Developing an EU cycling strategy
21.6.2022
Question for oral answer O-000025/2022
to the Commission
Rule 136
Karima Delli
on behalf of the Committee on Transport and Tourism
Active mobility, including cycling, is taking on an ever‑growing role in our everyday lives. Cycling should be acknowledged at EU level as a transport mode that is as valid as any other. It also brings with it many other benefits, such as enhanced individual health and reduced road congestion, as well as environmental and economic benefits.
The Commission has been working on making cycling a part of multimodal transport policies, by integrating it into the current initiatives. The revised Trans‑European Transport Network (TEN‑T) Regulation and the implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans could help to increase the modal share of cycling in EU cities. A more strategic, EU‑level approach enabling safer and more widespread cycling in the EU would help deliver on the Fit For 55 package and the RePowerEU plan. Cycling could lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions and air pollution, and could also help to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
The Commission has started its work on the transition pathway for the mobility ecosystem in order to help industries to accomplish the green and digital transitions and become more resilient. The cycling industry, including e‑bike manufacturing and its associated retail sector, should be recognised as key partners in the mobility ecosystem of the EU industrial strategy and in industrial infrastructure programmes and funding schemes. Any strategic dependencies should be addressed to alleviate stress on supply chains.
In view of the above, I would like to ask the Commission the following questions:
- 1.Does it plan to publish an EU cycling strategy in the near future?
- 2.How does it plan to complement and/or extend the EU Urban Mobility Framework and the EU Climate‑Neutral and Smart Cities Mission with adequate measures aimed at supporting cycling and increasing its share in the overall modal mix? Are there any plans to develop EU‑level requirements for safe and convenient cycling infrastructure?
- 3.Does the Commission intend to include the EU bicycle industry in the list of EU industries covered by the EU industrial strategy?
Submitted: 21.6.2022
Lapses: 22.9.2022