Bicycle parade in Ghent

Check out some of the best snaps from Wednesday's bike parade and afterparty!

Plenary 3: Cycling strategies - Joining national and international forces

“Vive le Vélo!” that is how Georges Gilkinet, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium addressed all bike-lovers and Velo-citizens during plenary three. Giliknet, who was initially told, “Cycling policy is not your competency, sir.” shared the story of how the cycling community took cycling to the European level, describing it as a ‘bumpy road’. His effort, combined with those of ECF, CIE and many others, would four years later result in the European Declaration on Cycling, the very first cycling policy at the European level.

The momentum of the Declaration was not lost on the speakers of this panel. Commending Poland as the number one bike producer in Europe, Adrian Mazur, Director of the Department of Transport Strategy - Ministry of Infrastructure outlined the impressive steps his Ministry plans to take to bring the Declaration to light. While Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, shared her commitment, stating, “I can promise that at the next Velo-city, I will check what can be done and at what level and if it can be operationalised or not.”

The session repeatedly referenced a strong economic theme, with the possibility to create over 2 million jobs in the cycling sector with the right policy support. On how the Declaration could affect the industry, Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, stressed the entire Declaration has a business element. Without this, the strategy could not have happened. Mayne added, that “85% of jobs will be local, hyperlocal”, meaning there is something in there for every village, town or city in the Declaration. Recalling yesterday’s race in the Velodrome, Magda Kopczyńska closed the panel discussion with a vivid metaphor: 'Promoting cycling is like racing on the track of the t’ Kuipke. Once you start, you cannot stop.

To conclude plenary three, Sheila Watson, Deputy Director of FIA Foundation, was on hand to speak on The Partnership of Active Travel and Health, “Walking and cycling have a clear and vital role to play in a more sustainable future; in fact, they are essential.” Launched two years ago by FIA Foundation, together with ECF, Walk21 and the UN Environment Programme, and supported by over 400 organisations, PATH is key in promoting and protecting active modes of travel, which must be reflected in ongoing climate conversations.

Wednesday's session highlights

From urban to rural cycling: Paving the way for car-lite communities

Under the ‘Connecting regions, cities and neighbourhoods’ sub-theme, this session delved into how lessons learned in the urban cycling context can be applied in rural areas. Moderated by Camille Thomé, Director of Vélo & Territoires, the session featured storytelling highlighting strategies to overcome budgetary limitations and promote cycling initiatives tailoured to rural contexts. The session concluded on a positive note: Ciclovia Parchi Calabria, which generated significant tourist revenue and led to improved cycling infrastructure in rural southern Italy, has recently been integrated into EuroVelo, the European cycle route network.

UN-Habitat, Africa Urban Cycling Organization, Ochenuell Mobility: Challenges and opportunities for cycling in Africa

Grand words echoed through the ‘t Kuipke velodrome, as Emmanuel John declared: “We have the vision to be the voice of cyclists across Africa”. Emphasising the swift urbanisation of African cities as fertile ground for adopting active mobility solutions, he set the tone for the rest of the panel discussion, joined by representatives from key African cities: Abuja, Quelimane, Kigali, Addis Ababa, and Kampala. They all resonated with the same message of hope and progress. However, there are challenges along the way such as lack of political willingness, traffic congestion, high transport costs, and the alarming rates of road fatalities. The solution? A multifaceted approach. First, to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling, integrating it into the core of city development plans. Second, emulating successful national policies from Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa. The main message was clear: cycling should be prioritised in policy-making, aptly encapsulated by Emanuel Barbito in his advice to tell politicians “to put people first”.

Making the benefits of cycling an election issue

Coined as the biggest election year in history, prioritising cycling policies as a key election issue is a growing concern. On the 't Kuipke stage, a fireside chat brought together advocates from across Europe to discuss the strategic role of elections in advancing cycling policies and the importance of a cross-party approach. Moderated by Froso Christofides, Director of Members & Networks at the European Cyclists' Federation, the panelists were questioned about how to raise support for cycling. A common theme was the necessity of linking cycling to broader topics to secure funding and political support. A resonating answer? “Don’t talk about cycling.” When advocating for cycling at the national level, creating unexpected alliances is essential. This involves interlinking the multiple benefits of cycling such as reduced traffic congestion, air pollution, greater public health and more people-friendly streets and many others. Aiming to engage with parties across the political spectrum ensures cycling remains a relevant issue in electoral discussions to foster green urban mobility across Europe.

The best of the rest

Just before the Bike Parade, Velo-citizens and locals were treated to a screening of the documentary ‘When we cycle’ in t’ Kuipke. Filmmakers Gertjan Hulster and Arne Gielen explored various scenarios on the future of cycling. Will the development of this 19th-century innovation be shaped by efficiency, smartification or human connection, or all three? That's still up for debate. After all, the future of cycling is in our hands, isn't it?

Today, the Belgian sky blessed us with sunshine, perfect for the technical visits. Velo-citizens experienced Ghent's bustling morning cycle traffic, crossed 16 bridges and underpasses, and explored the city's innovative use of data and technologies.

Talking about diversifying the cycling sector also means having a strong youth representation! At this Round Table session, young professionals connected by collaborating on drawing a bike, becoming a bike and inventing a new bike innovation. They effortlessly thought outside of the box.

Fun zone

COMING UP ON DAY 3...

Day 2 is over, but don’t be sad. There is still so much to look forward to in the next few days. Here are some top tips for day 3. Slaapwel en tot morgen!

• Craving lunch and hungry for more knowledge? Get the best of both by grabbing some food and heading over to the Pierke stage or academic poster sessions during the lunch break.

• We waved in 't Kuipke, cheered for global change-makers, found inspiration and tomorrow… we dance! Join us at the Networking Dinner Party for an unforgettable evening.

• WIN PRIZES! Tomorrow is your last chance to participate in the EuroVelo x Brompton Scavenger Hunt. Also don’t forget to stop by booth 36 and 60 for the Velo-city Charity game.

FURTHER READING

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

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