Belgium and 5 EU partners call for European cycling strategy

Belgian federal mobility minister Georges Gilkinet signed a European cycling declaration on Thursday, together with fellow ministers from Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Ireland. In their declaration, the six countries call on the EU to "implement a real cycling policy" and to make 2024 the European Year of Cycling.

According to Gilkinet, more cycling is one of the solutions to the challenges of our time, such as climate change, soaring energy prices and health problems caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

"This is why the European Union should commit to cycling, as it already does for railways", says Gilkinet.

Alongside his fellow ministers from Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Ireland, the Ecolo (green party) deputy prime minister signed a ‘European Bicycle Declaration’ during a European Council of Ministers in Luxembourg on Thursday. The document states, among other things, that the EU should prioritise cycling in its climate strategy, allocate funds for cycling policy and make citizens more aware of the benefits of cycling.

In addition, the signatories are calling on the EU to make 2024 the European ‘Year of the Bicycle’.

This would be “an important symbol to finally recognise the bicycle as a unique and fully-fledged means of transport”, Gilkinet concludes.

(BRV)

© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND