All new residential and non-residential buildings in the EU, as well as those undergoing major renovation, will have to provide mandatory spaces for bicycle parking, according to a new European Commission proposal.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) published on 15 December 2021 recognised that sustainable mobility such as cycling can play a major role in reducing the overall energy consumption of households. It also highlighted that the inclusion of minimum bicycle parking requirements in all buildings will help to meet a long-standing recommendation by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF).
Philip Amaral, policy and development director of the European Cyclists’ Federation, said: “Buildings and mobility together account for more than 60% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. As most trips start and end at some type of building, it only makes sense not to treat these two sectors in isolation. ECF is pleased to see that cycling, the most energy-efficient of all transport modes, has found its well-deserved place inside the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.”
ECF added the proposal recognised that the lack of bicycle parking spaces is too often a major barrier for people to cycle. It suggested that mandatory bicycle parking is used to promote cycling as “a central element of sustainable, zero-emission mobility.”
According to ECF research, only six EU member states currently have minimum quantitative bicycle parking norms in place.
Fabian Küster, advocacy and EU affairs director of the European Cyclists’ Federation, added: “Two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling in new and renovated residential buildings is a potential game changer that removes one of the main barriers to daily cycling, especially for residents of apartment blocks, namely the lack of accessible and safe bicycle parking. In a few years’ time, cycling may just become a lot easier for millions of Europeans.”
While, the cycling federation described the EPBD revision proposal as is a major step in the right direction, it was concerned that bicycle parking requirements are dependent on car parking, which means that buildings without car parking will not be required to provide spaces for bicycles. Another shortcoming is the absence of mandatory e-bike charging points.
ECF said it did look forward to working closely with the European Commission and stakeholders on the next steps in connection with this improved directive.
