Bicycle Use Surges in Europe, Italy Shows Positive Growth

Bicycle use can now be considered a daily means of transport for millions of citizens, no longer just a tool for enthusiasts. In 2025, the use of two wheels grew by an average of 5% compared to the first half of the previous year. This is certified by the latest survey provided by the Eco-Counter Index 2025, which monitored cycling flows of the past year in 12 European nations. The data highlight two distinct trends: a 6% increase in passages on weekdays, driven by commutes to work and schools, and a +2% growth on weekends, linked to leisure time and recreation.

The countries on the podium: Belgium, Ireland, and France

Active policies in recent years are rewarding three nations in particular. Belgium (+14.55%) launched the BeCyclist 2.0 plan, introducing mandatory license plates for new bikes, uniform tax incentives, and better parking at stations. Ireland (+13.65%) has allocated 677 million euros to create a 3,500 km protected cycle network that will connect 200 urban centers. France (+9.9%) continues the structural growth initiated in 2019, also favored, in the data collected last year, by particularly favorable weather conditions.

The situation in Italy

Italy ranks sixth in Europe, recording an overall increase of 5.65% in bicycle travel (a figure higher than the continental average). According to the latest surveys, weekday transit increased by 9.34%. On weekends, however, there was a decrease of 0.97%. The Italian balance remains positive despite an urban infrastructure that is often inadequate and hostile to cyclists. Targeted interventions on safety could unlock even greater growth potential.

Long-term trend (2019-2025)

Compared to the pre-pandemic period (2019), global cycling traffic in Europe has increased by 8%. After the exceptional peak recorded in 2020 and a subsequent adjustment phase, traffic volumes remain stably higher than six years ago.