WRITTEN QUESTION E-1851/01

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(26 June 2001)

Subject: Cycling networks and European transport networks

A number of associations representing those who use the bicycle as a means of transport are calling for a European cycle path or lane network to be set up to link the embryonic routes already existing in the different Member States. The network should form part of the European transport network and receive Community funding to enable the lanes to be built, common road signs to be erected, and the routes to be mapped. The use of the bicycle as a means of transport on safe paths offers an opportunity for healthy physical exercise as well as reducing CO2 emissions.

This ambitious project, which would benefit citizens, would be a sporting and environment-friendly way to progress towards European integration.

The cyclists' associations are also calling on the Community to incorporate the bicycle in its transport policy so as to make roads, railways, and the bicycle interoperable. One problem encountered by those who use the bicycle as a means of transport is that bicycles may not be carried on the most modern trains (the TGV, Thalis, or Eurostar) built with the aid of Community funding. Cyclists take exception to the fact that the transport system being financed by the Community is not intermodal.

What plans does the Commission have to set up a European cycle path network?

Will it draw up plans to promote the bicycle as a means of transport and encompass them within the European transport network?

Does it have a timetable and agenda for measures in this field?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2001)

The Commission has recognised the value of developing a European network of long distance cycling routes and has in the past co-financed the development of the EuroVelo network, which is a network of long distance cycling routes. Individual links in this network continue to be financed through Commission programmes such as Interreg - for example, the North Sea Cycle Routes.

The Commission recognises the contribution that cycling can make to reducing congestion, pollution and CO2 emissions and the links between these problems and wider environmental and health issues. As well as promoting leisure and tourist cycling, the EuroVelo network certainly makes a contribution to this, since its routes pass through towns.

Moreover, through the National Cycling Policy Benchmark Initiative, which the Commission is co-funding with four national authorities (Netherlands, Finland, United Kingdom and Czech Republic), the Commission is helping national authorities learn from each others efforts to introduce national cycling plans. Through the European Local Transport Information Service (www.eltis.org), the Commission is putting together a database of good practice in local and regional transport that already includes more than 100 examples of good practice in cycling.

Bicycles are used for shorter journeys and the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) Network is a multimodal network for mainly international freight and passenger transport. Due to the principle of subsidiarity there are no plans to include cycle routes in the TEN-T network.

Arrangements for bicycles to be carried on trains are a matter for individual rail operators and national authorities. Where rail operators judge this to be uneconomic, competent authorities in the Member States have the power under Regulation (EEC) no 1191/69 of the Council of 26 June 1969 on action by Member States concerning the obligations inherent in the concept of a public service in transport by rail, road and inland waterway(1) (amended by Council Regulation (EEC) no 1893/91 of 20 June 1991(2)) to include the obligation to carry bicycles in contracts with rail operators, meeting the additional costs. It is a matter for the authorities in question whether they choose to make use of this power.

(1) OJ L 156, 28.6.1969.

(2) OJ L 169, 29.6.1991.