Plenary 4: Transport Tango - Mixing and matching modes for sustainable cities

“Are we asking people to become flexitarian or vegan straight away?” asked Ananda Groag, Founder of Reframe. Coincidentally, it is also Veggiedag in Ghent, and you may have noticed that we only served vegetarian and vegan options today. This fitting analogy, therefore, perfectly sums up the discussion of the first plenary of the day: How is the way we design urban and rural spaces influencing people’s choice of transportation?

In front of an audience of cycling advocates and experts, panellists did not shy away from discussing the role of cars in taking up public spaces. The common consensus seemed to favour the flexitarian option; it is important to focus on the total impact we are making and the need for a gradual shift by designing multifunctional infrastructure and spaces for all users. Mixing and matching modes of transport must include flexible mobility options and go beyond traditional categories. Simona Larghetti, a Councillor from the City of Bologna, added, “You are not just a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a car driver, but you can be all.”

Widely agreed upon among this panel was not trying to eliminate all cars from urban areas but rather facilitating strong collaboration between various stakeholders and mobility users to enable a strong basis for smart and intelligent division of public spaces. Alexandra Reinagl, CEO of Wiener Linien, envisions a future of transport in which we can all win. Essential for this is the just allocation of space, specifically the reallocation of on-street parking.

So, what will it be? A traditional meat-heavy diet, a car-heavy approach that clogs our streets? Shall we transition to a flexitarian model with solutions like parking outside the city and car-sharing? Or do we adopt a vegan approach by removing cars from our cities entirely?

Thursday's session highlights

CIE: How cycling is transforming urban logistics across Europe

Over in the Mastel room, in a Cycling Industries Europe session, the speakers turned to the question of what cycle logistics is. Philippe Van de Casteele of the Belgian Cycle Logistics Federation stated, "It is not just about cycling; it's real logistics work." While cargo bikes are known to be more environmentally friendly than cars, Philippe argued further that cycle logistics not only promotes sustainability but also makes economic sense, creating local job opportunities. Margot Vandorpe, Project Manager at Urbike, debunked the misconception that cycle logistics is only viable for small deliveries. She demonstrated how their trailer can carry up to 200 kg. Wrapping up her presentation, she highlighted that local administrations can facilitate the adoption of cycle logistics through tryout schemes for businesses.

The very latest in bicycle parking implementation and practices

At a fully occupied Pierke stage, this session addressed the critical need for effective bicycle parking infrastructure. "Every bike trip starts at a building and ends at a building", said Michael Koucky, CEO of Koucky & Partners, highlighting the role of real estate companies in promoting cycling. Setting building codes and planning requirements can ensure bike parking facilities become a fundamental aspect of design in both new and existing buildings. Ceri Woolsgrove, Senior Policy Officer at ECF, outlined how ECF's efforts transformed non-mandatory statements at the EU level into minimum standards in the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The panel agreed that beyond quantity, the quality of bicycle parking facilities is also crucial. Having to navigate multiple doors or push a cargo bike up a ramp can deter daily usage and even result in assigned parking spaces being left empty. James Thoem, Mobility Specialist at Gehl in Copenhagen, shared bicycle parking innovations to take an example from, such as the ‘sniffle stations’ equipped with a mirror and tissues for a quick fresh-up. Clearly, the next step would be to implement such qualitative standards at EU level to truly facilitate seamless and convenient cycling journeys.

Leave no one behind: Inclusive cycling planning to build communities

The ‘Connecting through Cycling’ theme for Velo-city 2024 was upheld in this panel discussion, ensuring that cycling is accessible and safe to everyone, particularly vulnerable and marginalised groups, was a central focal point. “We have to look at the people who are the most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change and are the least responsible for it”, said Johannes Heidner, Product developer at DB InfraGO. Creating cities where cycling is accessible and inclusive allows marginalised groups to feel better connected at the neighbourhood level and ensures that ‘No one is left behind.’ Many panelists exemplify this daily by directly engaging with underrepresented communities. Ilari Heiska, Traffic engineer for The City of Helsinki, shared how new bicycle highways are connecting previously rather isolated areas and José Besselink, Senior Urban Planner for The City of Rotterdam, showed how their second-hand bicycle banks allow low-income groups to continue cycling.

