National cycling policies

Austria

The Austrian “Cycling Masterplan” sets as its broad objective an increase of the cycling modal share (from 7% in 2010 to 13% in 2025), which should be realised through new investments in quality cycling infrastructure and by raising awareness of cycling on a daily basis. The priorities of the plan are: push for investments at all levels for the promotion of cycling; more cycle-friendly conditions such as the consolidation of infrastructure; information campaigns and awareness raising; optimisation of coordination with other modes of transport; bikes as a healthy mode of transport. Austria is also a partner of the Danube Cycle Plans programme.

Name	Masterplan Radfahren / Cycling Masterplan
Year(s)	2015–2025
Level of adoption	Published by the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management
No. of strategy iterations	Third (previous: “Cycling Master Plan 2011-2015” and “Cycling Master Plan 2006”)
Cycling share	7% (2010)
EB 495/2019	8%
Measurable objectives	CYCLING SHARE: 13% (2025) ROAD SAFETY (Austrian Road Safety Programme 2011-2020): 50% road deaths reduction; 40% serious injury reduction; 20% personal injury reduction
Investments	€9.4 million per year, €1.10 per capita/year (average in the past strategy 2011-2015). In 2020 the national government announced to increase the federal annual funding to cycling to €40 million.
Other main interventions	LEGAL CHANGES TO HIGHWAY CODE Further development of the road traffic regulations and adaptation of guidelines and standards at the federal level: Anchoring the cycle path signposting Reform of the special priority rule for cyclists Setting One-way cycling streets in the local area as a standard, with the possibility of restriction Improving the situation for cycling children. PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Optimize the links with other means of transport. Make bicycle carriage on trains and buses more attractive CAPACITY-BUILDING Advisory programs in cycling (carried out since 2006) for the promotion of cycling in the context of mobility management. The addressees being companies, fleet operators, cities, municipalities, regions, schools etc. CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Intensification of the nationwide coordination of Bicycle Coordinators (RadkoordinatorInnen) at state and city level (in parallel with coordination and the expansion of the internet platform klimaaktivmobil.at/cycling for the exchange of information between all actors) OTHER Intensification of the Ministry’s research programs focusing on cycling by connecting bicycle industry, its customers and the research institutions Further expansion of the bike rental system

Belgium

The first-ever Belgian cycling action plan on the federal level was adopted in 2021. Whereas most competences have been transferred to its three regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels Capital Region), this plan aims to build upon the emerging trends throughout the entire country brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The overarching goal is to facilitate more bicycle trips. The government undertakes to achieve an ambitious modal shift and to reduce greenhouse gases by 55% by 2030. The increase in the number of cyclists is also a means of reducing congestion. The Federal Planning Bureau calculated that traffic congestion in Belgium cost its citizens $2.3 billion per year.

A total of 52 measures categorised across three main axes have been introduced. Additionally, every measure is assigned to one of the twenty Ministers and Secretaries of State who will monitor their own measures, in cooperation with other colleagues and will be responsible for their annual evaluation. These three axes are: 1) Facilitating practical and convenient access to bicycles; 2) Improving infrastructure safety and comfort (emphasis on theft prevention); 3) Making the bike option obvious and normal, as well as an additional group of supporting measures.

Name	BE CYCLIST - Plan d’Action pour la Promotion du Vélo du gouvernement fédéral 2021-2024 / Actieplan ter Promotie van de Fiets van de federale regering 2021-2024 / Action plan for the promotion of the Bicycle of the federal government 2021-2024
Year(s)	2021-2024
Level of adoption	Federal government – approved by Council of Ministers and supported by Prime Minister
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	12%
Measurable objectives	-
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Adapt the Highway Code Update the “Bike Theft Manual” Include the fight against bicycle theft in the new version of the comprehensive security framework note PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Improve the bicycle and train combination by the SNCB (national rail company) Facilitate the development of cycle routes along the rails OTHER The plan has broad ambitions regarding the popularisation and broad utilisation of cycling within the wider civil sector. These symbolic measures aim to directly increase the modal share of bikes among civil servants in all branches of the public sector. However, the main goal is to send a strong message to all citizens.

Cyprus

Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos recently presented an "Action Plan for the Promotion of Bicycle Use 2021 - 2023” (Σχεδίου Δράσης Προώθησης της Χρήσης του Ποδηλάτου για την περίοδο 2021 – 2023) and announced investments of approximately €4 million (€1.3 per capita per year), which was approved by the government in February 2021. It is not a stand-alone document, but part of the National Plan for Energy and Climate 2021-2023. According to the declarations, the plan is a package of 17 actions, among which are the improvement of cycling infrastructure with newer and wider cycle paths, the updating of markings and standards of bike lanes, free transport of bicycles in public transport vehicles, construction of covered and safe bicycle parking stations, as well as locker rooms for employees in government buildings.

