Cyclurban+: Mobility Change, not Climate Change

The project built upon the findings and results of the predecessor project "Cyclurban." Nevertheless, the transport sector, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, has made little progress in reducing emissions in recent years. The number of registered motor vehicles continues to rise, and alternatives to cars are still not attractive enough.

In the target countries, cycling is currently not considered an integral part of urban transport systems and is, at best, perceived as an emergency solution rather than a "full-fledged" mode of transport. Moreover, there is a strong correlation between car ownership and social status, with many people deriving a sense of self-worth from owning a car. As a result, the number of cars in cities has doubled over the past 20 years, while bicycles are only used sporadically or on an ad-hoc basis as a means of transport.

A systematic, integrated approach is lacking to encourage people to switch from cars to bicycles. Cyclurban+ aimed to overcome these limitations and foster a shift in mindset among decision-makers and planners in the transport sector through capacity building.

To foster cycling in urban transport, Cycleurban+ targeted municipal staff and decision-makers as well as institutions at the national level to overcome the traditionally car-oriented perspective on urban development. 

Over 14 months, the project initiated several measures to promote the transition of the transport sector in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, focusing on Bratislava and Brno as examples of implementation. First, it held workshops and seminars for planners and decision-makers. Second, it provided an online platform for funding cycling projects and infrastructure to municipalities in both countries. Third, policy briefs with suggestions for effective cycling enhancing measures were provided. For Slovakia, they worked with a database that monitored cycling accidents and helped to identify and eliminate dangerous spots. In Brno, a Bicycle Policy Audit was carried out to evaluate the city's cycling policies and develop proposals on how to overcome weaknesses. Additionally, NGOs and other cycling advocacy groups in both countries were supported by the exchange of knowledge and dissemination of successful approaches.

Cyclists in the city centre; photo: Jolanda Lipu, BEF Estonia

• Cargo bike rental system: Cargo bike rental systems were piloted in the cities of Brno, Tartu and Bratislava. Renters used the bikes for more than half of the journeys they would otherwise have made by car — an important step towards sustainable and climate-friendly mobility that reduces emissions and cuts costs.
• Greater safety for cyclists: The project supported the inclusion, in the Czech Road Traffic Act, of a mandatory 1.5-metre safety gap when overtaking cyclists. This significantly improves road safety and conditions for cyclists.
• Promoting active mobility: The project mobilised €100 million for active mobility in Slovakia and 600 million korunas in the Czech Republic. This will be used to fund cycle paths, cargo bikes and sustainable transport measures.
• Information on funding instruments: An online platform on funding opportunities for cycling infrastructure has been introduced in Slovakia. It brings together information on national and EU funding instruments for the first time, thus closing an information gap identified by 130 municipalities. The platform facilitates cities’ and municipalities' access to funding and builds their capacity to develop cycling. It will remain permanently available after the project ends.