The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) was not 100 percent pleased about the priorities set at the International Transport Forum held in Leipzig, Germany, last week, rallying 53 transport ministers from OECD member countries as well as politicians, industry executives and academics involved in transport issues. According to ECF, there was too much talking about sea piracy, the safety of cruise ships and the use of luxury cars. On the other hand, ECF was able to make its voice heard on the issue of bicycles for urban transport, competing with the huge lobby groups from the car, shipping and airline industries. According to ECF, a shift of 10 percent in traffic from cars to bicycles would lower travel times by 20 percent. Last year, some 30 million electric bikes were sold globally, while the number of electric cars sold in Western Europe was only 11,563.

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