After a 35-year hiatus, Italy hosted the Velo-city 2026 World Cycling Summit in Rimini from June 16 to 19, 2026. This prestigious event, organized by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), attracted over 1,500 delegates and 400 speakers from more than 60 countries. (comune.rimini.it)
Key Themes and Discussions
The summit’s theme, “Delivering the Urban Dream,” focused on transforming cities to enhance quality of life and bolster climate resilience. Over 80 sessions addressed critical urban mobility topics, including inclusive road design, intermodal transportation, road safety, and leveraging cycling tourism for economic development. (comune.rimini.it)
Citywide Engagement and Events
Beyond the conference halls, Velo-city 2026 energized the entire city with events designed to unite participants and engage the local community. A highlight was the Bike Parade on June 17, a 10-kilometer collective ride from Parco del Mare to Rimini’s historic center, showcasing the impact and beauty of a city that prioritizes people and bicycles. (comune.rimini.it)
The atmosphere of camaraderie continued on June 18 with a networking dinner, providing a valuable opportunity to strengthen professional relationships formed during the panels, culminating in a lively concert that celebrated the event’s spirit.
A Platform for Italian Municipalities
Hosting Velo-city in Rimini offered a unique opportunity for Italian municipalities to network and share best practices. The participation of numerous Italian city planners and administrators allowed for comparisons between national dynamics and international best practices, such as the Dutch urban business plan model, fostering the exchange of ready-to-use solutions. (comune.rimini.it)
Notably, Ivano Marchiol, Mobility Councillor of Udine, emphasized the need to overcome cultural resistance to invest courageously in cycling infrastructure and the repurposing of public space, ensuring active mobility for all. Eugenio Patanè, Mobility Councillor of Rome, discussed the significant infrastructural challenges of Rome, outlining projects to evolve the city’s road network and complete an urban cycling network aimed at making it more functional and safe. (comune.rimini.it)
Looking Ahead to 2027 in Japan
As the final evaluations of this intense four-day event in Rimini are underway, attention turns to the next year. The upcoming Velo-city edition will take place from May 25 to 28, 2027, in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, focusing on the city of Matsuyama. This will be a historic first for the Land of the Rising Sun, offering the opportunity to showcase its unique cycling culture and urban mobility solutions to the world. (comune.rimini.it)
For updates on the Velo-city event, visit www.velo-city-conference.com.
[The photos accompanying this text are courtesy of Velo-city Conference – all rights reserved.]