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European Cyclists' Federation(ECF) is an umbrella federation for national cycling organizations (organizations which promote bike for urban mobility) throughout Europe. ECF was founded in 1983 by 12 bicycle user associations. It has now 60 member organizations representing over half a million individual European citizens in 37 countries. ECF stands for:
ECF runs the Velo-city Conference Series, the EuroVelo cycle route project and lobbies the European institutions on urban mobility issues, intermodality, climate change, safety and health.
[edit] MissionThe European Cyclists' Federation is pledged to ensure that bicycle use achieves its fullest potential so as to bring about sustainable mobility and public well-being. To achieve these aims, the ECF seeks to change attitudes, policies and budget allocations at the European level. The ECF will stimulate and organize the exchange of information and expertise on bicycle related transport policies and strategies as well as the work of the cyclists’ movement. (ECF Annual General Meeting, 21.06.98, Trondheim)  [edit] OrganizationThe ECF is a legal entity registered under Belgian law as an ASBL (non profit organization). Its statutes are published in the Moniteur Belge of April 24, 1997 [edit] General MeetingsThe Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the highest body of the ECF. The AGM traditionally takes place in May and is organized by one member organization. AGMs have usually been attended by about 40 - 50 participants from about 20 - 25 countries. [edit] The Management CommitteeThe Management Committee (MC) is elected annually by the Annual General Meeting. It consists of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 persons. It has a president, a treasurer and, optionally, one or more vice-presidents. [edit] Projects/Events[edit] Velo-cityVelo-city is widely respected as the premier international cycling planning conference series in the world. Velo-city began in 1980, and has played a part in the promotion of cycling since then. Velo-city events do not just attract one type of profession, but bring together all those who are involved in the policy, promotion and provision for cyclists. This mixture of people, professions, skills and experience is a valuable component of the events success. The last Velo-city conference in Munich 2007 was the largest of its kind with almost 1,000 participants from 50 countries. The next Velo-city Conference will be held in Brussels from 12-15 May 2009. In response to growing demand from cities for expertise in cycling, ECF will make Velo-city an annual event. 2010 sees Velo-city in Copenhagen from 22 - 25 June.  [edit] EuroVelo – A cycle route network for EuropeThe EuroVelo network has 12 routes with well over 40,000 km of bike paths in use. Thousands more are planned and when completed, it will total over 66,000 km. The network includes existing and planned regional and national cycle routes, crossing and uniting the whole European continent. [edit] Cities for cyclistsThe objective of the Cities for Cyclists network is to promote the bicycle as a means of transport. This will be achieved by spotlighting the policies and practices of a number of "cycle-friendly" cities across Europe and thereby encourage others to follow suit. [edit] Global Alliance for EcoMobilityECF is a founding member of the Global Alliance for EcoMobility which was launched during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia. [edit] LobbyingIn order to influence the position of European authorities, ECF is working on several issues : [edit] Green Paper on Urban MobilityIn 2007 the European Commission launched a consultation on urban mobility [1]. In this framework, ECF met European Commission Vice president and Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot during the European Road Safety Day 2007; ECF has also published a statement on the proposed Action Plan on Urban Mobility under the header: “Livable cities are cycling cities”, participated at public hearings and conferences [2]. [edit] Promotion of cross-border cycle transportIn its paper called “The Promotion of cross-border cycle transport”, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) recommends that cycling should be integrated into transport and infrastructure policy in general. [edit] Intermodality[edit] Bike and Train – Third Railway PackageBicycle carriage on trains is increasingly difficult, in particular in high-speed trains such as ICE from Deutsche Bahn and Thalys. In September 2007, the European Parliament (EP) and the Council have reached a Common Position on the 3rd Railway Package [3], which includes the Regulation on Railway Passengers’ Rights and Obligations, saying: “Railway undertakings shall enable passengers to bring bicycles on to the train, where appropriate for a fee, if they are easy to handle, if this does not adversely affect the specific rail service, and if the rolling-stock so permits.” [edit] Climate ChangeAs the issue of climate change is on the forefront of the political agenda, ECF has the task to remind politicians of the potential the cycle can play as the most important zero emission vehicle. ECF rejects the assumption that the necessary CO2-reductions in the transport sector will be achieved by “greening” the private car. Thus ECF has published a declaration which states: “We call on all politicians and officials now to recognize the important contribution that cycling can, and must, make in tackling climate change. Please work with us to realize that potential and to guarantee a better quality of life now and in the future.” [edit] HelmetsECF is against mandatory helmet wearing and even refrains from promoting helmets. Helmets create the image that daily cycling in an urban environment is a dangerous activity whereas it is clearly not. The most efficient way to increase safety is to promote cycling: the more cyclists are on the road, the safer it is, statistics show. [edit] EU Platform on Diet, Physical Activity and HealthECF underlines the fact that cycling generates also positive externalities in the field of health. The WHO recommends 30 minutes of daily activity [4], which best can be integrated into daily routines: ECF Member organizations have set up projects on “Bike to Work” and “Bike to School”, etc. [edit] MembersMembership of the ECF is open to organizations which have an interest in the bicycle as an everyday form of transport or a means of recreation. Membership is subject to agreement by the majority of the existing members. Full membership is open to European groups of cycle users who primarily aim at promoting the bicycle as an everyday means of transport or recreation, and who have paid the agreed subscription. This entitles them to vote at ECF AGMs. Associate membership is open to: European groups who do not meet the criteria for full membership but who support the aims of the ECF, cycling organizations from outside Europe or other bodies with an interest in cycling. They pay the agreed subscription, receive material and may attend the AGM or working groups meetings, but do not have voting rights at meetings. However, commercial undertakings and associations representing commercial interests who wish to express their sympathy for the aims of the ECF cannot become Associate member but the Management Committee may grant them the status of Supporting Member. The subscription depends on the type of organization. [edit] Full members[edit] Associate members
[edit] Supporting members and sponsors[edit] References
[edit] External links
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