1.3: The power of activism and cycling advocacy 

This session explores how passionate individuals and dedicated organisations harness the power of advocacy to promote cycling as a sustainable and equitable mode of transportation. As the voice of cyclists in Europe, ECF’s core mission is to improve and increase cycling through our advocacy. Learning all about effective strategies and initiatives from around the world, whether at the local or national level, will bring new perspectives and tools that help us amplify the voice of cycling advocacy.  

2.2: Women in Cycling: Bringing diversity to the bike sector 

Three years ago, ECF initiated the Women in Cycling network together with CIE, Velokonzept, Mobycon and CONEBI aiming to help women to get more visibility, impact and leading seats in the cycling sector. Increasing the diversity in the bicycle sector is important for unlocking the benefits of cycling and it is wonderful to have this network of women to share ideas with and work collectively towards our common goals. The session will be followed by a Women in Cycling lunch where you can connect with other women.  

4.1: Beyond bikelash: Unleashing the power of citizen participation 

Bikelash – the backlash against cyclists and cycling projects – poses a unique hurdle to realising inclusive and sustainable transportation. This session addresses the challenge of bikelash by exploring the dynamics of citizen participation in various mobility planning projects, such as SUMPs and circulation plans. Hear from cities like Brussels, Oslo, Ghent and Amsterdam about citizen participation. 

6.2: Safety in the saddle using data, laws and infrastructure solutions 

This session explores data-driven approaches to improve bicycle safety. From 2D cameras and AI algorithms to community feedback, data analysis can help to identify accident-prone areas and inform targeted interventions such as eliminating hazardous zones and implementing traffic calming strategies. Six speakers will share their experiences of using data and technology to create safer and more sustainable environments for cyclists. 

7.5: Promoting health and equity – Strong cross-sector partnership to scale up pilot projects 

If you are interested in promoting health equity in cities through cycling, you should not miss this masterclass. Cities for Better Health, a global network of over 45 cities around the world promoting urban health, has initiated fruitful collaborations and effective pilot projects to improve overall public health by promoting cycling. ECF will be on stage with Cities for Better Health, BYCS and Cycling Without Age to discuss how we can effectively scale up initiatives and strengthen our commitment to boost urban health through cycling. 

8.3: Cyclists love trains – it’s complicated! 

The benefits of combining bicycles and trains are clear: together they provide door-to-door connectivity as well as long-distance travel. However, the implementation remains complex. Having public transport representatives at a cycling summit is, therefore, essential to strengthen collaboration. In this panel, rail operators and bike-train experts from various regions will discuss the challenges, best practices and strategies for successfully integrating bikes and trains.  

9.1: From research to practice: The role of perceptions and narratives in shaping mobility 

How does the way we see and talk about cycling influence policies and planning? This academic session presents various research studies that examine how attitudes, discourses, media representation and political considerations frame cycling promotion and the mobility transformation. Gain new insights into the effective use of language, from understanding which narratives will support our cycling advocacy efforts to identifying those that might hinder our goals. 

10.4: International cooperation on cycle route networks: from a national to a transnational scale 

With only a handful of countries in Europe having national cycle route networks in place, this session is a must-attend for all other countries. A UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) group of experts shares a guide to designing cycle networks, from setting objectives to creating and managing the cycle networks.  

11.6: Using data to build the case for cycling 

Beyond the importance of data in promoting cycling, this session emphasises the crucial role of data visualisation. The speakers will show how effective presentation of data, from bicycle infrastructure to travel times, can convey a convincing story of the many advantages of cycling. 

12.5: Better communication about cycling and cyclists  

How can we improve public perception and understanding of cycling as a mode of transport through better communication? In this panel discussion, four communication experts explore effective strategies to manage the conversation around cycling, including examples of beating ‘bikelash’, the importance of transparency and proactive communication about winter maintenance of cycle paths. 

Conference highlights beyond the programme 

In addition to the engaging programme sessions, Velo-city is home to many more exciting events that bring together a community of passionate people and boost the development of cycling in the host city and beyond.  

Following PLENARY 2, ECF will award some of this year’s most outstanding achievements in cycling. The ECF awards are always an exciting moment, and with the growing momentum for cycling, now is the time to highlight successes and their contributions to addressing global climate, health and equity challenges. This year’s awards are kindly sponsored by JobRad, Eco-Counter, Geveko Markings, Verhofsté, and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. 

One of the most anticipated events is the Bike Parade, where Velo-citizens and locals come together for a joyful bike ride with music and performances. Moreover, the host city, Ghent, has taken the Technical Visits to a new level by offering 19 different tours showcasing the city’s cycling infrastructure and initiatives.  

Velo-city 2024 will take place from 18-21 June in Ghent, Belgium. Discover the full programme and book your ticket now. See you in Ghent!