Cycling industry leaders set the agenda for the new European Commission: A world-class European cycling industry and sustainable mobility in 10 steps.
Cycling Industries Europe members have delivered a 10-point action plan on behalf of the cycling business sector which, if implemented, will accelerate growth in cycle use and support creation of a world-class industry with a million new jobs.
CIE companies remind the incoming EU Commission that cycling has proven that it can grow faster than any other mode of transportation, with proven technologies, efficient use of resources and an ambitious industrial plan that can deliver over a million new jobs in Europe.
That's why the CIE Manifesto calls for EU backing for infrastructure, fiscal support, regulatory consistency and industrial development that will maximise the contribution of our industry to the wellbeing of people, EU growth and job creation.
10 policy asks to go from zero carbon mobility to world class industry
How do we unlock cycling industry’s full potential for the wellbeing of people and the EU economy? We need a framework to reap the benefits of cycling to the European society and for the economy. Here are 10 concrete actions for the EU to ensure that the right policy and regulatory framework is in place by 2030.
1. Double cycling infrastructure in Europe by 2030: the growth of cycling hinges upon the availability of safe, coherent, separate, well-connected infrastructure, backed by parking options.
2. Invest in cycling at all levels of governance: cycling needs to be featured in all relevant policies, measures and funding, at EU, member state, regional and local levels.
3. Access to bikes should be available and affordable for everyone to enhance inclusivity and ease transport poverty. The EU Social Climate Fund should be used to support universal availability of bike sharing, bike leasing, reduced VAT on bike purchase and rental and fiscal support for small businesses to buy commercial bikes.
4. Maintain global leadership over bicycle standards and trade defence: Europe’s capacity to grow a world-class bicycle manufacturing industry relies on a predictable and solid regulatory framework for placing e-bikes on the market and preventing dumping in international trade.
5. Support the development of consistent data on cycling: key indictors and harmonised statistics are necessary to measure the impact and development of cycling, accelerate the transfer of best practices across the EU and facilitate the ecosystem’s transition towards a data-driven industry.
6. Accelerate the sector’s digitalisation efforts: the cycling industry is digitalising to become more resilient, sustainable, and circular. Establishing product passports and leveraging data spaces require substantial investment and technical expertise for which support is required.
7. Foster the development of a LMT battery value chain: the deployment of e-bikes in Europe hinges upon a predictable and stable supply of battery cells. An updated Net Zero Industry Act should place focus on developing research capacity and predictable access to raw materials for ‘Made in Europe’ light means of transportation (LMT) batteries.
8. Integrate cycling to Europe’s network of clusters and industrial support structures: cycling SMEs need support, capacity and knowledge to engage effectively and successfully with EU and national support schemes. The EU’s network of clusters and public-private partnerships need to be easily accessible for cycling companies to build a world-class industry.
9. Create a European cycling sector skills’ alliance: the cycling industry can be a key partner for the Just Transition by re-skilling automotive sector workers to bicycle manufacturing. New skills and diversity also need to be blended in to underpin digitalisation, circularity and the growth of services.
10. Reap the benefits of innovation and new business opportunities: the development of cycling is spurring a host of new business models for tourism, logistics, connected mobility and intermodally that deliver positive change. The European Innovation Council is in a prominent position to provide more targeted policy support for cycling start-ups.