Shimano’s State of the Nation 2026 survey highlights maintenance access and safety perception as key barriers to cycling participation across Europe. The findings underline the need for stronger service networks and safer environments to sustain long-term growth.
Cycling remains central to Europe’s sustainable mobility ambitions, but Shimano’s latest State of the Nation 2026 survey reveals structural challenges that threaten participation. Based on responses from 25,000 people across 25 European countries, the report highlights maintenance access and safety perception as critical factors shaping the future of cycling.
Maintenance gap limits participation
One of the report’s most significant findings is the scale of the maintenance barrier. Shimano estimates that 212 million Europeans face obstacles when repairing or servicing their bicycles. As a result, 121 million people are cycling less frequently, while others have stopped altogether.
The reasons are primarily practical. High repair costs, long waiting times, and limited access to workshops discourage regular use. For many riders, particularly in urban areas, bicycles are essential for daily mobility. When maintenance becomes difficult or expensive, cycling quickly becomes less viable compared to other transport options.
This highlights an often-overlooked aspect of cycling infrastructure: service availability. While cities continue to invest in bike lanes and cycling promotion, the supporting service network remains uneven. Without reliable maintenance access, long-term participation is at risk—even in countries with strong cycling cultures.
Safety concerns affect future generations
Safety perception, especially for children, is another key concern. Fewer than 40 percent of respondents believe cycling has become safer for children in the past year. Even in established cycling nations such as the Netherlands, confidence in safety improvements remains limited.
This trend reflects broader changes in urban mobility. Faster e-bikes, increased traffic density, and shared infrastructure create more complex environments for young riders. Since cycling habits often develop early in life, declining safety confidence could have lasting effects on participation levels.
Investment in protected infrastructure and safer urban planning remains essential to address these concerns and ensure cycling remains accessible for future generations.
Mature markets show slowing momentum
The survey also reveals regional differences. Emerging cycling markets such as Spain, Poland, and the UK report more visible progress in infrastructure and cycling conditions. By contrast, mature cycling nations including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark show slower perceived improvement.
This reflects the challenge of sustaining momentum in already advanced markets, where further improvements are more complex but equally important.
Strengthening the cycling ecosystem
Shimano’s report highlights the importance of a comprehensive cycling ecosystem. Infrastructure alone is not enough. Accessible maintenance, affordable service, and safe riding environments are equally critical to sustaining participation.
For policymakers and industry stakeholders, the message is clear: maintaining Europe’s cycling momentum will require continued investment not only in infrastructure, but also in the service networks and safety measures that support everyday riders.
The full Shimano State of the Nation report can be found here.