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Since our foundation in 1983, ECF has had one goal: To promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy means of transportation and recreation. Our roots are in Europe, but the challenges we face are global. We believe the bicycle is a solution to many of the world’s woes. We therefore have an ambition to export both ours and our members’ expertise worldwide.

More specifically, our aims and objectives are to:
  • Raise the status of cycling and to promote recognition of the benefits of cycling for both individuals and society as a whole.
  • Encourage consideration of cyclists’ needs in Europe in all aspects of transport planning and management, environment, safety and health, and promote cycle-friendly conditions throughout Europe.
  • Support member groups on matters of national and international importance relating to the aims of the ECF.
  • Undertake research on matters relating to cycling, transportation, environment and safety.
  • Enhance the information and advice available to member groups and thus assist in their activities nationally and internationally.
  • Promote the exchange of information and expertise between member organisations.
  • Provide information and expertise in order to raise the awareness of specific groups: international bodies and institutions, politicians, planners, manufacturers/trade groups, bicycle holiday agents/tourism authorities, environmental and transport groups with regard to cycling and its benefits and needs

The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) is pledged to ensure that bicycle use achieves its fullest potential so as to bring about sustainable mobility and public well-being. To achieve these aims, ECF seeks to change attitudes, policies and budget allocations at the European level. ECF will stimulate and organise the exchange of information and expertise on bicycle related transport policies and strategies as well as the work of the cyclists’ movement.”

– Annual general report 2010

In order to achieve these goals ECF has formulated the key objectives of cycling into a set of proclamations. These public documents outline the cornerstones of international cycling policy. Together they articulate and affirm the primary set of motives, principles, intentions and priorities of promoting cycling.
The first of these key documents was the Declaration of Berne in May 2007. Following two years later, the Charter of Brussels was published and signed in May 2009. The Charter of Seville was made public in March 2010, followed by the Charter of Vancouver in June 2012.