Name	Σχεδίου Δράσης Προώθησης της Χρήσης του Ποδηλάτου για την περίοδο 2021 – 2023 / Action Plan for the Promotion of Bicycle Use 2021 – 2023
Year(s)	2021 – 2023
Level of adoption	Governmental
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	0%
Measurable objectives	-
Investments	€4 million
Other main objectives	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Reduction of the speed limit to 30 km / h in neighbourhoods and in historic cores or special cores, as well as in city centres Traffic regulations for cyclists, such as a suitable signalling system and traffic lights to ensure continuous flow Update of markings and standards. PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Free transport of bicycles by public transport vehicles. CAPACITY-BUILDING Providing free training courses for learning the proper use of the bicycle and the Road Traffic Code, as well as the cultivation of culture through educational programs, films, experiential workshops and general promotions in relation to the use of the bicycle. OTHER Incentive plan and subsidy for the purchase of a new bicycle and a subsidy for the repair and maintenance of a bicycle

Czech Republic

The “Czech National Cycling Development Strategy 2013 – 2020” aimed at increasing the urban cycling modal share as well as the efficiency when building cycling infrastructure by improving coordination among the government, city and municipal authorities at both the state and regional level, focusing on four key priorities: 1) Finance, 2) Safety and Legislation, 3) Bicycle Academy (training programme), 4) Cyclotourism (Cesko jede / Czech Mobile). Czech Republic is also a Partner of Danube Cycle Plans.

Name	Czech National Cycling Strategy 2013-2020
Year(s)	2013-2020
Level of adoption	Approved by the Government
No. of strategy iterations	Second (previous: “Cycling Strategy 2004”)
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	6%
Measurable objectives	CYCLING SHARE: 10% (25% in urban areas) by 2020, 25% by 2025 (for trips under 5 km) ROAD SAFETY: halve cyclists’ fatalities (2020)
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Make changes to the Road Traffic Regulation for an easier and therefore cheaper development of cycling infrastructure (laws, regulations of technical standards and conditions, methodological manuals and guidelines), taking into account needs of cyclists PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Implement measures that would help to interconnect cycling and public transport, eg providing bicycle parking in the Bike & Ride system at public transport stops and railway stations and other key transport hubs CAPACITY-BUILDING Bike Academy for cyclo-coordinators OTHER Establish cyclo-coordinators (at the city level)

Denmark

Denmark published its second national bicycle strategy in July 2014. It identified the steadily declining numbers of cyclists in the country during the 2000s as the main challenge and proposed a three-pillar strategy. Each pillar contained a number of specific initiatives to support and increase the use of bicycles as a means of transport for the benefit of mobility, the environment and public health.

The first pillar – “everyday cycling” – set out to increase the overall modal numbers of cycling by improving infrastructure, encourage work commutes by bicycle and foster connections with public transportation. The second pillar – “active holidays and recreation” – aimed at improving citizens’ health by building more recreational cycling routes and investing in cycling tourism. Ultimately, the “new and safe cyclists” pillar focused on increasing the safety of children while cycling by launching educational campaigns and providing safer bike routes to schools.

Name	Denmark – on your bike! The national bicycle strategy
Year(s)	2014
Level of adoption	Government
No. of strategy iterations	Second (previous: “More bikes on the road of the country – 2007”)
Cycling share	16% (2010-2013)
EB 495/2019	12%
Measurable objectives	-
Investments	€57.3 million of investments planned (but not specified for how many years)
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. The Danish Road Directorate can grant a dispensation for a municipal road authority to allow cyclists to turn right at a red light (after running a test) PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Foster the relationship between cycling and public transport with the help of a new door-to-door strategy, with better and more secure bicycle parking at stations and transport hubs OTHER Develop Cycle Superhighways

Finland

The strategic framework serves as a guideline for the national action plan for walking and cycling prepared by the Finnish Transport Agency. It also guides the cooperation between central and local governments in the development of transport system development in regions and municipalities. The Action Plan sets out four priorities: 1) a shift in attitudes, 2) infrastructure, 3) community structure and 4) administrative structure and legislation. These priority areas comprise 33 measures, responsibility for which is assigned to the competent authorities.

Name	Kävelyn ja pyöräilyn valtakunnallinen strategia 2020 / National Strategy for Walking and Cycling + The National Action Plan for Walking and Cycling 2020
Year(s)	2011-2020
Level of adoption	Plan published by the Ministry, developed under request of the government
No. of strategy iterations	Second (previous: “Cycling and Walking Policy Programmes” – 2001)
Cycling share	Less than 10% (2005)
EB 495/2019	13%
Measurable objectives	By 2020 (compared to 2005): No. of JOURNEYS BY BIKE/FOOT: 20% increase (300 million trips, from 32% to 35-38%) No. of JOURNEYS BY CAR: 20% reduction (compared to 2005) ROAD SAFETY: Halve the number of fatalities
Investments	-
Other main interventions	SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Finance the cooperation between the central and local governments OTHER Reforming the overall structures of finance schemes to go beyond the current scarce funding from the State and municipalities for walking and cycling.

France

The French plan is based on four axes aimed at responding to the identified obstacles and the expectations of the French people: 1) the development of quality cycling facilities and more generally improving road safety, 2) security: the fight against bicycle theft, 3) incentives: the establishment of an appropriate incentive framework that fully recognises cycling as a relevant and virtuous mode of transport and 4) the development of a cycling culture.

