Search for funding online with the funding guide: cycling funding in Germany

In urban and rural areas, the proportion of road users on two wheels is growing. The growing share of bicycle traffic in the total traffic volume, with its positive aspects on the environment and climate, is desirable and worthy of promotion. Cities benefit from better air values and a higher quality of life.

The current challenges in transport and environmental policy also and especially affect the promotion of cycling in Germany. All levels are involved in the restructuring of the transport system: from the federal government to the states and local authorities. Based on the framework of the National Cycling Plan, administrations and interested citizens can find suitable funding opportunities in the funding primer.

The National Cycling Plan: Germany switches to cycling

In view of the many challenges posed by climate change and ongoing environmental degradation, the transport transition toward more sustainable mobility is unavoidable and increasingly urgent. In cities and metropolitan areas, but also in rural areas, sustainable cycling has great prospects for the future. Central topics of current explosiveness are the promotion of cycling in rural areas as well as capacity problems in cities and the growing electromobility in cycling.

As part of a modern transportation system, cycling can make mobility more sustainable, while maintaining mobility and improving quality of life, especially in cities. That is why the National Cycling Plan was drawn up by the federal government: It forms the basis for the promotion of cycling in Germany. This plan, abbreviated NRVP, serves not only as an information platform, but at the same time also as an impulse generator and coordinator with regard to a sustainable transport policy. The federal, state and local governments are responsible for promoting cycling. But to do so, they need clear support and networking with associations, entrepreneurs and local citizens.

Since the first NRVP in 2002, the plan has been continuously pursued and revised. In doing so, the subsequent versions always address new challenges from transport policy and society. The NRVP uncovers potential and develops strategies to advance the promotion of cycling in Germany. In 2020, the NRVP was again given the meaningful title “Developing cycling together”: The task of transport change, the title emphasizes, is a joint one for the federal government, the states, for authorities and also for society.

With the goal of making cycling safer and more attractive for all, the NRVP prioritizes a number of areas. In this way, it ensures continuity in funding, for example by promoting the creation of suitable infrastructure, the further development of legal framework conditions and the support of model projects and measures with an exemplary effect. The necessary linkage with topics such as environmental and climate protection, health promotion and urban development is the focus of the National Plan. The NRVP does particular justice to the regional aspect of promoting cycling. Different conditions in individual communities are to be more strongly incorporated into the planning and implementation of projects.

Unlike in the cities, where bicycle traffic is undergoing dynamic development, bicycle use in rural areas still has more room for expansion. This is a particular focus of the NRVP. In urban areas, attention is increasingly focused on the growing market for pedelecs and electromobility in general. Here, new impacts on infrastructure and on traffic safety arise, which must be taken into account.

Last but not least, promoting the safety of all road users is important. For example, the NRVP presents federal activities, such as safety campaigns. With its funding program and federal funds totaling 3.2 million euros, the NRVP supports non-investment projects that stand out for their innovation and can serve as models for other regions and cities.

The funding guide: Find funding opportunities regionally and nationally

The funding and financing options available locally for planned projects are confusing at first glance. That’s why information can be found on the NRVP’s bicycle portal in the online funding brochure. Legal bases and regional peculiarities in adaptations on federal and state roads, in urban development funding, but also state building codes, ERDF funds and opportunities for rural development can be learned here.

What are the current federal and state funding and financing options? This question is answered clearly and with the help of filter options by the funding brochure on the NRVP bicycle portal. Here, administrations and municipalities, as well as interested members of the public, have the opportunity to find out about regional opportunities in their city, municipality or state. Shown are overviews of existing funding opportunities and the appropriate funding agencies. This way, interested parties can get in touch with the researched funding agencies. The overview provides information on relevant financing and funding bases, details on funding guidelines, on financing options such as funding rates, application deadlines and measure sponsors. PDF files on legal principles can be deposited by the corresponding measure carriers.

As the largest database on federal and state funding and financing opportunities for cycling, the Förderfiebel has become one of the most important points of contact for cycling funding in Germany.