Historic Declaration Expected to Unlock Billions for Cycling Infrastructure
Brussels, Belgium
The European Declaration on Cycling was signed on Wednesday 3rd April at the Informal Council meeting of Transport Ministers led by the Belgian European Union (EU) presidency at Egmont Palace in Brussels. It is the most ambitious EU-level policy initiative on cycling to date, recognising cycling as a strategic priority and acknowledging its power to generate enormous benefits for Europe.
Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), established five years ago with the aim of promoting cycling within the EU, is funded by and represents the cycling business sector
CIE’s president Tony Grimaldi gave a keynote at the Transport Ministers’ meeting. By joining 27 European Transport Ministers at an informal council meeting, CIE perceives this high-level gathering as a big step forward for growing cycling and developing a world-class European cycling industry.
During his keynote speech, Grimaldi emphasized the transformative potential of cycling, urging Member States to take the opportunity for positive change now. He highlighted the benefits of embracing cycling, not only for mobility but also for job creation, economic growth, and the promotion of local industries. Grimaldi presented the economic potential of the cycling industry, projecting over 1 million new jobs in the EU by 2030. He stated that investing in cycling infrastructure not only benefits the environment but also contributes to economic prosperity in member countries, “When you develop new cycling infrastructure, you create new markets.”
He continued, “There is no reason to wait to grow cycling in Europe. It is a win-win – mobility transition, job creation, economic growth, promotion of local companies – all available now, all affordable now. Let’s develop a world-class European cycling industry and give boost to European leadership!”
With EU elections coming up in June 2024, Cycling Industries Europe is calling for the new EU to make sure that the 36 commitments set in the Declaration will be turned into action.
