Title: Maintenance Woes and Safety Concerns: Europe’s Cycling Challenges in 2026
A recent study by Shimano, surveying 25,000 individuals across 25 European countries, reveals that 121 million Europeans are cycling less due to difficulties accessing bicycle repair and maintenance services. (bike.shimano.com) This significant decline underscores the pressing need for improved maintenance infrastructure to sustain and promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.
Maintenance Barriers: A Widespread Issue
The report highlights that 212 million Europeans encounter obstacles in maintaining their bicycles, leading to a shift in transportation habits. Over 20% of respondents have turned to alternative modes of transport, while 16.4% have ceased cycling altogether. The primary challenges identified include:
- Cost: 20.3% of individuals find repair expenses prohibitive.
- Availability: 15.3% lack access to local bike shops or face inconvenient operating hours.
- Wait Times: 11.8% are deterred by prolonged repair durations.
- DIY Repairs: 26.9% attempt self-repair to circumvent these issues.
Notably, the 18 to 24 age group experiences the most significant hindrances, with many abandoning cycling when faced with costly repairs and extended wait times.
Children’s Safety: A Growing Concern
The study also reveals a concerning trend regarding children’s safety on bicycles. In the Netherlands, the perception of safety has declined by 22.7%, attributed to the increased presence of fast e-bikes and scooters on shared cycling paths. This shift poses risks to young cyclists and highlights the need for dedicated infrastructure to ensure their safety.
Infrastructure Development: A Stagnant Landscape
Despite Europe’s strong cycling culture, progress in infrastructure development appears to be stagnating. Countries like Spain and the United Kingdom report significant improvements, with 44% and 47% of respondents noting enhancements, respectively. In contrast, nations with traditionally high cycling rates, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, report minimal progress, indicating a potential complacency in maintaining and expanding cycling infrastructure.
A Call to Action
Ties van Dijk, Advocacy Specialist at Shimano Europe, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these challenges:
“We see millions of people who want to ride bicycles, but they are deterred by barriers that should not exist, from the lack of availability and the complexity of maintenance to concerns about the safety of children riding bicycles.” (en.brujulabike.com)
To reverse these trends, a concerted effort is required to enhance maintenance accessibility, improve safety measures for young cyclists, and invest in infrastructure development. Such initiatives are crucial to fostering a cycling-friendly environment that encourages participation and supports sustainable urban mobility.
For a comprehensive understanding of the findings, the full State of the Nation 2026 report is available on Shimano’s official website. (bike.shimano.com)