This year’s edition of ECF’s annual flagship event, Velo-city 2021 Lisboa, is just around the corner. On 6-9 September, the global cycling community will convene under the main theme of “Cycle Diversity” to discuss how to create more inclusive, cycle-friendly environments that are accessible to cyclists of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and genders.

The bicycle – in all its forms – has always been a symbol of empowerment and a tool to break down mobility barriers, tackle transport poverty and strengthen social cohesion. Yet streets still do not cater to the needs of different cyclists.

At the global cycling summit, over 200 speakers will discuss and celebrate cycle diversity across more than 50 different sessions, starting with an opening plenary that will explore how embracing cycle diversity can enable more cycling.

The following five subthemes will explore cycle diversity from various angles.

“Bicycle Diversity and Urban Mobility”

The subtheme “Bicycle Diversity and Urban Mobility” will look at various types of bicycles and their different uses, addressing topics such as e-bikes, cycle logistics, intermodality and cycling with disabilities.

Sessions under this subtheme will revolve around how bicycles are increasingly being used by different groups of people for different purposes. The spotlight will be put on bicycles such as cargo bikes and how they can create more inclusive communities where a person’s age, background or ability to move does not hinder their participation in social life.

“Health and Climate Resilience”

The COVID-19 crisis and the escalating climate crisis have further revealed and increased inequalities. It is clearer than ever before that for a city to be resilient, it must be inclusive. The impacts of our current mobility system on health, the environment and equity will be examined through the subtheme “Health and Climate Resilience,” which will also explore how cycling can help fight climate change while creating a more resilient future.

“Economy and Tourism”

The subtheme “Economy and Tourism” will revolve around the increasing number of cycle tourists, cycle logistics and urban regeneration programmes. Furthermore, the economic impacts of cycling and the role of the bicycle industry will be addressed.

Sessions under this subtheme will shine a light on the socioeconomic benefits of cycling and the cycling boom that swept across Europe in 2020 and 2021. Moreover, discussions will turn to the record number of cycle tourists these years to explore the reasons behind this positive development.

“Community Building, Co-creation and Inclusion”

The subtheme “Community Building Co-creation and Inclusion” focuses on the variety of social responses that cycling provokes and the opportunities it provides. The COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have increased pre-existing inequalities in access to transport. Velo-city 2021 Lisboa will put the spotlight on grassroot movements and initiatives that aim to empower people through cycling.

This subtheme will also focus on gender equality in the cycling sector. The session “Not another gender session: women in cycling network,” for example, will highlight the new Women in Cycling network, an initiative launched by ECF, Cycling Industries Europe, Velokonzept, Mobycon and CONEBI in February 2021.

“Reshaping Cities and Politics”

The cycling boom that followed the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the unequal distribution of public space in cities. Under the subtheme “Reshaping Cities and Politics,” policies aimed at enabling more cycling, strengthening the cycling sector and redesigning cities will be put under the microscope. This subtheme will look at concepts such as the 15-minute city and cycle zones.

Join us on 6-9 September to celebrate cycle diversity at Velo-city 2021 Lisboa! Digital and in-person tickets can be bought here.