Name	Plan Vélo & Mobilités Actives / Cycling Plan & Active Mobilities
Year(s)	2018-2024
Level of adoption	Adopted by the Government
No. of strategy iterations	Second (previous: “Plan National Vélo 2012-2020”)
Cycling share	3% (2018)
EB 495/2019	3%
Measurable objectives	Triple the share of cycling to 9% cycling modal share by 2024
Investments	Creation of a national active mobility fund, amounting to €350 million (for 7 years). Outside the Plan Vélo, the national level has pledged some €500 million to cycling.
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Changes in the Highway Code in favour of active mobility (by the end of 2019): Provision of reserved parking spaces on the road Advanced stop lines at traffic lights Contraflow cycling Authorisation to wear glare-free lighting devices not currently authorised Allow abreast cycling in zone 30/low traffic areas Heavy goods vehicles are prescribed with specific equipment that detects and warns of the presence of vulnerable users Simplify the legal status of “voies vertes” (greenways) to facilitate the coexistence of road users. Strengthen the active mobility content in planning documents by prescribing the development of continuous and secure cycle/pedestrian lanes, as well as parking areas. PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Pay particular attention to intermodality facilitators. Make available data on cycle networks, share and rent schemes, as well as other mobility services to promote intermodality. SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES "Cycling and territories" is a call for projects which allows territories to anticipate the implementation of the National "active mobility" Fund. More generally, it supports territories, in particular medium-sized agglomerations, in the definition of their cycling policy.

Germany

The National Cycling Plan is the Federal Government’s strategy for the promotion of cycling in Germany. It is, by far, one of the most complete plans, often taken as a model for other countries, with a very specific number of clearly defined targets. All of the actions and objectives were coordinated in dialogue with professional associations and representatives from federal states and local authorities. The guiding objectives of the strategy are: 1) Implementing seamless cycling infrastructure; 2) Becoming a country of cycling commuters and cyclists; 3) Placing cycling at the heart of modern mobility systems and becoming ubiquitous in urban and rural areas; 4) Vision Zero for cycling; 5) Conducting urban cargo transport by bicycle and 6) Making cycling smart and connected.

Name	Nationaler Radverkehrsplan 3.0 / National Cycling Plan 3.0
Year(s)	2021-2030
Level of adoption	Federal Government
No. of strategy iterations	Third (previous: “National Cycling Plan 2020 – Joining forces to evolve cycling – 2013”, “National Cycling Plan 2002-2012 – Ride your bike!”)
Cycling share	11% (2017)
EB 495/2019	15%
Measurable objectives	By 2030 compared with 2017: Distance travelled by bicycle to double (112 km/day to 224) No. of trips to increase from 120 per year per person to 180 Average length of trips to increase from 3.7 to 6 km By 2030 compared with 2019: Share of Germans who plan on cycling to increase from 41% to 60% 40% reduction in the number of cyclists fatalities Raise the aggregated financial support for cycling in all levels of government (local, county, regional, federal) from €11 to €30 per capita At least 50% of users will give a positive rating to the quality of bicycle transport on public transport
Investments	€365 million per year, €4.4 per capita per year (Federal Government funds)
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Modernise the legal framework to support logistic concepts that integrate bicycles, thus encouraging the reallocation of public land to balance the interests of all road users Review the obligation to use cycle lanes for cargo bikes and the right to use cycle lanes outside urban areas for pedelecs Strengthen the legal framework for commercial bicycle use, with the clarification of the technical regulations for cargo bikes Simplify design options in the public space, providing how and where bicycle rental systems can use public space, where parking facilities for cargo bikes can be designated and how junk bikes are dealt with DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Nationwide cycling infrastructure roll-out with the expansion of cycling routes that are defined in the cycling networks of the federal states (German Cycling Network), signposted according to uniform standards PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Support the expansion of Bike & Ride facilities at railway stations; improve the integration of cycling into intermodal services in municipalities; expand and harmonise bicycle transport offers by broadening the opportunities for bicycles on long-distance trains and make the stations barrier-free. Public bicycle rental systems will be linked to each other by fare systems and digitally to local and long-distance public transport SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Support programmes for municipalities and businesses with user-friendly and low-threshold funding opportunities. Enable ordinances to promote cycling in order to provide local governments with the flexibility they need to promote cycling CAPACITY-BUILDING The Bicycle Academy organises seminars and training courses, especially for employees in local authorities CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Create administrative structures, jobs and permanent contact persons which coordinate and implement the tasks of cycling promotion and incorporate these tasks into integrated concepts (at the levels of Federal government, Federal states and local authorities) OTHER Integrate cycling requirements in regional planning, planning laws and building regulations Introduce mandatory safety management. Adapt road infrastructure safety management procedures to meet the needs of cycling (e.g. record additional information relevant to cycling safety management in police accident reports) Make funding permanent and consider establishing of a foundation to promote cycling culture Examine the option of applying a reduced VAT rate for bicycle purchases and bicycle-related services

Hungary

The share of cyclists in Hungary is higher than the European average, ranking third in the European Commission’s “Special Eurobarometer 495” survey. In addition to the fact that in small settlements in flat areas traditionally many people cycle, cycling in Hungary is increasing in popularity because of recent developments and measures that have benefited cycling. The length of cycle routes has been dynamically increasing in the country, while more and more services are available for cyclists. In 2006 Hungary drafted the "Cycling Plan of Hungary", which has never been officially adopted. This was followed by the “National Cycling Concept and Network Plan” (2012-2013) that contained medium and long-term objectives for cycling infrastructure development. The National Cycling Programme of 2014–2020 is the first official national cycling strategy designed to increase the number of people who regularly cycle in order to foster economic development, establish new workplaces, improve the health of the general population and increase the liveability of cities. Similar to Germany, the Hungarian plan is particularly impressive for their precise and challenging set of targets. It is also a Partner of the Danube Cycle Plans.

