Velo-city 2018 kicked off with a dynamic and inspirational plenary about “City for all”.

In a nutshell, the plenary discussed sustainable urban development and how it results in the inclusion of all people in a city; children, elderly, women, and disabled. A sustainable city is a cycling city.

The plenary was moderated by Marcio Deslandes, Velo-city series and Global Policies Director at the European Cyclists’ Federation.

The speakers for the plenary “City for all” were:

Eliana Riggio,
International Child Friendly Cities Secretariat at the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, in Florence.

Ms Riggio presented on the importance of policies for planning cities that focus on the basic needs of children. Her inspiring speech focused on the need for participation of children to plan our cities. Access to education, hobbies and friends is essential to become independent and happy people.

“Access to life means making cities friendly to children and young people. Conversely, cities can also achieve Access to Life by opening their doors to children, who are possibly the ultimate indicator of the quality of urban life. A city envisioned through children’s eyes is likely to be a bike rather than a car paradise”.

Jamile Santana
Artistic Coordinator of La Frida Bike.

Ms Santana gave a poetry performance about women and cycling. Through her inspirational and moving performance, she sang about the role of bicycles in feminism.

Olatunji Oboi Reed
President & CEO of Equiticity.

​Mr Reed presented his work in Chicago using the bicycle as a tool of inclusion. Through his dynamic presentation, he talked about the mission and strategy of Equiticity, as well as the benefits of cycling.

“We don’t ask for equality, we demand equity! Cycling can be a vehicle for emancipation and real equity.”

Livia Suárez
Founder of La Frida Bike Café, Preta vem de bike and Casa La Frida.

Ms Suárez presented the case of La Frida Bikes in Salvador and their work with young from displaced communities, women living with disabilities, trans youth and more.

The plenary touched upon important issues, such as cycling and inclusion for all, as well as gender equality. The plenary speakers interacted with the audience with words such as “We ride bikes to make the world a better place”.