In Europe, cycling is not only a healthy lifestyle but also an environmentally friendly and low-carbon travel option. To encourage and support more people in using bicycles, Europe has introduced a temporary agreement called the “Building Energy Performance Directive.” This agreement, after two years of negotiations, reached a consensus text on December 7. The text will be formally approved by member states and the European Parliament early next year, marking a significant change in the European Union’s regulations for bicycle parking in residential buildings. The goal is to promote the use of climate-friendly and energy-efficient transportation like bicycles.
The bicycle parking requirements that member states need to adhere to include:
- For new residential buildings and residential buildings undergoing significant renovations with three or more parking spaces:
- Each residential unit must have a minimum of two bicycle parking spaces. With the EU average household size being 2 to 3 people, this means that each resident living in such buildings can have a bicycle parking space.
- For new non-residential buildings and buildings undergoing significant renovations with five or more parking spaces:
- Bicycle parking spaces must constitute at least 15% of the building’s average capacity or 10% of the total building capacity. Additionally, space must be provided for bicycles larger than standard size (e.g., cargo bikes).
- For existing non-residential buildings with 20 or more car parking spaces:
- Bicycle parking spaces must constitute at least 15% of the building’s average parking spaces or 10% of the total building capacity. Similarly, space must be provided for bicycles larger than standard size.
Member states must also eliminate barriers to installing charging points to ensure the “right to charge” becomes a reality. Overall, charging points must support intelligent charging and enable bidirectional charging where appropriate. These regulations will ensure an adequate number of bicycle parking spaces, including those for cargo bikes. The provisions for existing non-residential buildings must be implemented by January 1, 2027.
With the rise of environmental awareness and the acceleration of urbanization, bicycles, as a green and healthy mode of transportation, are becoming increasingly popular. Europe, being a region with a well-established cycling culture, has actively promoted the popularization of bicycle parking spaces in apartments in recent years, further boosting the development of the bicycle market.
The initiative to promote bicycle parking spaces in European apartments enhances the current bicycle infrastructure, benefiting not only the bicycle market’s growth but also promoting optimal urban transportation and environmental consciousness. By providing bicycle parking spaces within apartments, residents can easily use bicycles for daily commuting, fostering the widespread adoption of cycling. The popularity of bicycle parking spaces in apartments also contributes to optimizing urban transportation and raising awareness of environmental protection. As a low-carbon and eco-friendly travel option, cycling can reduce urban traffic congestion and air pollution, enhancing the quality of life for city residents. Simultaneously, the widespread adoption of bicycle parking spaces in apartments encourages more people to choose cycling, reducing the use of motor vehicles and lowering carbon emissions, thereby contributing to environmental conservation.
