Under towns we understand municipalities with a (limited) urban character. As a guide number, a town has less than 50,000 inhabitants, but this figure really varies from country to country. Concerning the administrative organisation, a town has a small administration where one or two persons are taken all tasks concerning cycling, transport, urban planning policy.

Under cities and agglomerations we understand municipalities with a urban character. As a guide number, a city has above 50,000 inhabitants, but this figure really varies from country to country. Concerning the administrative organisation, a city has an administration where multiple persons working on the tasks concerning cycling, transport, urban planning policy.

Regions are the administrative level above the municipalities. Depending on the country we are speaking about provinces, regions, counties, … Normally there is an elected council who is running the region. Regions do have own responsibilities in infrastructure planning, transport planning, education, … The list of responsibilities differs from region to region. Regions are also important in supporting communities and local actors through funding, arguments, tools and knowledge.

States have the legislative competence to create framework conditions for cycling in road traffic regulations, financial law, environmental law, etc., while the federal states are responsible for supra-regional infrastructure. Through their funding strategies, the ministries influence the cycling strategies of the Länder, regions and cities (e.g., through financial support).

The states can set quality standards and training standards (e.g., bicycle mechanics, bicycle trainers, etc.).