November 13th 2024

Accelerating Global Cycling Transformation: A Deep Dive into the Velo-city Conference

The Velo-city Conference, organized by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), is the world’s leading annual event for cycling advocates and city planners. Each year, it brings together more than 1,500 delegates from over 60 countries—policy-makers, industry leaders, academics, and everyday cyclists—to drive forward change in urban mobility. This case study explores how Velo-city creates a lasting impact in host cities, making cycling safer, more accessible, and a viable transportation option for all.

People examining documents at a table with text overlay: "Case Study Velo-city Conference".

A Platform for Positive Change in Mobility

Since 1980, Velo-city has provided a space to share best practices in cycling and urban planning. Each year, it enables cities to connect with a global network of experts dedicated to healthier, more sustainable cities, which aligns with SDG Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being.

Velo-city features over 400 speakers, including leaders from civil society, local government, and the private sector, who bring practical strategies and case studies to help cities embed cycling into daily life.

Through plenary sessions, discussions, and exhibitions, participants learn directly from each other, exploring how cycling can support both environmental and community goals.

Empowering Host Cities to Create a Lasting Legacy

Velo-city offers host cities a unique opportunity to accelerate cycling infrastructure and policy changes. Each city is selected based on its potential to drive cycling impact locally, and many use Velo-city as a launchpad for transformative policies to achieve SDG Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

In Dublin, for example, the 2019 Velo-city conference helped spark a commitment to allocate 10% of the national transport budget to cycling and walking. This shift, partly driven by Velo-city’s influence, created long-term partnerships between government and advocacy groups, strengthening cycling initiatives well beyond the conference.

“Planning for legacy from the beginning means that impact is all the greater.”

Caroline Cerfontaine, Velo-city Director

Driving Inclusivity and Diversity in Global Cycling

Inclusivity is a key focus of Velo-city. The event supports diverse voices and encourages gender balance through initiatives like the Women in Cycling network, which held its first in-person meeting at Velo-city Lisbon in 2021, supporting SDG Goal 5 Gender Equality.

The conference also provides travel grants to speakers from low- and middle-income countries, ensuring representation from a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds.

Showcasing Innovation in Urban Cycling

Innovation plays a central role in Velo-city’s mission. The Smart Pedal Pitch, launched at Velo-city Dublin in 2019, invites start-ups and SMEs to present cycling solutions that can make an immediate difference in urban settings. Top finalists gain the chance to pilot their projects in the host city, with innovations like Nüwiel’s e-powered cargo bike trailers demonstrating how Velo-city helps bring creative ideas to life.

Connecting with Local Communities: The Annual Bike Parade

The annual Bike Parade is a conference highlight, inviting delegates and local residents to celebrate cycling together. By engaging the public, Velo-city builds local enthusiasm for cycling and connects attendees with the host city’s own cycling community. This event showcases cycling’s potential to bring people together, fostering support for more inclusive and sustainable urban transport.

A group of people with bicycles gathered around a person holding a map in a park setting with trees in the background.

Planning for Legacy: ECF’s Strategy for Lasting Impact

For the ECF, Velo-city’s legacy goes beyond the event itself. By embedding impact goals into the planning process, ECF ensures each Velo-City conference leaves the host city with lasting benefits. Involving a wide range of stakeholders—from city officials to local cycling groups—lays the groundwork for continued collaboration. As Velo-city Director Caroline Cerfontaine explains, “Planning for legacy from the beginning means that impact is all the greater.”

Discover the Full Story of Velo-city’s Global Impact

Want to learn more about how Velo-city helps cities around the world embrace cycling? Watch the video above and download the full case study here to see how this event creates positive change in urban mobility and community health.

Cyclists ride along a wide, multi-lane bridge with modern buildings in the background on a sunny day. The scene is part of a case study about the Velo-City Conference by BestCities Global Alliance.