In response to the latest global energy crisis and rising fuel prices, the European Cyclists’ Federation and a coalition of European mobility advocates are calling on governments at all levels to urgently invest in cycling as a solution to both affordability issues and energy dependence.
ECF have published a new manifesto, “Achieving energy independence and affordable transport for all: 10 measures to leverage cycling”, which outlines concrete short- and long-term actions to shift everyday mobility away from cars and towards active transport. It complements and goes beyond the measures in the European Commission communication on affordable energy encouraging stronger recognition of cycling and active mobility as immediate, cost-effective solutions to reduce transport-related energy demand.
Five immediate measures
- Reintroduce temporary COVID-style bike lanes
- Lower urban speed limits to 30 km/h
- Offer financial support for purchasing bicycles and e-bikes and for repairs
- Organise regular car-free Sundays in neighbourhoods, districts or entire cities
- Promote cycling tourism and improve bike access on public transport
Five mid-to-long-term measures
- Introduce bike-leasing schemes through fiscal incentives
- Allocate at least 10% of transport budgets to active mobility
- Build state-of-the-art continuous cycling networks across all levels: local, regional, national, European
- Set up comprehensive bike-to-school schemes
- Strengthen institutional capacity for active mobility planning
Our View
As a Greek organization that promotes cycling and sustainable mobility, we welcome the European initiative and the new manifesto to strengthen cycling as a solution to the energy crisis and the increasing cost of transportation.
In Greece, the discussion on sustainable mobility has intensified in recent years, especially after the pandemic and the increase in transport costs. Although several cities have taken steps towards creating cycling infrastructure, the overall picture remains fragmented. An important step was the establishment of a 30 km/h limit in urban areas, but this alone is not enough.
As an organization with expertise and daily contact with the needs of citizens, we are ready to collaborate with the state and local government to design and implement interventions that will take advantage of the European guidelines and turn cycling into a daily choice for everyone.