WRITTEN QUESTION E-1851/01 by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission. Cycling networks and European transport networks.
Date: 2001-06-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, common transport policy, cycle track, trans-European network, transport network, two-wheeled vehicle

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/121

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 2001)

In response to the honourable Member(cid:146)s question, the Commission points out that as Community
1.
law currently stands there is no provision in the directives on public contracts for any requirement on the
part of awarding authorities in connection with setting a base price for a contract.

In any case, the fact that a transfer is performed following an award procedure does not create
2.
specific problems concerning the application of Council Directive 2001/23/EC of 12 March 2001 on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the safeguarding of employees(cid:146) rights in the
event of transfers of undertakings, businesses or parts of undertakings or businesses (1). In addition, this
directive and Council Directive 92/50/EEC of 18 June 1992 relating to the coordination of procedures for
the award of public service contracts (2) are not irreconcilable with regard to their purpose, as recently
confirmed by the Court of Justice ruling in the Oy Liikenne case (3). The rights of the workers in question
should therefore be safeguarded if the features indicating the transfer of an undertaking according to
Directive 2001/23/EC apply in this instance.

In view of the fact that Italian legislation has transposed the content of the reference directive into national
law with regard to the points raised by the honourable Member, it is for the national authorities to settle
any disputes which may arise in this matter.

(1) OJ L 82, 22.3.2001.
(2) OJ L 209, 24.7.1992.
(3) Ruling of 25.1.2001, case C-172/99, especially paragraphs 21/22.

(2002/C 40 E/121)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1851/01

by Rosa MiguØlez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: Cycling networks and European transport networks

(26 June 2001)

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(cid:146) 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?

C 40 E/122

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.2.2002

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 (cid:129) 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
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.

(Netherlands, Finland, United Kingdom and Czech Republic),

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.

(2002/C 40 E/122)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1852/01

by Rosa MiguØlez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(26 June 2001)

Subject: Fisheries negotiations with a view to Lithuanian accession

The Commission and the Lithuanian Government have concluded the negotiations on fisheries with a view
to Lithuania(cid:146)s accession to the Union. The Lithuanian Minister has expressed satisfaction because Lithuania
will be able to export its fishery products without tariff restrictions.

After enlargement, will fisheries relations between Lithuania and the present Member States be close to the
extent that the existing Community fleet will be able to fish in Lithuanian fishing grounds?

Is the Commission allowing for the possibility that the Community fleet will be able to fish in the fishing
grounds of the countries that will join the Union and vice versa?