Headwinds, they say, are an opportunity for cyclists to show their strength. At a political level, however, we seem to be facing a real storm. Whether city or country, Berlin or Brussels, the transformation of transport is urgent, but progress is limited. Instead, there are currently signs of a turnaround in favour of the car - at least in Germany.
Reform of the Road Traffic Act halted
In November 2023, a majority of the state governments in the Bundesrat blocked the reform of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) at the last minute, which was intended to create the legal framework to give the authorities more powers in the Road Traffic Act (StVO). The amendments already approved by the Bundestag were merely a minimum compromise that had been agreed across party lines. The reform stop is now a setback for cities and local authorities in particular. They had hoped for more legal leeway to make their own decisions, for example when levying parking charges and setting up 30 km/h zones, zebra crossings or cycle paths.
Reduction in funding
At the same time, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport has reduced funding for cycling from around 550 million euros in 2023 to 350 million euros in 2024 - in 2022 it was still 750 million euros. Cycle paths on federal roads and the German cycle network are not affected. Cycle highways, on the other hand, will only receive half of the funding, and support for the implementation of the National Cycling Plan will fall from 13.28 million to 8.28 million and finally to 2.25 million in 2025.
Reorganisation of the Federal Forest Act
Meanwhile, mountain bikers (and other forest users) may face far-reaching restrictions as a result of the amendment to the Federal Forest Act, which is due this year. After around 50 years, the law is to be reformed. This also applies to the regulation of the right to enter the forest, which could be severely restricted in part by the current draft bill.
With all the setbacks and challenges, the question arises as to who is lobbying politicians on behalf of cyclists and representing our interests at local, national and European level - and how? We introduce the cycling lobbyists in Berlin and Brussels.
Bicycle lobbyists
Zukunft Fahrrad e.V.
The lobby organisation was founded in 2019 with 20 companies from various sectors of the bicycle industry. The basis for this was the lobbying work of Jobrad founder Ulrich Prediger, who fought for years for equal tax treatment of bicycles in the same way as company cars. The association now has 100 manufacturers, dealers, service providers and suppliers.
General German Bicycle Club (ADFC)
The ADFC is with its 230,000 members, is the largest organisation representing the interests of cyclists worldwide. It is committed to promoting cycling in everyday life, business and tourism and offers services such as ADFC breakdown assistance. The European umbrella organisation based in Brussels is the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF).
German Mountain Bike Initiative (DIMB)
Since 1991, the non-profit organisation has represented the interests of bikers in legal regulations in committees and associations as well as federal and state parliaments. It is also responsible for training the federal mountain bike teaching team and advises on route construction and other bike-related topics.
Zweirad-Industrie-Verband e.V. (ZIV)
The Berlin-based interest group has over 120 members, representing around 90% of German bicycle production. In addition to bicycle and component manufacturers, this also includes players such as bike park operators, urban planners and professorships. The ZIV also publishes important bicycle market data every year.
Cycling lobbyists: Interview with Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF)
The transport revolution is in full swing in Europe...
- Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF)
MYBIKE: Jill, what is the focus of your work in Brussels?
Jill Warren: Our job is to influence EU policy, directives and funding in favour of cycling and cyclists. This means that we carry out fact-based lobbying and campaigns as well as research and studies. We also organise the Velo-City conference, the world's largest event for cycling planning and policy, and coordinate EuroVelo, the network of 17 long-distance cycle routes that connect and bring together the entire European continent.
What successes have been achieved at EU level?
The biggest success of all in recent years is the European Cycling Declaration, which was published by the European Commission in October 2023 and in which we played a key role through our lobbying work. It is intended to serve as a "strategic compass for existing and future political measures".
Are you confident about the coming years?
Definitely. The transport revolution is in full swing in Europe, even if there are setbacks from time to time, and cycling plays a key role in this. It is being taken more and more seriously as a fully-fledged means of transport and as an economic factor and is being promoted accordingly - both at EU level and at national, regional and local level. Cycle tourism and cycling as a leisure activity are also becoming increasingly popular. We still have a lot to do, but our goals are becoming more ambitious and are increasingly being realised.
Bicycle lobbyists: Interview with Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad
We lack positive images of the future.
- Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad
MYBIKE: For a long time, the industry has not felt responsible for political issues. Do you perceive a change?
Wasilis von Rauch: In recent years, many companies and other associations have undergone a transformation. The industry offers pioneering products and services, but needs the right political framework conditions in order to continue to grow. The importance of the bicycle industry in terms of economic policy is now recognised and promoted at European level, but in Germany there is still a lack of focus, for example in the industrial strategy. We are working on this.
How do you deal with the numerous setbacks?
Setbacks for whom? Transport policy in Germany is not working rationally and we are generally experiencing a growing rejection of (necessary) change, even though there are huge opportunities. We lack positive visions of the future. Thanks to electrification, the bicycle itself is a completely different mode of transport than it was 20 years ago. Even if transport policy does not promote it enough, it is gaining ground in society and the industry has seen extremely positive development.