Name	National Cycling Programme Hungary 2014–2020
Year(s)	2014-2020
Level of adoption	Government
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	22% (2014)
EB 495/2019	14%
Measurable objectives	30% increase in the number of cycling commuters Establishment of 21 cyclist-friendly settlements or districts Establishment of 500 km new regional cycling routes Development of 700 km new national cycling routes 1200 km new designated route 15 new bike sharing schemes nationwide 5 new recreational bike rental systems, 50 users/day/system 250,000 new bike parking and storage spaces 10 new bike parks (for BMX, cross-country, downhill, cyclo-cross etc.) Number of car drivers reached by cycling campaigns: 1,000,000 Reach 5 million Hungarian and 1 million foreign cycling tourists 15% income increase in the bicycle industry 10% increase in the number of bicycles sales.
Investments	€42,428,571 per year, €4.34 per capita per year
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Review and harmonization of road design standards in the Highway Code. Introduce transport related legislation and requirements in favour of cycling Obligatory integration of cycling developments into spatial and land use planning Specify conditions for cycling in forests, natural reserves, flood prevention banks, protected zones of water reservoirs. PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Provide safe bicycle storage, parking and carriage of bikes on public transport vehicles with the connected marketing and awareness campaigns. Improve accessibility of public transport hubs, especially platforms of railway and bus stations CAPACITY-BUILDING Educate bicycle (traffic) trainers, tour guides, bicycle repair courses, professionals (instructors, police, architects and urban planners, transportation engineers, local authorities etc.) with the assistance of international experts and by organising study trips CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Establish a cycling coordination body OTHER Establish a model of state funding for the maintenance and operation of cycling facilities

Ireland

In Ireland the popularity of cycling has steadily declined since 1986, with the share of bike commuting falling from 7%, to 4.2% in 1996 and to 2% in 2006. With “Ireland’s First National Cycle Policy Framework”, the Government acted to build a new culture of cycling in Ireland by 2020 and set the very ambitious goal of reaching a 10 % cycle modal share within just 11 years. The document recognises that no single action will prompt people to cycle. This is why the policy framework outlined a comprehensive package of interventions to make cycling not only easier, but safer too.

While no investments were announced as part of this cycling strategy, the new national government that took power in 2020 pledged to invest €360million into active mobility, representing 20 % of its transport capital investments (10 % cycling, 10 % walking).

Name	Ireland’s First National Cycle Policy Framework
Year(s)	2009-2020
Level of adoption	Government
No. of strategy iteration	First
Cycling share	2% (2006)
EB 495/2019	1%
Measurable objectives	Cycling share of 10% (2020) Additional 125,000 people commuting to work by bike
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION/REGULATIONS/GUIDELINES ETC. Revise road traffic legislation (Rules of the Road) in favour of more sustainable modes such as walking and cycling (eg contra-flow cycle lanes, exemptions to cyclists from certain banned turns and access restrictions, combined bus/cycle priority measures, advanced stop lines for cyclists at traffic signals etc.) Revoke the Statutory Instrument which requires cyclists to use cycle tracks where they are provided Develop national guidelines on bicycle parking. DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Development of the National Cycle Network (NCN). PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Special attention to integrating cycling and public transport (PT), providing cycling parking at all appropriate PT interchanges and stops, safe routes to stations, bicycle carriage on PT. CAPACITY-BUILDING Facilitate in the creation of a network of cycling experts and training workshops / sessions for all design professionals. OTHER Investigate the possibility of using the indirect tax system in order to reduce the cost of bicycle purchase Institution of Local Authority Cycling Officers.

Latvia

As explained in the document, the national cycling development plan of Latvia is not designed for cycling, “but for the economy and its promotion through cycling”. It encompasses production, trade, exports, transport, mobility, health, culture, safety, education, sport and many other areas where cycling is not the intended target, but rather a means to contribute to overall prosperity.

Name	Velosatiksmes attīstības plānu 2018-2020 / Bicycle Development Plan 2018-2020
Year(s)	2018-2020
Level of adoption	Plan was published by the Cabinet of Ministers. It was developed through the implementation of the Government Declaration for higher integration of cycling into the overall transport system in the Action Plan of 2016.
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	8%
Measurable objectives	For 2020, with a 2016 baseline: Increase no. of cyclists riding at least once a week from 23% to 30% Increase no. of cyclists riding at least 5 days a week from 6 to 10% Increase the total length of bicycle paths from 624 to 700 km.
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES etc. Update the Latvian standard “Road design Regulations” for bicycle traffic by including additional cycling requirements. PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Create multimodal transport hubs and bicycle parks. Upgrade railway stations and bus stations.

