Across Europe, cycling is widely recognized as a cornerstone of healthy, sustainable mobility. Yet new findings from the latest State of the Nation report reveal a growing disconnect between ambition and reality, one that risks slowing participation at a critical moment.

Based on a representative survey of 25,000 people across 25 European countries, the 2025 State of the Nation report highlights three interconnected challenges shaping the future of cycling: access to bicycle maintenance, children’s safety, and the pace of infrastructure development.

Perhaps the most concerning finding is that 121 million people across Europe are cycling less due to difficulties accessing bicycle repair and maintenance. In total, an estimated 212 million people report encountering maintenance barriers, including high costs, long wait times, a lack of local bike shops, or limited opening hours.

For many, these challenges directly affect behavior. More than one in five respondents said they rely more on other forms of transport as a result, while 16.4% stopped cycling altogether. When keeping a bicycle running feels complicated, expensive, or inconvenient, participation suffers. These findings point to a structural risk for cycling: without accessible, reliable maintenance ecosystems, even strong infrastructure cannot sustain long-term ridership.

The report also highlights growing concern about children’s cycling safety. Across Europe, fewer than two in five respondents believe that cycling has become safer for children over the past year. In some countries, perceptions are improving, while in others, progress appears to be stalling or even reversing.

Most striking is the result from traditionally strong cycling nations. The Netherlands, long viewed as a global benchmark, reports a net negative perception of children’s cycling safety. While the reasons are complex, including changes in traffic mix and vehicle types on cycle lanes, the implication is clear: when children do not feel safe cycling, future participation is at risk.

Across all countries, respondents overwhelmingly agreed on one solution: more child-friendly cycling infrastructure. Safe routes, separation from traffic, and environments designed for young riders remain central to building lifelong cycling habits.

Perceptions of cycling infrastructure vary widely across Europe. Countries such as Poland, France, and Finland report great improvements, while others lag behind. Interestingly, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, often seen as cycling pioneers, rank near the bottom.

This does not necessarily reflect failure, but rather expectation. In mature cycling markets, standards are high, and progress must be continuous. For industry and policymakers alike, this creates a challenge: when leading markets lose momentum, they risk losing their role as engines of innovation and cultural leadership.

As Ties van Dijk, Advocacy Specialist at Shimano Europe, explains:

“The State of the Nation report is a wake-up call for everyone who cares about the future of cycling in Europe. Millions of people want to ride, but are being pushed away by barriers that should not exist.”

The findings underline a simple truth: infrastructure alone is not enough. To secure the future of cycling, Europe must make it easy to maintain bicycles, safe for children to ride, and continuously invest in systems that support everyday cycling, today and for generations to come.

Shimano is committed to addressing the challenges highlighted in the State of the Nation report, not only through product innovation but by strengthening the wider cycling ecosystem that supports riders at every stage.

Recognizing that access to reliable repair and maintenance is critical to sustained participation, Shimano is investing in initiatives that elevate the role of the bicycle mechanic.

Programs such as the Shimano Mechanics Championship celebrate technical excellence, professionalism, and craftsmanship within the trade, while highlighting the essential role mechanics play in keeping Europe riding.

At the same time, Shimano’s NextGen Mechanics initiative focuses on the future of the profession, supporting training, education, and entry pathways for young and aspiring mechanics. By helping develop skills and confidence at the grassroots level, Shimano aims to strengthen local repair networks and reduce barriers caused by cost, availability, and long waiting times.

Shimano works closely with advocacy groups, municipalities, and partners to promote safer cycling environments for children. This includes supporting campaigns that prioritize child-friendly infrastructure, traffic education, and policies that help young riders develop safe, confident cycling habits that last into adulthood.

Through its advocacy work, Shimano contributes research, data, and expertise to policy discussions at European, national, and local levels. By sharing insights from the State of the Nation report, Shimano supports evidence-based decision-making that encourages continuous investment in cycling infrastructure, particularly in mature markets where expectations are high, and momentum must be maintained.

From local initiatives to international partnerships, Shimano continues to invest in organizations and programs that grow participation, improve access, and strengthen cycling culture. The goal is simple: to ensure cycling remains a practical, inclusive, and appealing choice for everyday mobility, now and in the future.