Call for Proposals: “Young Generation Bikes – Active Mobility”: Up to 145 Million Euros for Safe Mobility for Children and Youth

The next generation is cycling – and the federal government is helping to fund it

With the new call for proposals “Young Generation Cycling – Active Mobility,” the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) launched one of the most ambitious funding programs to date for cycling and walking among children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 25 on April 30, 2026. A total of up to 145 million euros is available for innovative and quickly implementable projects.

For municipalities, schools, clubs, and other organizations, this is a rare opportunity: Anyone looking to make infrastructure around schools, daycare centers, youth centers, or vocational schools safer and more attractive can benefit from substantial grants—covering planning, construction, and accompanying measures.

In this article, you’ll learn what’s behind the call for proposals, which two funding streams are available, and what you should keep in mind when submitting your application.

Secure bicycle parking facilities as part of your funded project

No matter which funding stream you choose: High-quality parking facilities for bicycles, kick scooters, and e-scooters are explicitly eligible for funding in both streams.

Especially around schools, daycare centers, youth centers, and train stations, the quality of the parking infrastructure determines whether children and young people will even get on their bikes—or not.

At Gronard, we have been supporting municipalities, school districts, and planning firms with this very task since 1949:

• ADFC-recommended bike racks that allow the frame to be secured

• Weather-protected canopies for longer bike lifespan

• Double-deck racks for maximum parking capacity in tight spaces

• Service stations, charging options, and street furniture for a well-thought-out overall concept

• Planning support from site selection through installation 

This covers exactly the measures explicitly listed as eligible in the call for proposals.

Funding Line 1: “The Future Rides a Bike” – the Model Competition through 2031

The first funding line is structured as a competitive process. An expert jury will select up to 30 model projects from all submitted proposals to serve as examples nationwide.

What is eligible for funding?

We are looking for holistic concepts that combine at least three sub-measures—for example, two infrastructure measures at two locations plus an accompanying non-capital measure.

Eligible projects include, among others: 

• Exemplary bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure

• Safe crossings and traffic calming measures

• Accessible redesigns

• Secure parking facilities for bicycles, kick scooters, and e-scooters

• Lighting and measures to enhance public safety

• Connections to public transportation

• Education and communication campaigns

• Participatory processes and scientific support

Successful projects are characterized by a clear focus on a specific target group (e.g., daycare children, vocational school students, or young people on recreational routes) and by particularly innovative approaches.

Funding Line 2: “Closing Gaps in a Sprint” – Rapid Measures by 2027

If you’re not interested in lengthy planning phases and are planning infrastructure projects that can be implemented quickly, Funding Line 2 is the right choice for you.

What is eligible for funding?

The focus here is on specific infrastructure improvements that significantly enhance the safety and appeal of cycling and walking: 

• Closing gaps in the network of bike and pedestrian paths

• Safe crossings and traffic calming measures

• Markings and signage

• Urgently needed renovations of sidewalks and bike paths

• Temporary measures for testing (with evaluation)

• Accessibility improvements, lighting

• Parking facilities for bicycles, kick scooters, and e-scooters

Accompanying educational, communication, and public engagement measures are also eligible for funding.

Which funding program is right for your project?

Rule of thumb: If you are planning a large-scale, long-term pilot project, you should choose Funding Line 1. If, on the other hand, you want to quickly implement a measure that has already been concretely planned, Funding Line 2 is a better option.

Who is eligible to apply?

All legal entities under public or private law are eligible to apply—including municipalities, counties, public utilities, schools, associations, non-profit organizations, and private-sector organizations. The prerequisite is having the necessary technical expertise and sufficient staff capacity to carry out the project.

Here’s the best way to proceed

1. Choose a funding track: Determine internally whether your project fits better into the competitive track (FL1) or the fast-track (FL2).

2. Take advantage of consultation hours: BALM offers free online consultation hours—register early.

3. Prepare a draft/application: Use the official checklists, filling-out guides, and time/funding plans provided by the Federal Mobility Forum.

4. Involve partners: Bring manufacturers, planners, and educational institutions on board early on—this strengthens the quality of your application.

5. Note the deadlines: July 15, 2026 (FL1 – outline) and July 31, 2026 (FL2 – application).

We’ll help you get started

Are you planning a grant project under the “Young Generation Bicycle – Active Mobility” initiative and need assistance with the design of bicycle parking facilities, shelters, or mobility concepts for schools, daycare centers, or youth centers?

Get in touch with us. We’ll advise you on eligible products, handle the planning of your bicycle parking facility, and deliver — including installation — the right solution for your municipality. 

Sources and further links

“Young Generation Bicycle – Active Mobility” funding call

easy-Online funding portal

Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) – Funding Guide

Phone: 0221 5776 5699

Email: foerderlotse@balm.bund.de

Information as of: April 30, 2026 (date of the last update of the cited sources from the Federal Mobility Forum), accessed on May 19, 2026.