ECF launches new cycling barometer
The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has launched a new report that analysis different aspects of cycling in the 27 EU member states.
In the ECF Cycling Barometer, Denmark and the Netherlands top the survey, each scoring 125 points, while the ECF has marks out countries in the south and east of Europe as having great potential for improvement. Malta comes bottom of the barometer, scoring 15.
The survey focuses on assessing daily cycling levels, cycle tourism, advocacy activity, bicycle sales and cyclists’ safety. Taking five verifiable EU-wide surveys, the ECF Cycling Barometer eliminates different treatments given to cycling in EU member states.
The project manager of the Barometer, Chloe Mispelon, said: “The main purpose of launching the ECF Cycling Barometer today is to get people talking about international comparisons in cycling. We are constantly asked which countries in Europe are ‘best for cycling’. The ECF Cycling Barometer is our way of prompting a debate around five dimensions of cycling we are prioritising.”
She added: “We are confident in our results which show a strong correlation with other data and knowledge about cycling but we call on the EU Horizon 2020 research programme to establish data that is updated and maintained through to 2020.”
The EU’s next research programme, Horizon 2020 is placing a greater emphasis on research with direct economic and societal benefits. The transport sector is set to be boosted under the programme.
Recent years have seen a growth in the popularity of the bicycle as a form of transport and as a leisure activity. Policy makers have expressed interest in the area due to the perceived benefits the bicycle plays, such as reducing congestion in urban settings and improving public health.
