Parma Commits to EU Cycling Declaration at CIVITAS Forum

On October 3, 2024, during the closing plenary of the CIVITAS Forum, the City of Parma reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable mobility by presenting its Letter of Commitment to the European Commission, formally endorsing the European Declaration on Cycling. Deputy Mayor Gianluca Borghi, responsible for Environmental Sustainability, Energy, and Mobility, highlighted the importance of cycling in the EU’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality and improve urban quality of life.

The letter outlines Parma's plan to make cycling a priority as part of its broader sustainable mobility efforts, including the following strategic measures to enhance cycling in the city: 

1. Expanding and upgrading cycling infrastructure;
2. Promoting cycling as an everyday mode of transport;
3. Encouraging the bike economy;
4. Supporting multimodal mobility solutions;
5. Enhancing local and regional collaboration;
6. Improving road safety for cyclists.

The announcement follows key discussions during the CIVITAS Politicians Exchange Forum, where over 15 European city representatives, including Parma, exchanged ideas with European Commission officials and cycling advocates on the challenges of implementing the cycling declaration. The dialogue covered critical topics such as political leadership, infrastructure investment, multimodal transport, and e-bike adoption to reduce car dependency.

The CIVITAS Forum, held from October 1-3, brought together more than 400 urban mobility experts and policymakers to discuss sustainable and smart urban mobility solutions. The event focused on themes such as climate-neutral, resilient, and inclusive mobility, with an emphasis on financing, infrastructure, and policy collaboration.

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.