Mandatory bike parking: the new proposal coming from the EU

The proposal to implement parking spaces dedicated to bicycles in public and non-public buildings comes from the European Commission!

According to a new proposal for revision by the European Commission for the directive on energy performance in buildings, published last December 15, all new residential and non-residential buildings, as well as those that will undergo major renovation works, will have to have spaces specially designed for bike parking.

This novelty, welcomed by EFC, European Cyclists' Federation, would be further confirmation of the important role that the bicycle plays in reducing overall energy consumption.

Some have been identified in the document minimum requirements to be respected:

• Two bicycle spaces must be guaranteed for each home for new and renovated residential buildings with more than three parking spaces;
• It will be necessary to guarantee one bicycle space for each parking space in new and renovated non-residential buildings with more than five parking spaces;
• Bicycle parking must be provided for every parking space in all non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces by 2027.

“Buildings and mobility together account for more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Since most journeys begin and end in some type of building, it makes sense not to treat these two sectors separately. ECF is pleased to see that the bicycle, the most energy efficient mode of transport, has found its well-deserved place within the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive,” he reported Philip Amaral, ECF Policy and Development Director.

This proposed revision will support the achievement of the objectives of European Green Deal, of which the promotion of green mobility is a fundamental part.

The lack of special parking spaces designed to safely store bicycles is often an obstacle for people and safe parking is a fundamental element for zero-emission mobility.

 Fabian Küster, Advocacy and EU Affairs Director of ECF, said that: “Two bicycle parking spaces for every home in new and renovated residential buildings is a potential game-changer that removes a major barrier to daily cycling, particularly for condominium residents, namely the lack of accessible and safe bicycle parking . In a few years, cycling could become much easier for millions of Europeans."

Despite the regret of the requirements that depend on car parking, which therefore see buildings without parking not required to provide dedicated spaces for parking bicycles, overall the ECF recognized that the proposed revision of the EPBD is a great and important step in the right direction.