In 2016, the cycling community grew stronger and delivered more convincing arguments to push cycling further up policy agendas all over the world. It also did much more. In challenging times, cyclists everywhere set an example for a better, more inclusive society that defends democratic values.

2016 has been a year of breakthroughs. After years of work at the highest political level, the first European Cycling Strategy is coming to life.  ECF successfully placed cycling in one of the United Nation’s top policy documents, the new Urban Agenda. Nationally a wave of groundbreaking policies is sweeping across Europe: cycle highways officially became part of Germany’s new infrastructure planning, Finland set a 30% cycling modal share as national transport target, the first National Cycling Strategy received cross-party endorsement in Spain, Italy is releasing millions of Euros for cycling infrastructure, and the list goes on.

We are also showing great progress in our long-term projects. Velo-city 2016 in Taipei was outstandingly successful and stimulating for Asia and Velo-city 2017 has already had a record number of applications for presentations. The EuroVelo network is an established international force for change, ECF and EuroVelo orchestrated a forum of top European stakeholders in the tourism sector to get support from the EU institutions as one of the top growing business fields in the continent. In recent years, we have promoted international recognition of new technologies in cycling including pedelecs, bike sharing and cargo bikes.  To lay a secure foundation for the future we are working to ensure speed pedelecs, Smart Cities, connected mobility and various forms of automated driving work for cycling, not against it.

Our community is growing bigger and better too. In over 50 events throughout the year, ECF brought together an unprecedented number of city officials, industry representatives, advocates and academics who are learning, advocating and influencing policy in more countries, more often.

At the heart of political influence today, however, is economics. We continue delivering numbers to showcase cycling as an instrument of growth. Our newest report on Economic Benefits of Cycling shows that every European citizen benefits up to 1000 EUR from cycling; that is over 510 bn EUR per year. This makes the case for all local, national and international governments to create a dynamic investment plan on cycling and active mobility urgently.

While focusing on economics to strengthen our relevance to the bigger political agenda, let us not forget that cycling is about access to mobility; and mobility is a fundamental human need. Without access to mobility, citizens are deprived of opportunities to work and feel part of society. From bicycle repair shops giving jobs to refugees to infrastructure connecting poorer areas with main economic hubs, cycling is key for social justice. Active mobility is freedom, and it is needed now more than ever.  

This is why I will not close this message by congratulating you on your work, even though 2016 was a remarkable year. Instead I want to thank you for working towards a united, inclusive society based on democratic values. Next year will require the cycling community to be stronger than ever and I am determined that we will deliver. With your exceptional skills and hard work, despite all challenges, I can say in all confidence: 2017, here we come.