EC commits to ‘re-cycling cities’

The European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee and several mayors from EU cities have signed the Charter of Brussels – a commitment to promoting and investing in infrastructure for cycling.

The pledge came at the end of the Belgium-based Velo City conference in May which focused on ‘re-cycling cities’ – the role of the bicycle in urban transport. 52 countries and 800 participants debated how cycling can be better integrated in urban planning, culminating with the signing of the Charter.

Those present included leading industry figures, cyclist associations, urban planners and institutes including the World Health Organisation and the United Nations.

The Charter saw the creation of a parliamentary intergroup for cycling in the European parliament, and also confirmed that a European Bicycle Officer would be appointed in the EC.

At the start of the conference European Commissioner for Transport Antonio Tajani explained the key role cycling has in meeting the objectives of the Green Urban Transport Paper.

Also at the conference Dahon provided a fleet of 200 special edition bicycles for test-riding, commemorating Dahon’s (and the European Cyclists’ Federation) role in promoting cycling over the last 25 years.