The timing is right for the European Commission to designate 2024 as the European Year of Cycling. The European Parliament formally requested the Commission to do this in an unanimously adopted resolution in February. A growing coalition of 15 EU countries have made the same demand with their own declaration. But what is a European Year, and why do we think one will be helpful for cycling?

What is a ‘European Year’?

A European Year is a public awareness campaign on a specific issue meant to encourage debate and dialogue between EU countries. It is a way for the EU institutions to prioritise a thematic issue that touches all EU countries and citizens, with an aim to inform and to change attitudes.

The Commission proposes the theme for a European Year. This usually happens during the ‘State of the Union’ speech made by the Commission President. The proposal is then debated and eventually adopted by the European Parliament and EU Member State governments.

Many European Years offer extra funding opportunities to local, regional and national projects that address the specific theme. Importantly, it sends a strong political signal to all EU institutions and national governments that the theme in focus should receive special attention in policymaking.

Why do we need a special year to recognise cycling?

Europe is on the cusp of having more than just a small handful of places known for cycling, becoming a continent where cycling is a fully fledged mode of transport. Dozens of EU countries are implementing national cycling strategies. Numerous municipalities are building cycling infrastructure and getting their citizens to cycle. Talk to anyone in the world about cycling, and they will often think of a European country or city. Europeans already cycle billions of kilometres each year for daily life, sport and leisure. More businesses are using cargo bikes to deliver goods and services. The Commission will propose a new policy on cycling, as announced by Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans in March, in responses to formal calls by the European Parliament and EU governments.

A 2024 European Year of Cycling would be just the spark Europe needs to entice millions of Europeans to take to the bicycle. Europe needs cycling now more than ever. One hundred cities have committed to making themselves climate-neutral by 2030. New EU policies will likely require European cities to create and implement Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans to lower carbon emissions in the transport sector. The goals in the European Green Deal cannot be reached without more Europeans, particularly in cities, choosing cycling over driving.

Think of a European Year of Cycling as a stimulus for public action. Dedicating 2024 to cycling sends a clear political signal to all levels of government in Europe, and to all citizens, that the bicycle has a central place in our mobility habits and policies, and that it deserves as much political, financial and public attention as other modes of transport. After all, cycling is integral to European history and culture – we need to celebrate it, and by doing that make it accessible to everyone.

Help us make a 2024 European Year of Cycling happen

If you live in Europe, then you can use your voice in this campaign. Write directly to Commission President von der Leyen that you support the European Parliament’s request to designate 2024 as the European Year for Cycling. Hearing from a lot of European citizens can help persuade her to take this step. You can do this by tweeting or directly emailing her. Use hashtag #EYOC2024 (European Year of Cycling) when you share.

Make your voice heard. Let’s together celebrate 2024 as the European Year of Cycling!

Tweet directly to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:

"Dear @vonderleyen, I support the @Europarl_EN request to make 2024 the European Year of Cycling. Europe needs more #cycling to achieve the Green Deal and to make our cities and towns more sustainable! #EYOC2024"

Include this graphic with your tweet – and feel free to use it as much as you like when you tweet or share content on other social media sites.

Email President von der Leyen (click here to send a message):

Dear President von der Leyen – I urge you to heed the European Parliament’s call to designate 2024 as a European Year of Cycling. Europe needs more cycling to clean its air, fight climate change, and make the places where we live more sustainable for everyone. Dozens of European countries and cities are making new policies to promote cycling and building more kilometres of cycling infrastructure. The bicycle touches virtually all our lives. But we need a clear signal from the EU that the bicycle occupies a special place not just in our culture, but in our daily lives, in our cities, in our economy. Let’s make 2024 the year of the bike!