In October 2016, the EU has presented its first “State of EU Cities” report at the UN Habitat III in Quito and at the Committee of the Regions. The report analyses the performance of European cities with regard to the priority themes of the Urban Agenda for the EU and has the objective to support more evidence-based urban policy making in Europe. The topics that are most interesting to ECF are: jobs, accessibility, air quality, mobility, etc.

The report gives due attention to active transport and includes some relevant cycling data - which is not so common in EU transport reports! We will highlight some interesting information that is included on urban mobility and cycling.

Car is not dominant in most EU cities

The chapter on mobility in cities states that cities have a natural advantage when it comes to promoting low-carbon mobility. Their density and mixed use ensure that many destinations can easily be reached on foot, by bike or using public transport. As a result, most cities have car-ownership levels lower than the national average.

In most cities, the share of car use was below 30% (see Figure 5.6). Capital cities typically had the lowest share of residents using the car. The variation between the cities is stark: from more than 70% in Lefkosia to less than 10% in Paris.

Call for a clear choice for active mobility

Cycling in cities is also subject to big variations. A recent survey showed that in half of the cities surveyed, cycling did not reach more than a 10% modal share, in fourteen it reached a share of more than 25% and in three (Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Groningen) the share was even over 50%. However, the report concludes that cycling with the right environment can reach a high modal share.

The report acknowledges that cities have to make a clear choice in implementing measures. They should invest in high-quality alternatives for walking, cycling and public transport.

According to ECF, this is where the European Union has a role to play: to help all cities in Europe reach the full potential of active mobility and work away the disparities. The EU can do this both by continuing to share best practices, but also by directing its regional funding streams more towards active mobility. The overview of the previous funding period shows that much more budget can be dedicated to cycling.

The State of EU Cities is a very good start to monitor EU cities. It gives a good overview of the challenges, the similarities and the differences in EU cities. ECF welcomes the effort and the attention given to cycling in this context. We fully subscribe the recommendation of the report that cities should choose for green and active mobility and the EU should encourage them in their way forward. 

Read the full report here.