Luxembourg

In 2008, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg published a “Soft mobility national action plan” specifically dedicated to active mobility. However, in the following years it was substituted with a general sustainable mobility plan (MoDu strategy, “Mobilité Durable” – 2012 and 2018 edition) in which cycling only represented a small part of the overall transport plan. The "Modu 2.0" strategy of 2018 highlights the progress made since the previous edition of 2012, providing current figures and setting targets for 2025. With regards to cycling, it aims to increase the share of home-to-work trips (under 5 km) from 5% (of 2017) to 10%, and home-to-school trips from 3% to 15%. In the document it is reported that the current cycling share in Luxembourg is 2% (2017). The government intends to improve this share by:

Adopting favourable regulations for cycling, such as a law to further secure the national cycling network and to introduce the notion of the “express cycleable track”
Amending the Highway Code, by implementing crossing sidewalks, non-compulsory cycle paths, cycling streets, prescribing a lateral distance of 1.5m while overtaking etc.
Setting up an attractive national cycling network, both for daily trips and for cycle tourism (including rural)
Integrating the bicycle in all infrastructure and transport offers.

Malta

The Maltese National Cycling Strategy, including a National Cycling Action Plan, is intended to promote and support cycling in Malta as a sustainable mode of transport. Five strategic goals have been developed: 1) Increase awareness and improve cycling skills throughout the Maltese population, 2) Ensure a connected, cycle-friendly urban environment where cycling infrastructure forms an integral component, 3) Improve safety conditions, 4) Develop a cycling culture and 5) Establish strong cooperation networks between all respective stakeholders. The scope and objectives of the National Cycling Strategy also fall within the current Government’s policy to promote healthier lifestyles, with the Government’s ambition of being a walking and cycling nation by 2025.

Name	National Cycling Strategy and Action Plan for The Maltese Islands
Year(s)	2018 (with targets set for 2025)
Level of adoption	Plan published by “Transport Malta” (the Authority for land, sea and air transport in Malta)
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	2%
Measurable objectives	By 2050, compared with 2010: Double the cycling share (for trips under 5 km) Reduce injuries involving cyclists by 50% by 2050
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Review Malta’s traffic regulations with the aim of enhancing cycling promotion. Increase enforcement, reduce speed limits in the earmarked Safe Cycling Corridors, regulate contra-flow for cyclists and allow the use of bicycles on promenades Review legislation with respect to the registration of electric powered bicycles and the use of safety helmets Provide design guidelines and standards for the provision of cycling infrastructure (which do not exist currently) Review and update the national legislation so as to ensure that it promotes and facilitates cycling. DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Bid to develop a safe National Cycling Network PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Establish an integration between cycling and public transport SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Promote the creation of Active Cycling Communities OTHER Establish the Cycle Route Network of the Mediterranean promoted by Malta, Italy, Cyprus and Greece A new stakeholder platform named “Cycling Malta”, will be chaired by Transport Malta. The goal is to bring together all relevant stakeholders in one national forum, both to promote the use of the bicycle in Malta as well as to oversee the implementation of the Strategy

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, functional cycling is the most developed at European and global level, as testified by the 41% of people that indicated bicycle as their main mode of transport for daily travel, as reported by the last Eurobarometer (EB495, 2019).

The Netherlands was a forerunner in conceptualising and implementing a national cycling strategy. The “1990 – 1997 Dutch Bicycle Master Plan” was the first of its kind. However, the national government then took the decision to transfer all responsibilities to the local and regional level and has not had a national cycling strategy in the strict sense ever since.

However, with the Tour de France starting 2015 in Utrecht, various governmental and non-governmental actors, businesses and academia came together in the “Tour de Force” with the intention to promote cycling in a joint effort. In 2017 they drafted a joint Bicycle Agenda 2017-2020 with several actions to overcome barriers and exploit opportunities in cities, rural areas and in combination with public transport.

Although not a strategy in the most formal sense, Tour de Force is conceptualised as a programme in which the central government has the role of a liaison or assistant that brings parties together, commissions research, conducts experiments, amends regulations and, in some cases, co-funds urban projects. The interested parties are expected to formulate ambitions and commit to these at a later stage in the programme.

The eight broader goals stated in the Tour’s agenda are: 1) Netherlands as the leading bicycle country, 2) More room for the bicycle in cities, 3) Boosting the quality on busy and important regional cycling routes, 4) Optimise the transition between modes, public transport-bike and car-bike, 5) Targeted cycling promotion, 6) Less cycling accidents, 7) Less stolen bicycles and 8) Increase in knowledge.

