The German government's proposed 2027 federal budget includes a funding allocation of 544 million euros for cycling initiatives, marking a nearly 10% reduction compared to the current year's budget. The proposal, submitted to the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, has raised concerns among the Zukunft Fahrrad association, which represents the interests of the cycling industry nationwide. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport’s "Cycling Barometer," the share of Germans who want to use bikes or e-bikes more frequently has grown significantly—from 41% in 2021 to 55% in 2025—showing a rising preference for two-wheeled transport among the public. Wasilis von Rauch, director general of Zukunft Fahrrad, criticized the proposed budget cuts, arguing that reducing funding for cycling infrastructure and the industry is illogical when more people are choosing to cycle. He emphasized that every euro invested in safe cycling infrastructure yields substantial returns, both economically and socially. The association warned that the proposed budget does not align with the growing demand for cycling infrastructure and the government’s own research on its benefits. The most significant cuts are targeted at the "Towns and Countryside" program, which funds local cycling projects. Its budget would decrease from 281 million euros to 276 million euros. However, the association noted that the real impact of this reduction could be more severe due to rising construction costs. Additional areas affected include funding for cycle lanes on federal roads, which remains frozen at 100 million euros after a 2026 reduction. New investments for bike parking at train stations—something in high demand—are not included in the proposal. Other cuts include 43 million euros from fast cycling lanes along waterways, 2 million euros from programs promoting active mobility, 5 million euros from pilot cycling projects, and 4 million euros from funding for electric cargo bikes used by professionals. Zukunft Fahrrad expressed confusion over the budget's direction, pointing out that it contradicts the Federal Ministry of Transport’s own 2026 report, which highlighted the positive effects of cycling on health, the economy, and climate change. The report also emphasized cycling’s role in promoting social inclusion and making cities more livable. The proposed budget is not yet final, and lawmakers will have the opportunity to revise it during autumn parliamentary debates.