Gianluca Borghi, Parma Deputy Mayor for Environmental Sustainability, Energy and Mobility, presented a Letter of Commitment to implement the European Declaration on Cycling to the European Commission during the closing plenary of the CIVITAS Forum on 3 October 2024. The document outlines Parma's plans to set the wheels in motion for other cities to follow suit in implementing the European Declaration on Cycling.

“As cities across Europe work to achieve climate neutrality and improve quality of life, it is imperative that cycling remains a priority in EU sustainable mobility strategies. The CIVITAS Initiative has a vital role in ensuring that cities are equipped with the resources, knowledge, and network to implement the European Declaration on Cycling successfully. I call on the CIVITAS Initiative to keep promoting the principles of the declaration and to continue supporting cities in creating safe, connected, and inclusive cycling networks, enabling the full potential of cycling to be realized for healthier and more vibrant communities.” says Gianluca Borghi, Parma Deputy Mayor for Environmental Sustainability, Energy and Mobility.

The Parma Letter of Commitment reflects key messages from the CIVITAS Politicians Exchange Forum (PEF) held on 1 October ahead of the CIVITAS Forum. Over 15 elected representatives from European cities met with Eddy Liégeois, Acting Director for Investment, Innovative & Sustainable Transport at DG MOVE, and cycling sector representatives. They discussed challenges and solutions for implementing the European Declaration on Cycling, highlighting the need for political leadership, strategic planning, investment in cycling infrastructure, education, and partnerships. The session also stressed multimodal integration and e-bike adoption to enhance accessibility and reduce car dependency.

“The City of Parma has made great efforts, together with CIVITAS, to showcase the best practices in sustainable urban mobility and innovation. We appreciate their commitment to take concrete actions in implementing the European Declaration on Cycling” highlights Eddy Liégeois, Acting Director for Investment, Innovative & Sustainable Transport, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission.

"Designing urban spaces that prioritise people and integrate innovative mobility solutions are crucial for a just transition. When executed thoughtfully, these efforts will lead to happier, healthier, and more resilient communities”.

These were just some of the reflections of Thomas Haddock, Coordinator of NetZeroCities, while cycling over 300km to Parma for  the CIVITAS Forum last week! Upon his arrival Thomas and Andreas Piller, CIVITAS coordinator, signed an MoU, which outlines how the CIVITAS Initiative and NetZeroCities will work together to strengthen support for cities to develop sustainable mobilitysystems as a cornerstone of their transition to climate neutrality.

"Together we’re putting the wheels of climate neutrality in motion” emphasises Andreas, highlighting the essential role that active mobility plays in achieving climate neutrality.

The CIVITAS Forum, which took place between 1-3 October, is the flagship conference of the CIVITAS Initiative. EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK was also represented at the event in the exhibition area by Coordinator Juan Caballero. There he joined forces with 400+ sustainable mobility policymakers, practitioners, planners, academics and more to share knowledge and collaborate towards three key streams:

• Climate-neutral and resilient mobility
• Smart, connected and efficient mobility
• Inclusive and safe mobility for all

Day 1 began with politicians from all over Europe coming together for the CIVITAS Politicians Exchange Forum. The focus was on implementing the EU cycling declaration at all levels. Some crucial elements discussed covered political leadership, ensuring a clear vision and financial resources to unleash the full potential of cycling. This lead to a key highlight of the event in the shape of the City of Parma commiting to the EU Cycling Declaration implementation. The document, which Gianluca Borghi (Parma Deputy Mayor for Environmental Sustainability, Energy and Mobility) signed in the closing ceremony on Day 3, outlines Parma's plans to set the wheels in motion for other cities to follow suit in implementing the European Declaration on Cycling.

Key themes highlighted by speakers and participants during the event covered financing, policy and infrastructure needs, as well as inclusion and collaboration. A delegation of youth representatives encouraged more youth involvement and diversity to better represent the needs of all in sustainable urban mobility planning. Gunta Anca, Vice president of the European Disability Forum, also reinforced the key message of the conference, that sustainable urban mobility is not only about green and active transport, but also about inclusivity and ensuring that no-one is left behind in the mobility transition.

View the photos from the CIVITAS Forum 2024.