ECF

The ECF welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the current review of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines. 

A significant increase in the number of trips made by bike is crucial for achieving the goals and targets of the European Commission. It will be needed to help meet the objectives of the European Green Deal and contribute to reducing the transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050. Cycling must therefore play a central role in Europe’s transportation network and, by extension, TEN-T – the EU’s flagship transport policy.

The ECF proposes two measures to ensure cycling is better integrated into TEN-T:

1. Integrate EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, into TEN-T. EuroVelo should be included as a fully-fledged TEN-T network alongside the networks for other modes. As the European cycle route network is already well-established, its integration into TEN-T would be easy to achieve and entail tremendous benefits for the whole policy.
2. Integrate cycling infrastructure into all TEN-T infrastructure projects. The potential for cycling traffic in the area covered by the respective projects should be evaluated and necessary elements of cycling infrastructure should be integrated into project planning, design, and construction. This should include the following measures:
   • cycle routes along TEN-T corridors;
   • safe and comfortable cycle crossings across TEN-T corridors;
   • upgrading other roads affected by TEN-T projects to safe cycling standards;
   • cycling connections in TEN-T urban nodes.

The review of the TEN-T guidelines represents an opportunity to level the playing field for transport modes.

The update can correct the limitations of the current approach and foster an unprecedented growth in cycling infrastructure across the EU.