The European Cyclists' Federation and EuroVelo were represented at the Iberian Cycling Congress last 2^nd-4^th May. Lisbon hosted this conference for its 11^th edition, 18 years after it was first held in the Portuguese capital in 1996. During these years, the Iberian Cycling Congress has become the reference point for cycling in the south of Europe.

Organized by the FPCUP (Portuguese Bicycle Users’ Federation) and ConBici (the Spanish Cycling Organisation), the congress was well attended by Spanish and Portuguese cycling organizations, members of  Parliament from both countries, former MEP’s, Andalusia’s Minister of Transport, a representation from the Camara de Lisboa (Lisbon city government), and many Portuguese local authorities.

For 3 days, we had the opportunity to debate and discuss cycling in Portugal and Spain, cycling tourism and EuroVelo, intermodality, the Cycling Plan of Andalusia, cycling advocacy and many other topics.

The ECF had the honor of participating in the opening of the Congress and sharing with the attendees some words of congratulation to the Portuguese and Spanish cycling organizations on behalf of our Secretary General Bernhard Ensink, for their important advocacy work and the influence that it is having in improving cycling conditions in both countries.

EuroVelo had a dedicated space to present the European cycle route network, the three routes that pass through Spain and Portugal and the significant advances of EuroVelo in both countries: the steps in the coordination of EuroVelo in Spain, the new extension proposal of EuroVelo1 in Portugal, new challenges and opportunities.

The Camara de Lisboa also announced during the congress that the Portuguese capital intends to be a candidate city for Velo-City 2017.

Cycling is clearly an important part of the political agenda of Spain and Portugal and we must celebrate and work together with the Spanish and Portuguese cycling organizations.

At the conclusion of the conference came, an agreement to work on the promotion of EuroVelo in Spain and Portugal, support for the work of ConBici against the mandatory helmet law in Spain and for the need of a common European road code legislation that promotes cycling. Málaga (Spain) will host the next edition of the Iberian Cycling Congress (1^st May 2015).

Pedals resound from the south of Europe.

*An extended version of the conclusions of the congress available here

About the Author

Jesus Freire Valderrama is a Policy Assistant for EuroVelo and Cycling Tourism at the European Cyclists' Federation. He is part of A Contramano, the Seville Cyclists' Assembly and you can follow him on @yessfreire and @sevillaenbici