How did the recently announced alliance with ADFC, IG Metall and Allianz pro Schiene come about?
We need a new basic political understanding of mobility, an overall vision that seriously considers all sectors and transport stakeholders. Such a transformation can only be successfully realised with a broad alliance.
Bicycle lobbyists: Interview with Burkhard Stork: Away from the world saviour image
How does the representation of cycling policy interests work? And what are the prospects for success in Berlin? We spoke about this with Burkhard Stork, Managing Director of the ZIV.
Burkhard Stork was Managing Director of the ADFC for nine years before becoming Managing Director of the "Verband ZIV - Die Fahrradindustrie" in April 2021. He is one of the key figures in the national and European bicycle industry. The ZIV is involved in economic and industrial policy as well as in the areas of sport and tourism, technology and standardisation and sees itself as a representative of the entire cycling ecosystem.
MYBIKE: Burkhard, what makes a good lobbyist?
Burkhard Stork: You look very closely at who the people are who actually have influence in the administration and the ministries. This could be the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economics or the Ministry of the Environment. It is important to have a stable network that can withstand differences of opinion. You have to be well attuned to the other person at all times, because ultimately you want to come to a sensible result together. As a rule, the other person doesn't want anything bad and has interests of their own. There is definitely no point in thinking in terms of enemies.
The issue of bicycles seems to be ascribed to party politics. How can we achieve even more cross-party support?
The fundamental rule for the bicycle is: we have to get out of the niche! The bicycle has marginalised itself, the economy as well as cyclists. Yet it is a deeply civic vehicle. It has nothing primarily to do with saving the world. It's simply fun and anyone can use it. To speak provocatively for once: There are probably more CSU-voting ladies in the countryside who cycle every day than Green-voting latte macchiato cyclists in the city. We put ourselves in this corner instead of thinking: Who all loves cycling? And making all these people our supporters.
There seems to be a growing sense of resistance among the population...
The bicycle basically has no enemies. We have allowed ourselves to be pushed into a corner. In times of multiple crises, change is perceived negatively - and the loss of a car park is already a threat. You can get out of it by talking about what the bicycle brings us and how much fun it is.
The industry is currently weakened and the Ministry of Transport is prioritising cycling less and less. What are the most pressing issues for you at the moment?
There are many, but I would say: cycle paths, cycle paths, cycle paths. Our products are great, but to make them safe and natural for everyone to use, they need to be remodelled. Then we will all be able to enjoy them.
Speaking of fun: the amendment of the Federal Forest Act is also on the agenda. And you are campaigning vehemently here because this could also bring about a change in access rights.
In November 2023, there was an initial semi-official draft bill that really got us excited because it suggested the possibility of enormous restrictions - and for all types of bikes, not just mountain bikers. Basically, we all agree that the Federal Forest Act needs to be amended. The forest is not doing well. Not economically, not biologically. But it's about the wording, and here the baby has been thrown out with the bathwater.
Together with the DIMB and the Mountain Bike Tourism Forum, you have joined forces to form the Bike Nature Movement and, among other things, organised a parliamentary evening with a focus on "Cycling in the forest" organised. What is your demand?
The first step is to enter into dialogue with all those involved. With the ministry, the other departments, other associations - from the Nature Conservation Association to leisure riders and the Association of German Low Mountain Riders. It is important to us that the right of access is not touched, but remains as it is, and we have a broad alliance here. We are more optimistic today than we were in December because the dialogue is good. Now it's a matter of working together to find formulations that promote our goals. Nevertheless, the forest owners' lobby is strong...
How can the cycling lobby in Berlin become even stronger?
There are still too many companies that are staying out of it. I would like to see one hundred per cent commitment from the bicycle industry. Dealers, leasing providers, engineering firms, tourism - there are so many players. And too many still don't seem to realise the need for it. We have to play the topic in its entirety. That is our strength and our opportunity.
But a lot has already happened over the last few years, hasn't it?
A large part of the industry has now realised that it needs politics. And also that we need a consensus across society as a whole. We have more and more members, with Zukunft Fahrrad there is a second association - we have more and more momentum. We are an industry that needs to get involved and wants to get involved.
What will now happen to the road traffic reform rejected by the Bundesrat?
The ministry obviously feels it has been taken for a ride because the federal states did not support the compromise it had worked out. It currently appears that it does not want to burn its fingers again. This means that the federal states that are genuinely concerned about the reform will have to pinch their cheeks and try to reach an informal agreement.
What is your outlook for the future?
Totally positive. We are currently facing some headwinds, including in society. But that will subside relatively quickly. And from a business perspective, I'm not worried at all: with the e-bike, we have such a fantastic product that more and more people will discover. And when the political framework conditions improve, the bicycle will be even more unstoppable.
