Velo-city

Velo-city is a conference series of cycle planning conferences that started in 1980 in Bremen, where advocates, cities, decision makers, academics, researchers and industry leaders meet to shape the future of cycling.^[1]

As annual flagship event of the European Cyclists’ Federation, Velo-city plays a part in promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy means of transport for all.^[2]

Hosted in a different city every year, the conference offers a knowledge-exchange and policy-transfer platform through its programme to more than 1600 Velo-citizens from over 60 countries^[3] involved in the policy, promotion of cycling, active mobility and sustainable urban development. In addition, the conference exhibition showcases the latest innovations for a better cycling experience. Answering the growing demand for expertise in cycling from cities, ECF has decided to hold an annual Velo-city conference in 2010.^[4]

The European Cyclists’ Federation conducts international bidding processes, encouraging cities committed to sustainable and active mobility to apply for future conferences.^[5] After a period when public and local authorities are allowed to bid, ECF Board is in charge of assessing the proposals of cities for the title according to criteria specified in candidacy.

Every year, a host city is chosen for the edition coming in a three years time.^[6]

Hosted in a different city every year, the conference offers a knowledge-exchange and policy-transfer platform through its programme to more than 1600 Velo-citizens from over 60 countries^[7] involved in the policy, promotion of cycling, active mobility and sustainable urban development. In addition, the conference exhibition showcases the latest innovations for a better cycling experience.

Answering the growing demand for expertise in cycling from cities, ECF has decided to hold an annual Velo-city conference in 2010.^[8]

Velo-city editions have been held in these locations with the following themes:

Velo-city conferences feature a large programme composed by plenary sessions, parallel sessions, an exhibition of cycling innovations, the popular bike parade, technical visits and several social and side events.^[33]

Plenary sessions often involve high-level speakers such as influential voices in the fields of urban planning, local and national policy-making and cycling innovations.^[34] Parallel sessions offer a smaller scale setting for attendees to get actively involved in workshops, discussions, and practical activities.^[35] The Velo-city exhibition is the meeting point for industry actors and policymakers, showcasing the latest solutions in cycling infrastructure to better equip public spaces for cycling.^[36]

The bike parade is a public event organized during each Velo-city conference, gathering thousands of Velo-citizens and local residents to cycle together through the host city. Bike parades have often included entertainment along the parade's route, such as free concerts and shows to celebrate urban cycling.^[37]

Technical visits are organised by the host city to showcase the progress and challenges present at the local level. Such visits generally include a bike tour guided by a local expert and focus on innovative city infrastructure, on the use of data and technologies, or unique features of the host city.^[38][39]

• Velo-city's bike parade in Vienna with 4200 participants
• Randy Neufeld at Velo-city 2012 Vancouver
• Gil Penalosa at Velo-city 2011 Seville
• Bike Parade at Velo-city 2010 Copenhagen
• Sam Adams speaking at Velo-city 2009 Brussels

1. Velo-city Global 2014
2. Velo-city Global 2016 – CI/VI
3. Velo-city Global 2016 – website