Name	Tour de Force Ambitieprogramme 2e etappe: Schaalsprong Fiets (ambition document 2nd stage: Scaling cycling) Uitvoeringsprogramma Tour de Force 2020/2021 (Implementation programme Tour de Force 2020/ 2021)[2]
Year(s)	2017-2020
Level of adoption	Central Government
No. of strategy iterations	Second
Cycle share	27%
EB 495/2019	41%
Measurable objectives	Increase the number of kilometres travelled by bicycle by 20% over the next ten years (2017)
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Ensure satisfactory representation of cycling in the Strategisch Plan Verkeersveiligheid 2030 (Road Safety Strategic Plan) PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Improve the link between the bicycle network and public transport - renovating or constructing of additional bicycle parking facilities at railway stations Encourage and expand parking facilities for bicycles and (shared) bicycle supply at public transport hubs Provide knowledge and expertise to boost the availability of services at public transport hubs OTHER Introducing smart and inclusive solutions for key questions: How can we improve the link between the bicycle network and public transport? How can smart technologies help cyclists? For example, traffic lights that turn green when a cyclist approaches, a system that indicates free spaces in bicycle parking facilities or a chip to help trace stolen bicycles As people grow older, how can we ensure that they stay safe while cycling? How can we fund these measures?

Norway

Norway does not have a stand-alone document for the national cycling policy, but the Government sets several targets and actions for cycling in its “National Transport Plan 2014-2023”. Its goal is to strengthen public transport and facilitate cycling and walking, particularly in urban areas where environmental and capacity challenges are prominent.

Name	National Transport Plan 2014-2023
Year(s)	2014 – 2023
Level of adoption	Governmental
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	4% (2014)
EB 495/2019	-
Measurable objectives	By 2023 (compared to 2014): Increase cycling share from 4% to 8% Build a total of 750 km of walking and cycling paths along the national road network (240 km of which in cities and towns) Halve the number of serious injuries and fatalities in road traffic
Investments	€1 billion for measures for cyclists and pedestrians: €100 million/year, €18.86 per capita/year (highest budget so far)
Other main interventions	-

Portugal

With an integrated and clear strategy in the area of active cycling mobility, the aim of the Portuguese “National Strategy for Active Cycling Mobility 2020-2030” is to make Portugal a "proudly active" country, where cycling is a safe and widely practiced activity, constituting an accessible and attractive mobility option, thus maximising benefits for public health, the economy, employment, the environment and citizens. It provides 51 measures to promote active cycling mobility in four cross-cutting areas: 1) framework and legislation, 2) research and development, 3) monitoring and evaluation and 4) financing. This is in addition to three specific axes of intervention: 1) infrastructure and intermodality, 2) capacity building and support and 3) culture and behaviours.

Name	Estratégia Nacional para a Mobilidade Ativa Ciclável 2020-2030 / National Strategy for Active Cycling Mobility 2020-2030
Year(s)	2020-2030
Level of adoption	Approved by the Government
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	1% (2014)
EB 495/2019	0%
Measurable objectives	2025 GOALS Modal share of bicycle trips in cities of 4% A total extension of 5,000 km in cycle paths Reduction of road accidents for cyclists by 25% 2030 GOALS Modal share of bicycle trips in cities of 10% A total extension of 10,000 km in cycle paths Reduction of road accidents for cyclists by 50%
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Improve the Highway Code taking into account innovative solutions that favour cycling The Traffic Signalling Regulation associated with the latest revision of the Highway Code will be published in accordance with the law and will include specific horizontal and vertical signage suitable for bicycles Review of other regulations that may enhance active modes of transport (eg current Level Crossing Regulation or the regulation on parking spaces) which should guarantee minimum requirements for bicycles and determine upper limits for car parking DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Development a national cycle network of more than 6,000 km by 2023 PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Review the possibility of transporting bicycles outside heavy passenger transport vehicles Make bicycle transport practical and accessible by rail, river and, in justified situations, by road, for interurban and urban travel, with adequate bicycle parking OTHER Improve legislation on working conditions. Workers will be guaranteed good conditions to travel by bicycle to the workplace, in particular changing rooms and locker rooms, which are mandatory for medium and large companies in any sector of the economy. In industrial complexes or business parks, equipment and services should be made available, thus encouraging the use of shared bicycles inside them.

Slovakia

As declared in their national cycling strategy, with regards to cycling policies Slovakia is at the beginning of a road "where it is necessary to take concrete measures in order to bring cycling as transport and cycle touring to the foreground and to use their potential". The document briefly describes the present, basic state of cycling transport in Slovakia and declares the ambition to ensure a well-balanced and sustainable development of mobility and to create conditions for the increase of the citizens’ living standard. The vision is the emancipation of the cycling transport with other transport modes for it to become a regular part of urban and regional transportation systems. In addition, it aims to improve the general awareness of the advantages of cycling as a form of transportation to school, work or for recreation, which benefits the environment, economy and public health. Slovakia is also a partner of Danube Cycle Plans.

