In June 2024, Ghent will host the four-day international cycling congress Velo-City. The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) chose Ghent 'because of its impressive commitment to cyclists'. Velo-City attracts more than 1 400 participants from over 60 countries.
The cycling congress Velo-City, the flagship event of the European Cyclists' Federation, is a global platform where governments, policymakers, academics and industry leaders meet and exchange knowledge and ideas to shape the future of cycling. The conference was first held in 1980 and stops each year at a different world city, from Rio de Janeiro to Taipei. This year, it was Leipzig and in June 2024 it will be Ghent's turn.
Ghent will be the first Belgian city to host the world cycling summit since Brussels in 2009. The event will bring together business, government, research and education sectors about the theme 'Connecting through Cycling'. More than 1 400 delegates from more than 60 countries are expected and there will be more than 250 speakers.
“Ghent is a remarkable cycling city that has shown an impressive commitment to cycling over the last decade, implementing progressive policies and innovative measures that have transformed its urban space and resulted in significantly more people using bikes as their go-to mode of transport. Based on their outstanding application, Velo-city 2024 is undoubtedly going to be a momentous and unforgettable occasion for the global cycling community, and one which we are already looking forward to.”- Jill Warren, CEO of ECF
The exact locations and dates for Velo-City 2024 will be announed later. It will be jointly organised by ECF, the Government of Flanders, the Province of East-Flanders, Mobility East-Flanders, the City Council of Ghent, the Official Convention Bureau Ghent Congres, Fietsersbond, 'De Fietsambassade' of Ghent and Fietsberaad Vlaanderen.