The EU works in various areas to make cycling safer – Learn more.
Cycling for the Global Goals
Cycling is delivering on the global goals worldwide. Making transportation more sustainable is of critical importance for humanity and the planet. Moreover, active mobility is a human right on all scales - including the right to cycle. Governments at all levels should provide safe access to public space, protect those that walk and cycle, and ensure - through mobility - equal participation in society. Investment in better conditions for cycling - including e-cycling, cargo cycling and public bicycles - will help achieve the Global Goals as cycling is directly linked to 11 of the Goals
World Bicycle Day
Acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health, the General Assembly decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day.
Featured Projects
Sharable assets
Cycling safety
19,450
cyclists killed on EU roads between 2010 and 2018
8%
road accident fatalities in 2016 were cyclists
50%
of cycling and pedestrian fatalities are over 65 years old
Compulsory safety measures
There are a few basic safety features – brakes, bell and reflectors – that are compulsory for bikes in every EU country. And some countries go beyond this, with additional requirements for visibility, helmets, children’s seats and a minimum age for cycling on roads.
Vehicle design & technology
Better designs for cars and heavy vehicles can reduce the risk of injury to cyclists, especially crash–friendly car fronts and blind-spot mirrors on lorries. And some new cars are equipped with cyclist detection systems that can automatically activate the brakes to avoid accidents.
Infrastructure & traffic management
Separating bikes from other traffic on uninterrupted cycling lanes helps reduce collisions with cars. Lower speed limits (30 km/h or 20 mph) also help.