Name	Národná stratégia rozvoja cyklistickej dopravy a cykloturistiky v Slovenskej republike / National Strategy of the Development of Cycling Transport and Cycle Touring in the Slovak Republic
Year(s)	2014-2016
Level of adoption	Approved by the government
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	6%
Measurable objectives	CYCLING SHARE: 10% by 2020
Investments	Average €15,130,000 per year, €2.8 per capita / year
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Improve legislation by drawing up a comprehensive and integrated technical standard or technical regulations which determine procedures for the planning and construction of cycling transport infrastructure in urban and rural zones Amend acts relating to the road network and road traffic Determine obligations to design cycle tracks in case of new construction or reconstruction of roads and footways Determine obligations for administrative authorities to withhold approval on any investment project that does not deal with the issue of cycling transport Amend regulation on the protection of nature and landscape, forests, land registry, settlement of land, construction of hydraulic works and river administration CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Introduction of cycling coordinators at national and local levels, who are responsible for the coordination of cycling transport OTHER Establishing a permanent financial mechanism for the implementation of the Cycling Strategy Establishing an interministerial working group for the development of cycling transport and cycle touring in Slovakia Amending the existing STN 01 8028 (technical standards) regarding cyclo-touristic marking.

Spain

Spain adopted its first ever national cycling strategy in 2021, thus taking a step forward in recognising the importance cycling as a fundamental solution for urban mobility. The National Strategy sets clear activities and ambitions for the development of cycling in Spain. For the first time, it defines state investments exclusively dedicated to cycling. The Strategy has been presented under the motto “Efecto Bicicleta: cuando te sumas, todo rueda” (“Bicycle effect: when we come together, it all works out”), which underlines how the promotion and increase of active mobility is a mission of the society as a whole. The five priorities of the Strategy can be summarised as follows: 1) Pursue sustainable mobility through a modal shift to cycling, 2) Promote healthy life through active mobility, 3) Take advantage of the potential of cycle tourism, 4) Promote leisure and sport cycling and 5) Coordinate the action of the state in promoting cycling.

Name	Estrategia estatal por la bicicleta / National Strategy for Cycling
Year(s)	2020-2025
Level of adoption	Approved by the Government
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	2%
Measurable objectives	-
Investments	€5 million for the first year
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Integrate and standardise planning laws for cycling infrastructure in motorised roads, with the aim of making cyclists safer and more visible Propose rules on mandatory bike parking Address the need for clear and homogenised regulation on cycling transit in urban areas. Focus on the cyclist as a vulnerable road user and establish specific criteria for their transit Same for cycling infrastructure and the normative regulating the circulation of bicycle in natural areas DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Planning of a large multilevel cycle routes network, which will need to be continuous and connected to urban centres PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Work hand-in-hand with the Spanish Railways Foundation to improve bicycle-rail intermodality, thus creating safer access to stations and bicycle parking lots SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Provide guidance and support to local authorities in order to facilitate the shift in mentality required to achieve more cycling CAPACITY-BUILDING Improve training of professionals, which would make it possible to have an effective network of specialists across different areas of cycle tourism CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Creation of a Cycling Office at the Minister level (MITMA)

Sweden

Sweden’s national cycling strategy has the overall aim of promoting more and safer cycling. The strategy is an expression of the Government's ambitions in the area of cycling and a platform for future joint efforts. It aims to strengthen positive cycling trends and encourage more people to change their habits and start cycling. The strategy focuses on the following: 1) more bicycle-friendly municipalities, 2) greater knowledge about different groups of cyclists, 3) higher priority for bicycle traffic in community planning, more demonstration projects, 4) more functional and user-friendly cycling infrastructure, as well as adapted management and maintenance and 5) increased physical activity.

Name	Cykel Strategi / A national cycling strategy for more and safer cycling
Year(s)	2017
Level of adoption	Government
No. of strategy iterations	Third (previous: “Safer cycling - a common strategy for the period 2014-2020 – Version 1.0”, “National strategy for increased and safer cycling - 2000”
Cycling share	-
EB 495/2019	21%
Measurable objectives	-
Investments	Not specified
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Review existing regulations, including the amendment which states that cyclists over the age of 15 may ride on the road even though there is a cycle path Adapt both the design and maintenance of infrastructure based on cyclists’ needs CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Follow up on the developments in cycling within the National Cycling Council’s framework (as part of the Swedish Transport Administration) OTHER Transport Analysis. Draw up a uniform method for the systematic measurement of bicycle traffic at local and regional levels.

Switzerland

In Switzerland there is no National Cycling Strategy as of yet. The modal share of cycling in Switzerland has been stable over the last few years at around 5%. Nevertheless, following a 2018 referendum, the government introduced a provision on cycling into the constitution, giving it the competences to act. The cycling law, passed by the Federal Council in May 2021 (Veloweggesetz), forms a good basis for the improvement of general cycling conditions. It is a clear request from the Federal Council to the cantons and municipalities to make decisive progress in promoting cycling. The cantons and municipalities are thus obliged to proceed with the planning and implementation of cycle path networks. The Federal Council proposes a planning period of 5 years and an implementation period of 20 years. More information available here.

