ECF took some members of the European Parliament on a Brussels cycle tour yesterday. Nice weather and VIP guide made the pre-launch of Cycling Forum Europe a colorful and informal meet up of cycling enthusiasts. The MEPs Anneli Jäätteenmäki (Finland), Jeppe Kofod (Denmark), Dario Tamburrano (Italy), Seán Kelly (Ireland) and Florent Marcellesi (Spain), their assistants and representatives of other European Institutions and organisations were welcomed on the Parliament esplanade by Kevin Mayne, Development Director at ECF, who thanked them for attending the warm up event of this newly-formed Forum. The group then went on a short tour of Brussels in the sunshine, guided by Frederik Depoortere, Bike Manager for the Brussels Region. Mr Depoortere has been steering the gradual transition of the city’s road infrastructure into one that includes cyclists and provides them with a safer environment for moving around in the city. He could give insights on current, past and future cycling infrastructure developments in the Brussels region, showing all the work behind each meter of cycle path. Photo reportage here The MEP Cycle Tour was the first event leading to the establishment of the Cycling Forum Europe. The Forum is to become a fruitful platform for MEPs to exchange and debate around the theme of European cycling policy – its main objective being getting more people cycling, more often.

So, what next for Cycling Forum Europe?

The network, which is established by and for MEPs, will be officially launched on 20 November at the European Parliament in Brussels. A date not to be missed, with keynote speakers and a chance to get acquainted with the major players bringing cycling policy forward in Europe.  Registrations are already open for this event where all people aiming at ‘getting more people cycling, more often’ are welcome.