Tag Archive: 2024

  1. European Commission reports decline in EU road fatalities for 2024, but progress remains slow

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    Source: European Commission

    The European Commission has released preliminary 2024 data that reveals a modest decline in traffic-related deaths across the European Union which recorded approximately 19,800 fatalities, marking a 3% decrease from 2023—equivalent to 600 fewer lives lost. While this reduction signals progress, officials caution that the rate of improvement remains insufficient to meet the EU’s ambitious road safety targets.

    The European Union had previously set a goal of halving road deaths and, for the first time, serious injuries by 2030 as part of its Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety and the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021–2030. The ultimate objective, known as ‘Vision Zero,’ aims to eliminate road fatalities by 2050. However, the latest figures indicate that most Member States are not currently on track to meet the 2030 target.

    Disparities among member states

    The overall 3% reduction in road deaths masks significant disparities among EU countries. Over the past five years, minimal progress has been observed in nations such as Greece, Spain, France, and Italy. Conversely, Ireland and Estonia have recorded an increase in road fatalities, though smaller countries tend to experience more marked annual fluctuations.

    Meanwhile, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovenia appear to be on course to meet the 50% reduction target by 2030. Notably, Romania has achieved a significant 21% decrease in road fatalities since 2019 but continues to have the highest fatality rate in the EU.

    Country rankings and fatality rates

    The ranking of road safety among EU nations remains largely unchanged. Sweden and Denmark continue to report the safest roads, with 20 and 24 deaths per million inhabitants, respectively. In contrast, Bulgaria and Romania recorded the highest fatality rates in 2024, with 74 and 77 deaths per million inhabitants. The EU average stood at 44 road deaths per million inhabitants.

    Challenges in urban and rural areas

    A significant proportion of road fatalities in urban areas involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using powered two-wheelers or personal mobility devices. These road users account for nearly 70% of all urban traffic deaths, typically in collisions involving cars and lorries. The data underscores the urgent need to enhance protection measures for vulnerable populations.

    In rural settings, fatalities are frequently linked to single-vehicle accidents or crashes involving other cars and trucks, highlighting different risk factors in urban and non-urban environments.

    While the latest statistics offer some encouragement, European officials stress that achieving substantial reductions in road fatalities requires accelerated efforts and comprehensive safety initiatives.

    For more detailed insights, the full road safety statistics for 2024 can be accessed through the European Commission’s official website.

  2. EU bicycle subsidies in 2024: growth in some countries and cuts in others amid political uncertainty

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    Source: ECF

    While bicycle purchase incentives continue to expand in some European countries, political and financial instability is leading others to scale back or eliminate their programs.

    Spain has introduced new subsidy schemes aimed at increasing bicycle use, whereas France has abruptly ended its support due to budget cuts. Meanwhile, Poland’s planned national program has been put on hold due to funding challenges.

    Expansion of bicycle subsidies in Spain

    In September 2024, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a €20 million subsidy program for electric bicycles, benefiting both individuals and businesses. An additional €20 million will be allocated to public bike-sharing systems, with the goal of expanding access and reducing costs. Sánchez emphasized that the initiative aims “to increase the modal share of cycling in daily commuting and to have more bikes in more cities, for more people.”

    Support for cycling incentives in Spain extends beyond the national government. The Madrid region, for example, has introduced a targeted subsidy program specifically for elderly citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, the national and regional governments are led by opposing political parties, highlighting that cycling promotion can transcend political divisions.

    France ends bicycle subsidies amid budget cuts

    In contrast, France has opted to discontinue its bicycle subsidy programs. A government decree issued in late November 2024 announced that all state-funded bicycle purchase incentives would be withdrawn by February 2025, despite previous commitments extending support until 2027. The decision follows political turmoil and urgent budgetary restrictions.

    Cycling advocates have strongly criticized the move, warning of its negative impact on both the industry and vulnerable users. Thibault Quéré, Director of the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), describes the decision: “This is a blow to a dynamic that was well underway and had found its audience. All the more so as the subsidies targeted the most vulnerable households and the range of bicycles was adapted and advantageous for people with disabilities. ”

    Poland’s plans on hold due to funding challenges

    Poland had also planned to launch a national electric bicycle subsidy program from 2025 to 2029, with a total budget of PLN 300 million (approximately €70 million). However, the initiative was put on hold in the autumn of 2024 after the European Investment Bank declined to finance it through the Modernisation Fund, citing energy efficiency investment priorities. Advocates hope that alternative funding sources will be identified to enable the program’s implementation.

    Future prospects for bicycle subsidies in the EU

    Despite setbacks in some countries, bicycle purchase incentives remain a crucial tool for promoting cycling as a sustainable alternative to car travel. Electric and cargo bicycles, in particular, have been recognized for their potential to replace car trips, facilitate urban mobility, and make cycling more accessible to a broader demographic, including older adults and families.

    Looking ahead, the drafting of national plans under the EU Social Climate Fund in early 2025 presents an opportunity for member states to allocate funding for bicycle purchase and leasing programs, particularly for vulnerable transport users. As the debate over sustainable transport policies continues, the future of bicycle subsidies in Europe remains uncertain, shaped by both political decisions and economic constraints.

  3. Velo-city 2024 Ghent calls for abstracts

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    Velo-city is an annual event organised by the European Cyclists’ Federation in cooperation with a different city every year. The ethos of the event is about more than going to a conference with an exhibition, it references joining a community of passionate people who are there to take action and make a difference.

    The event is now open for submission of abstracts, with applications closing on November 3rd 2023.

    The core theme for the event is Connecting Through Cycling, where participants are invited to share ideas, projects, data, stories, and initiatives in front of a global audience. Sub-themes for consideration include:

    Connecting through Cycling
    Connecting people and communities
    Connecting regions, cities and neighbourhoods
    Connecting cycling with other modes
    Connecting industries and sectors

    The general call for abstracts welcomes those working on cycling, sustainable mobility, urban planning or any other related field who would like to present at Velo-city 2024 Ghent, and is open to anyone who is working towards achieving better cycling for all.

    The academic call for abstracts is an opportunity for students, researchers or employees of a University or a research institution where you are researching cycling, sustainable mobility, or any other related field, and would like to present your insights.

    For more information and to apply, visit the Velo-city call for abstracts page.