place. [However] the case is clear–in London the introduction of 20 mph [30 km/h] zones reduced road casualties by 42 percent.”

Peel said he has already spoken with the Chair of the European Parliament’s TRAN committee who has welcomed the report adding that the the next steps will be to “work with the Commission to press for real action”.