The European Commission recommends cycling to tackle the energy crisis: next steps
But the Real Work Starts Now
Europe is facing a reality it can no longer ignore. Twice in less than five years, geopolitical shocks have exposed the fragility of its energy model. The dependence on imported fossil fuels—long understood in theory—has now translated into tangible economic pressure on households, businesses, and governments alike.
In 2025 alone, the European Union spent nearly €340 billion on energy imports, the equivalent of roughly €747 per citizen. In just over 50 days of recent geopolitical escalation, an additional €24 billion was spent—over €460 million per day
This is not just an energy issue. It is a structural vulnerability.
Against this backdrop, the European Commission’s AccelerateEU initiative marks an important shift. For the first time at this level of urgency, cycling is being positioned not as a lifestyle choice, but as a strategic lever for energy resilience.
It’s a significant step forward.
But it’s only the beginning.
A System Built on Cars — and Its Limits
Europe’s transport system remains overwhelmingly car-dependent:
82% of passenger transport is done by car
The majority of vehicles still rely on fossil fuels
The average daily travel distance is approximately 27 km
That last figure is critical.
Most daily trips are already within cycling distance—especially with the rapid rise of electric bikes. The technology exists. The use cases are clear. The economics are compelling. In fact, the market has already started to move.
Across Europe and North America, millions of bicycles—and increasingly eBikes—have been purchased over the past decade. Individuals are not waiting for systemic change; they are investing in their own mobility solutions. So why hasn’t this translated into a full-scale shift away from cars?
The Commission’s Approach: Necessary, but Not Sufficient
The European Commission deserves credit for the direction it is taking. Its recommendations include:
Subsidies and fiscal incentives for bicycle purchases
Corporate bike leasing programs
Expansion of bike-sharing systems
Support for cargo bikes in urban logistics
These measures address real barriers. They improve access, reduce upfront costs, and encourage adoption. But they are built around a central assumption:
If people have access to bikes, they will use them.
In reality, the situation is more complex.
The Hidden Constraint: The Trip Must Be Completed
The fundamental flaw in most mobility strategies is not at the beginning of the journey—it is at the end.
Even when individuals own bicycles or eBikes:
They hesitate to use them for commuting
They worry about theft at destination
They lack reliable charging options
They cannot count on finding a secure space
This creates friction. And friction kills habits.
The result is a paradox:
High ownership, but inconsistent usage
Millions of bicycles exist. But they are not fully activated as daily mobility tools.
Why Bike Share Doesn’t Solve the Problem
Bike sharing has played an important role in urban mobility. It has introduced cycling to new users and demonstrated its viability in dense environments. But bike share solves a different problem:
It provides access to a bicycle
It does not support ownership-based commuting behavior
The market trend is clear:
People prefer to own their mobility
Especially when it becomes electrified
However, ownership alone is not enough. Without the right infrastructure, it leads to underutilization.
The Missing Layer: Arrival Infrastructure
If cycling is to become a true alternative to the automobile, the system must evolve beyond access. It must address what happens at destination.
This means:
Secure parking that eliminates theft risk
Safe, integrated charging for eBikes
Guaranteed availability that removes uncertainty
Connected systems that enable measurement and optimization
This is not a marginal improvement. It is the difference between occasional use and daily adoption.
From Access to Enablement
The conversation must shift.
From:
“How do we get more people on bikes?”
To:
“How do we ensure people can use their bikes—every day?”
This is where the real leverage lies. Because the most powerful asset is already in place:
👉 The bikes themselves
No new fleets are required. No large-scale manufacturing ramp-up is needed. What is missing is the infrastructure that allows these assets to perform.
A Strategic Opportunity
If implemented correctly, this shift could unlock:
Immediate reductions in fossil fuel demand
Lower transportation costs for households
Increased resilience to geopolitical shocks
Measurable reductions in Scope 3 emissions
More efficient use of existing urban space
Few infrastructure investments offer this combination of speed, scale, and impact. And yet, this layer remains largely absent from current strategies.
The Real Next Step
The European Commission has done something important:
It has legitimized cycling as part of the energy transition.
Now comes the harder part. Turning intent into impact requires moving beyond incentives and addressing the structural barriers that prevent daily use.
The next phase is not about adoption. It is about activation.
Conclusion
Cycling is no longer a peripheral solution. It is central to Europe’s ability to navigate its energy future.
But unless the system evolves to support the completion of every trip, its full potential will remain unrealized.