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

Safety, continuity and comfort – these were the main priorities agreed upon by the panellists of this session so that cycle route networks may cater to the needs of commuters, recreational riders and sports cyclists alike. The introduction of e-bikes has changed the game and it’s uncertain how the cycling sector will evolve in the future, but we must try and think at least 20 years ahead when designing networks now, said Gregor Steklačič of the Slovenian Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy. EuroVelo, the European cycle route network can serve as inspiration for both national networks, as Camille Thomé confirmed for the French case, as well as the broader transnational context, as Agathe Daudibon, EuroVelo and Cycling Tourism Director at ECF and Roel Janssens, Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, explained when presenting their work on the ECE-cycle route network. Strategic planning, policy coherence and collaboration among stakeholders are key to expanding and enhancing cycle route networks, fostering connectivity and promoting cycling as a preferred choice for urban and intercity travel.

Plenary 5: Teaming up with other sectors & Smart Pedal Pitch Finals

Day three of Velo-city 2024 concluded with a powerful closing plenary titled "Teaming Up with Other Sectors & Smart Pedal Pitch Finals," which brought together diverse stakeholders from the health to the logistics sectors. Meredith Glaser captivated the audience with a passionate speech about her transformative experience of moving to the Netherlands. “Driving stressed me out,” Glaser shared. “When I moved to the Netherlands 15 years ago, it was late August, and I was woken up by bicycle bells and laughing children. I was an American in the Netherlands, witnessing the most mundane thing: school drop-off. I was in awe.” In her closing remarks to the audience, Glaser emphasised, “What we are trying to do is so much bigger than building bike lanes. Dance with the system.”

The panel discussion revolved around the potential of partnering with people outside our usual spheres. Drawing on his experience working with over 45 cities, Jo Jewell, Director of Cities for Better Health, underscored the importance of partnerships in creating impact: “In every city where we work, we work in partnership. By discussing things together, you often find win-wins that can create goodwill.” Wim Beelaert, General Coordinator of KAA Gent Foundation, shared the story of how the fans of the local football club created a cycling movement and are now known as the Velo Buffalos. Adriaan Scheiris, Public Affairs Director BeNeLux-France and Southern Europe of UPS talked about the importance of working with cities to implement first and last-mile cycle logistics projects, stating that UPS relies on good and safe infrastructure.

Rounding off the plenary, the Smart Pedal Pitch Finalists battled in the final round of the competition for the most innovative cycling technology. The winner, Locky, showcased the bicycle rack of the future, designed to eliminate bike theft and make cycling a no-brainer in the city.

The best of the rest

Wondered why so many Velo-citizens were queuing in front of ironing boards during today's coffee break. It was not to have their blouses ironed for the dinner party but to try out a local Ghentian specialty: the Mastel. This round, sweet pastry flavoured with cinnamon was cut in half, spread with butter, sprinkled with brown sugar and then quite literally ironed. We agree, they are “vree lekker”!

With the kind support of the Universiteit Gent, ECF’s Scientists for Cycling network organised the second edition of the Velo-city academic poster sessions. The multidisciplinary sessions featured the latest research results on cycling from all around the world and gave researchers the opportunity to engage directly with Velo-citizens on their methods, findings, and practical applications.

Thanks to the support of the Cities for Better Health travel grant, a diverse range of change makers from around the globe were able to attend the Velo-city conference and share how they are creating happier and healthier communities through cycling.

Fun zone

COMING UP ON DAY 4...

We can't believe how quickly Velo-city 2024 has gone by! With the final day of the conference approaching tomorrow, it’s almost time to say goodbye. But first, don’t miss these exciting events following the final plenary ‘Reimagining the future: Spinning a new story around cycling’.

• Be prepared for a great cultural spectacle introducing the host city of Velo-city 2025: Gdansk!

• We will announce the winner of the EuroVelo x Brompton Scavenger Hunt. Are you the lucky prize winner cycling away on a one-of-a-kind, Ghent-themed Brompton Bicycle?

FURTHER READING

• Velo-city 2024 Ghent: Tuesday Daily Report – Connecting through Cycling

• Velo-city 2024 Ghent: Wednesday Daily Report – 2,600 cyclists take over the streets of Ghent

• Official Velo-city 2024 website: discover the full conference programme including social events happening around the city!