Belgium began its presidency of the European Union (EU) this month, amidst growing calls for cycling to be moved to the top of the transport agenda. The European Cyclists Federation, along with lobby groups Fietsersbond and Gracq, has issued a memorandum that outlines suggestions for improving awareness of the benefits of cycling.

The memorandum calls on the Belgian leadership to introduce measures that have succeeded in their country to the wider EU. These include bicycle education programmes, two-way cycling on one-way streets and fiscal incentives to promote cycling to work. In the near future the EU may pass a White Paper on a Sustainable Future for Transport, as well as the 4th Road Safety Action Programme. These key documents could affect the next decade of transport policy.

Belgium last took charge of the EU presidency, rotates between member states, in 2001. Each period lasts for six months and Hungary are due to take over from the beginning of 2011.

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