United Kingdom

The National Cycling Strategy of 1996 was the UK’s sole national strategy. Currently, each country is in charge of the implementation of their own cycling strategy. The most recent national data figures reported by Eurobarometer 495 (2019) on the share of people who chose cycling as the primary mode of travel amounted to 2% of the total population

England

Name	Gear Change: A bold vision for cycling and walking
Year(s)	2020-2025
Level of adoption	Published by the Department of Transport and with a foreword of the Prime Minister
No. of strategy iterations	Second (previous: “Cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS 1) 2016-2021”)
Cycling share	2% (2018)
EB 495/2019	2%
Measurable objectives	50% of modal share being by bike or foot by 2030
Investments	In May 2020, £2 billion for cycling were announced.
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Introduce a hierarchy of road users to ensure that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others Greater clarity on pedestrian and cyclist priority at junctions and introducing safe passing speeds and distances Consider the role that the National Model Design Code and the revisions to the Manual for Streets can play in delivering high quality, accessible, secure and safe cycle storage Introduce the offence of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving Increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving when under the influence of alcohol and drugs DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Improve and extend the National Cycle Network especially where it is most useful for everyday journeys. Significantly increase funding, remove obstacles and increase the proportion of the Network that is traffic-free or protected from traffic PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Make sure the railways cater to cyclists by investing substantial sums on safe cycling routes to stations, particularly in commuter towns. Increase cycle storage at stations, where it is currently limited Reverse the negative trend of bicycle carriage reduction on trains and buses SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Encourage and empower local authorities to take bold decisions Build up the capabilities of local authorities, including new officer posts and training Creation of “Mini-Holland” boroughs. Approve intensive and transformational spending on their roads and streetscapes to make them as cycle- and pedestrian-friendly as their Dutch equivalents. Select up to 12 willing local authority areas which are to benefit from intensive investment in “Mini-Holland” schemes. CAPACITY-BUILDING Capacity building training for local authorities CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL Introduce a national cycling and walking commissioner which will lead “Active Travel England” – a new commissioning body and inspectorate OTHER Establish a Cycling Technical Working Group responsible for developing a non-technical Annual Cycling Report. It will set out progresses and activities

Wales

Wales established an Active Travel Act 2013 which created a real legal basis for active mobility in Wales - an exceptionally strong measure to boost cycling at the national level.

Name	An Active Travel Action Plan for Wales
Year(s)	2017
Level of adoption	Government
No. of strategy iterations	Second (previous: “Active Travel Action Plan 2009-2013”)
Cycling share	-
Measurable objectives	Increase from the current 6% to 10% of people that would cycle at least once a week by 2026
Investments	-
Other main interventions	SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Local authorities are encouraged to engage widely in how they meet their mapping and planning duties under the Act, including with neighbouring authorities on cross boundary routes and networks CYCLING OFFICE AT THE STATE LEVEL The Active Travel Board (with an independent Chair) will continue to oversee progress on the implementation of the Active Travel Act and this Action Plan at the national level. It will utilise its own expertise and networks to support the promotion of active travel, to champion active travel within their own organisations and to advise on the development and delivery of active travel interventions. OTHER Keep subordinate active travel legislation under review, learning from early implementation of the Active Travel Act The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 made it a legal requirement for local authorities in Wales to map and plan for suitable routes for active travel, and to build and improve their infrastructure for walking and cycling every year. It also requires both the Welsh Government and local authorities to promote walking and cycling as a mode of transport.

Scotland

Name	Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020
Year(s)	2017-2020
Level of adoption	Government
No. of strategy iteration	Third iteration of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS – 2010 and 2013)
Cycling share	-
Measurable objectives	CYCLING SHARE 10% by 2020 INVESTMENTS Invest 10% of the transport budget (€35 per person per year) on active travel
Investments	€46.8 million per year, €8.66 per capita per year
Other main interventions	DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Continue to grow and maintain the National Cycle Network (NCN) in order to provide a strategic network of longer distance cycling routes for leisure, recreation, tourism and functional trips PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Increase cycle storage in public transport in order to support modal integration Improve integration with public transport through the partnership with “Scotrail”, bus/coach operators and Regional Transport Partnerships. Provide secure cycle storage at key destinations including transport interchanges SUPPORT TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Continue to support local authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships in: Developing local and regional active travel plans/strategies Building community links to the highest standard, including re-allocation of road space in favour of cycling and walking

Northern Ireland

Name	A Bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland
Year(s)	2015-2040
Level of adoption	Published by the Minister for Regional Development (DRD)
No. of strategy iterations	First
Cycling share	-
Measurable objectives	By 2025: 20% of all journeys under 1 mile to be cycled (40% in 2040) 10% of all journeys between 1 and 2 miles to be cycled (20% in 2040) 5% of all journeys between 2 and 5 miles to be cycled (10% in 2040)
Investments	-
Other main interventions	CHANGES IN LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS / GUIDELINES ETC. Improving awareness and communication of the Highway Code Enforcement of ‘rules’ (identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/ MUST NOT’ in the Highway Code) is a key issue for all road users Identifying priorities and resource efficient mechanisms for proportionate enforcement of the ‘rules’ DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK Review existing National Cycle Network routes the goal of their further development via the introduction of more physical infrastructure in addition to existing signage PROMOTE INTERMODALITY Fully integrate the bicycle into the wider transport infrastructure, linking it with other modes of transport. Integrate cycling routes and infrastructure into transport hubs, bus and rail stations, as well as major bus stops and Park & Ride sites. Improve bicycle parking and carriage