The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) and International Association of Public Transport (UITP) signed a memorandum of understanding calling for the two organizations to work more closely on policy initiatives in order to strengthen the voice of sustainable urban transport.
ECF and UITP have worked together for several years, both members of the SLoCaT Partnership (Sustainable Low Carbon Transport) and ECF being part of the UITP Combined Mobility Platform, and decided to take the relationship a step further. Both organizations will work closer together to achieve more sustainable and active mobility in Europe and support the missions to “Double Cycling” and “Double Public Transport.”
For Europe, this would mean 15 percent of all trips to be cycled and doubling the modal share of public transport by 2025, which would result in more liveable and performing cities, contribute to green growth, and fight against climate change. Both parties see the benefits of an enhanced partnership to establish a stronger lobby position when talking to the European Institutions or the United Nations.
Bernhard Ensink, secretary general ECF said, “It is an important year to work together on the COP 21 and create impact in the process of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Alain Flausch, secretary general UITP added, “Signing this Memorandum to kick off European Mobility Week 2015 marks a timely occasion to further strengthen ties between the public transport and cycling communities united to call for more sustainable mobility choices worldwide.”
This starts a more intensive collaboration process for the development of policy messages on economic benefits of sustainable mobility, public health, transport policy, and urban mobility data collectio
With over 80 members across more than 40 countries, the ECF unites cyclists’ associations from across the globe, giving them a voice on the international level. Its aim is to get more people cycling more often, by influencing policy in favor of cycling.
The UITP advocates sustainable urban mobility and is the only worldwide network bringing together all public transport stakeholders and all sustainable transport modes. Its 1,400 member companies give access to 16,000 contacts working with public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, research institutes, and the public transport supply and service industry in 96 countries.
