Four European Cities Honored For Cycling Triumphs

Many regions and countries in Europe are known for their strong cycling traditions and culture, but four cities in Germany, Norway and Sweden were recently recognized as among the continent’s “highest achievers” for their work to encourage even more and better cycling.

On Thursday, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) announced awards for exemplary accomplishments in: developing cycling infrastructure; promoting businesses that embrace biking; implementing a series of improvements for cyclists; and creating a safer cycling environment.

“Velo-city is the world’s premier event for cycling advocacy and promotion, and the European Cyclists’ Federation’s flagship event for knowledge exchange throughout the global cycling community,” Henk Swarttouw, the group’s president, said in a statement. “This is why we believe there is no better place to recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements of those who are striving to ensure more cycling in their cities and regions.”

The European Cyclists’ Federation, based in Brussels, is an umbrella group with more than 60 member organizations in over 40 countries.

The new awards, the federation’s second round, honored four cities in four categories:

Helsingborg, Sweden won the Cycling Infrastructure Award. “Helsinborg’s Varvsbron Bridge is a magnificent cycling and pedestrian bridge that not only looks incredible but also places active travel at the top of the local mobility pyramid,” the federation said in announcing the award. “This landmark bridge encourages people to get on their bikes by connecting the up-and-coming smart neighborhood of Oceanhamnen with the city center and a nearby public transport hub. Its sleek design and gently sloping, meandering shape gives users a smooth ride, as they cross over the city’s harbor in style.”

Essen, Germany garnered the Cycle-Friendly Employer Award for its continued efforts to form a network of cycle-friendly employers, which now number 18. The city “is truly a standout,” the cycling group said.

Heidelberg, Germany was acknowledged with the Cycling Improvement Award for implementing a number of actions that continue to increase and improve cycling. Highlights include: subsidies for bicycle purchase; an increase in cycling; more public bike-sharing; greater investments in bicycle parking; and developments to ensure safer bike commuting. Currently, 40% of Heidelberg’s inhabitants use their bikes as their main mode of transport for inner city journeys, the federation said.

Oslo, Norway was honored with the Road Safety Award for its bold actions and “incredible progress in recent years towards becoming one of Europe’s safest cities for cyclists.” Radical changes to city streets, like the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits (about 18-19 mph) and the removal of more than 700 on-street parking spots inside the city’s inner ring road, were among the reasons the city became one of the first in Europe to achieve Vision Zero, the federation noted, “with zero road deaths on its streets in 2019.” Oslo, it added, “has since been leading the way with one of the fewest numbers of cyclist fatalities per year in Europe.”

The awards were presented at the European Cyclists’ Federation’s annual conference, Velo-city 2023, in Leipzig, Germany, a global event with more than 1,500 attendees, over 80 sessions, and more than 430 speakers from around the world. Velo-city’s organizers called Leipzig “one of Europe’s greenest and most forward-thinking cities, making it an ideal place to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and inspire action to promote cycling as a safe, healthy, and sustainable mode of transport.”

Jill Warren, the federation’s chief executive, said the city has a long history as a leader. “Some of you may remember Leipzig’s pivotal role in the fall of the Berlin Wall 34 years ago,” she said in a statement. “So it’s very fitting that Leipzig is now at the forefront of cities leading a green transition. It’s moving away from a car-centric mindset, towards climate neutrality and towards greater liveability for its citizens.”

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