From June 14 to 17 Velo-city 2022 Ljubljana event took place at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre (GR), which was jointly organized by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), the City of Ljubljana, the GR and the Dekon Company (PCO). The common thread of the world’s largest meeting in the field of cycling, cycling infrastructure, cycling innovation, cycling safety and the social and cultural changes caused by cycling on a global level was “Cycling the change”.
The Velo-city Congress is a global communication and information platform aimed at improving the planning and provision of cycling infrastructure and promoting everyday cycling in urban environments.
The congress was attended by more than 1,200 participants from 58 countries from Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. During the four days of the conference, 7 plenary sessions and more than 60 parallel sessions were held, in which more than 310 speakers participated, and 126 exhibitors presented their activities throughout the conference. The conference brought together experts from all over the world who work and do research in the fields of cycling and sustainable mobility, city planning and spatial planning, environmental protection, health, sports, etc., and representatives of cities, countries and various organizations. They presented their work, experience, good practices, advanced approaches, and innovations, the common denominator of which are the changes from the title topic – both in society and urban development, as well as in cycling and other forms of mobility. At the same time, the congress shed light on the changes that have resulted from the development of cycling in recent years.
The original aim of the event was to observe the potential of cycling after the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the promotion of cycling as a sustainable and healthy means of transport for all. Therefore, the whole of Ljubljana adapted and breathed with cyclists. With numerous measures and activities, the city has improved the conditions for cycling, which is also reflected in the increase in the number of cycling routes; this year we acquired approximately 20 km of newly marked areas for cyclists; opened a secure bicycle storage room for 92 bicycles; introduced a test system for renting electric bicycles; marked the first cycling street…
GR also supported the entire concept, which took place in the spirit of a cycling meeting, scenically. They even built a dedicated round stage, the biggest in Slovenia for the plenary hall that illustrated a bicycle. This was complemented by an exhibition of bicycles and a drawn bicycle route that connected the entire event.
Conventa 2022 International Award for the best event in the “B2C” category complemented the positive reactions of all participles and the excellent cooperation between partners. The jury highlighted the wider reach and purpose of the event – promoting cycling in cities, which contributes to longer-term effects, better quality of life and mitigating the consequences of climate change.
GR
