In the run-up to the next European Parliament elections on May 22-25, ECF and its members invited candidates to reply to a survey on European cycling policy. 364 Member of European Parliament (MEP) candidates filled in the survey – and demonstrated overwhelming support for ECF demands with an average acceptance rate of 90 %.
364 MEP candidates from 23 countries across all main political groups filled in the ECF survey, with most replies in absolute numbers coming from Finland (40) and Spain (31) followed closely by Slovakia and Greece (30 each). Relative to the size of the population and number of MEP seats, most replies came from Luxembourg (11).
See the break down per country
The highest acceptance rate of any of the 10 ECF recommendations was on making motorized vehicles safer for pedestrians and cyclists (96 %). Also ECF’s demand that the European Commission develops and adopts a European Master Plan on Cycling by 2019 was approved by 93 % of the respondents.
The lowest support rate appeared to be on ECF’s demand regarding mandatory collection of data and statistics on cycle use at European and national level (73 %). Several respondents said in the comment box that the subsidiarity principle was a reason for not supporting some of ECF’s positions, while ensuring to be in favour of cycling in general. The exact results for each of the 10 questions can be found below.
ECF also asked the MEP candidates on how often they cycle. The same question and possible answers were part of the Special Eurobarometer 406 “Attitudes of Europeans towards urban mobility” from 2013. While the replies on “At least once a day” and “A few times a week” score only slightly higher for MEP candidates who filled in the ECF survey compared to the whole EU-28 population, only 1 in 8.5 MEP candidates said that they “never” cycle, compared to half the European population.
Quotes from candidates
While ECF welcomes these positive responses from MEP candidates, we want to build a sustainable relationship with incoming MEPs after the elections. Therefore ECF will initiate the launch of a “Cycling Mobility Forum” in autumn. Chaired by MEPs, it should become a Brussels-based platform where ECF can meet and discuss cycling-related policy issues with all relevant stakeholders to advance our mission, says ECF Secretary General Dr Bernhard Ensink: “More people cycling more often.”
Break down per question:
- EU funds for cycle projects
- Support EuroVelo, the European cycle route network
- Safer motorised vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists
- A level playing-field for cycling with other transport modes
- Better air quality in Europe
- The benefits of cycling in health policy and the health dimension in transport appraisal
- Cycling fully integrated in the multi-modal transport system
- Statistics and data collection on cycle use
- A European Master Plan for the promotion of cycling
- An EU transport modal split target for 2030
By Fabian Küster
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