Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Cycle-touring, Expeditions, Adventures, Major cycle routes NOT LeJoG (see other special board)
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Cycling UK Publicity
Posts: 28
Joined: 9 Sep 2008, 2:25pm

Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by Cycling UK Publicity »

Cycling UK has been contacted by a number of members, asking about what to expect as UK citizens cycling in a post-Brexit EU. To answer this, an article has been commissioned for a forthcoming edition of Cycle magazine where we're going to look at the common themes and concerns of our members and the wider cycling community.

While we can't promise to answer every question you might have, if you've any queries or concerns do please post them below and we'll look to investigate and answer in the near future. If you're also happy to be contacted for any follow up questions too, please do say in your comment as well.

Thank you!
Jdsk
Posts: 24630
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by Jdsk »

That's a good idea, and I hope that it will evolve into a subsite.

There's a particularly useful thread on travel during the outbreak here:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=146157
That should include most of the questions and a fair number of the answers.

And on visas etc here:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=142391

Jonathan
Cycling UK Publicity
Posts: 28
Joined: 9 Sep 2008, 2:25pm

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by Cycling UK Publicity »

Thanks Jonathan - super helpful!
roubaixtuesday
Posts: 5814
Joined: 18 Aug 2015, 7:05pm

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by roubaixtuesday »

Cycling UK Publicity wrote: 28 Sep 2021, 9:43am Cycling UK has been contacted by a number of members, asking about what to expect as UK citizens cycling in a post-Brexit EU. To answer this, an article has been commissioned for a forthcoming edition of Cycle magazine where we're going to look at the common themes and concerns of our members and the wider cycling community.

While we can't promise to answer every question you might have, if you've any queries or concerns do please post them below and we'll look to investigate and answer in the near future. If you're also happy to be contacted for any follow up questions too, please do say in your comment as well.

Thank you!
We're hoping in the next few years to do a really long tour through many countries in Europe.

What does the end of free movement mean for this?

As I understand it, we'd be ok for 90 days, but then need to apply for country specific visas for every EU country we might be in beyond that?

Is this correct? Any way around this as it could be very expensive, time consuming and de facto limit EU tours to 90 days. I realise this will only affect a small and lucky minority!
st599_uk
Posts: 1092
Joined: 4 Nov 2018, 8:59pm

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by st599_uk »

The governing body for sailing (RYA) did a large webinar series that's available on line for free, whilst some of that is boating specific (VAT rules for vessels, Ports of Entry etc.) most is generic and could provide some information for your article. https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/current-affairs/brexit

Would be good to see tailored information on:
  • The loss of freedom of movement - 90 days in rolling 180 window, requirements for immediately available funds, health insurance etc. When this moves to an automated system next year, the penalties become problematic.
  • ETIAS
  • Rules for importing goods over your personal allowance - that would include many bikes.
  • Visa rules for longer tours - there's no long stay Schengen visa, so individual country visas are required which must be applied for before you leave the UK. Some also have implications for personal taxation or require registration at local government offices.
  • Longer routes you can do which allow you to do the Schengen shuffle and move out of the area every 90 days.
It would also be good to explore what the membership could do, e.g. the RYA have told members that a longer visa waiver of 6 months has been offered by the EU if the UK reciprocated, but rejected by the UK.
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simonhill
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Joined: 13 Jan 2007, 11:28am
Location: Essex

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by simonhill »

Main points covered above, but mobile phone roaming is also a topic of interest and concern. It's looking more like a fait a compli with all companies shedding the benefit, but will be of interest to would be Euro tourists.

Well discussed here
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=146542
simonhill
Posts: 5226
Joined: 13 Jan 2007, 11:28am
Location: Essex

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by simonhill »

One problem, probably covered in one the posts Johnathan linked to are entry rules to EU countries and how they will be implemented.

There is the law, the rules and what people will experience on the ground. As an organisation I don't know how you can deal with this. For example the rules say you must have return ticket and enough (lots) of money for every day of your trip, etc, etc.These rules are very onerous for most freewheeling cyclists. However, unless you are very unlucky (or on some list) you won't be bothered by them.

Saying 'don't worry about the rules' may be difficult for a National Organisation.
Andrew-l
Posts: 79
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 12:42pm

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by Andrew-l »

Specifics around which rules apply to which countries would be good e.g. Norway /Sweden - along with what happens if you accidentally cross a border not at a border post! (bane of adventurous / lost cyclists)
mongoose
Posts: 39
Joined: 5 May 2017, 9:45pm

Re: Call for queries on cycling in post-Brexit Europe

Post by mongoose »

Ten of our cycling group had planned a tour for 2020 starting in Strasbourg and looping around the Alsace wine Route and through the Black Forest. Because of covid this was not possible but we are now intending to reschedule this trip for June 2022.

Our intention was four of us to take the ten bikes to the start point in Strasbourg in two cars whilst the rest of the group travel by plane and train. This means that there will be six unaccompanied bikes in the cars [some are e-bikes].

There was an article in today's Independent on Sunday where someone was charged €400 import duty and VAT on taking three e-bikes into Spain on the ferry for a holiday and bringing the bikes back with him on the return. The customs officers said he could have had an ATA Carnet to avoid import charges. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Having done a bit of research, British Cycling advise obtaining a carnet to take bikes to Europe - presumably aimed at cycling teams rather than individual touring cyclists. The ATA Carnet costs £300 + VAT plus either a non-refundable insurance premium or a security deposit based on the cost of the "goods" being temporarily imported [40% of the value has been indicated]. Similar advice has been given by Motorsport UK and the ACU. It may be that a carnet is only required where the car, motorbike, bike or whatever is not accompanied by the owner who has proof of ownership or it could just be e-bikes as they are treated as motorised vehicles under the customs rules.

For our trip it may be that those not going by car will have to hire bikes at the destination or everyone goes by car.
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