Just one day before the kick-off of Velo-city 2018 Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Maravilhosa also hosted the Meeting of the current members of the network WCA and the Founding Members of the WCA AISBL (under construction). The meeting took place on 11 June 2018, 11 am – 2 pm at the warehouse of Tembici, proud sponsor of Velo-city 2018. In this article, we will share the most important outcomes of the meeting.

On behalf of the WCA Steering Board, ECF & WCA Secretary General Bernhard Ensink reported on the history of WCA since its launch in 2014, as well as the activities and developments since the last network meeting on June 3rd 2017 in Nijmegen, Netherlands. The report focused on the long-term future of WCA as a Federation of Seven International Federations from North America, South America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Oceania, the main principles of the WCA AISBL (under construction) Constitution and Bylaws, as well as the current state of the WCA. 

At the meeting we also celebrated #June3WorldBicycleDay, presenting events that took place all over the world to celebrate the day. Quoting Mr. Manohar, “India celebrated with a mega event. More than 5000 people attended and the Vice-President of India was present. New Delhi roads were blocked by cyclists”.

New WCA President and Board

The founding members of the new legal entity WCA AISBL (under construction) elected the new WCA President and Board, which took over the tasks of the WCA Steering Board with immediate effect from 11 June 2018. 

• Raluca Fiser from the European Cyclists’ Federation as President
• DV Manohar from All India Bicycling Federation as Vice President and Treasurer
• Tim Blumenthal from People for Bikes as Vice President
• Christian Haag from Bike South Australia as Vice President
• Ze Lobo from Transporte Ativo as Vice President
• Chengnon Hsu from Formosa Lohas Cycling Association as Vice President and
• Amanda Ngabirano from Africa Urban Cycling Organization as Vice President

Ms. Fiser emphasized that World Cycling Alliance is not "a single person's job" and that it requires a collective effort.

After the meeting, all participants gathered for an informal and interactive discussion, moderated by Dr. Lake Sagaris from Lab de Cambio Social.

See all the pictures of the meeting here.

We would like to thank the host of our WCA meeting, Tembici, for their support and great work in organizing this successful event!