The European Commission has proposed an overhaul of urban
infrastructure to encourage more walking and
cycling as part of the
EU's aim to become a
net-zero continent by 2050.
If passed, the
Efficient and Green Mobility package would require the 424 largest cities in the
Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to hash out sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) centred on these kinds of "active mobility" modes by 2025.
Supported by increased funding, this would help the EU wean its cities off fossil fuel vehicles, ease congestion and noise pollution as well as working towards the decarbonisation goals set out in the
European Green Deal, which require emissions from cars to be cut by 55 per cent come 2030.
The EU has already
tripled its spending on cycling and walking projects in recent years, investing €2 billion between 2014 and 2020.
But the Efficient and Green Mobility package is unprecedented, according to the
European Cyclists' Federation, in that it elevates walking and cycling to an EU-wide policy priority.
"This is the first time in history that the European Commission prioritises investment in these modes as the backbone of urban mobility,"
the federation said.