This year, Velo-city takes place from 10-13 June in Gdansk, the first Polish city ever to host the conference. After months of planning, from the call for abstracts launched in September to the local preparations for the iconic Bike Parade and a diverse lineup of side events organised by the Velo-city community, everything is about to come together. We can't wait to see it all in motion next week!
This year’s edition is especially meaningful for Jill Warren, as it marks her final Velo-city as CEO of ECF. We asked Jill what she’s most looking forward to. Among her top picks are the unmissable ECF Awards, celebrating standout achievements from cities and cycling initiatives worldwide, and the plenary sessions, where high-level speakers tackle the most pressing topics in cycling today.
But beyond those, Jill has handpicked 10 must-see sessions that she believes you won’t want to miss.
1.2 Pedals and tracks: Overcoming barriers to seamless rail travel for cyclists
Join us for the launch of ECF’s second Cyclists Love Trains report, evaluating bike-friendliness across 70 European rail operators. The updated edition includes new rankings for night and high-speed trains and reflects recent EU bike transport mandates. A panel with rail operators and railway commentator Jon Worth will follow the presentation.
2.6 The “resting bicycle face”: How a diverse initiative is built for structural change
This session explores how to empower diverse women leaders in the cycling sector by building cross-stakeholder communities that drive structural change. It highlights historical and ongoing gender biases, calling for collective action to influence policies and create inclusive mobility systems. Drawing from the Women in Cycling Germany initiative, it aims to inspire change across politics, industry, media, and more.
3.3 Women in cycling – a catalyst for more cycling
To grow cycling, the sector must become more diverse and inclusive, integrating varied perspectives to create better infrastructure and environments. Despite progress, women still face barriers, which the Women in Cycling network aims to address by promoting visibility, leadership, and structural change. This session invites open discussion on transforming the sector with input from all participants.
4.4 Saddle up to transform cities for better health and more inclusion
Cycling is a powerful, affordable tool for boosting public health and creating more inclusive, resilient cities. This workshop will showcase success stories and explore how cycling can reduce health inequities and promote well-being. Led by Cities for Better Health, it brings together experts to highlight the links between mobility, health, and climate.
6.2 Tackling transport poverty for a just transition
This session explores how bicycles can offer sustainable and affordable mobility solutions, especially for underserved communities. Speakers from Belgium, France, Slovakia, and Sweden share initiatives that improve access, promote equity, and empower people through cycling. The discussion highlights cycling’s potential for lasting social and environmental impact.
7.2 Cycling advocacy in changing political landscapes
This session addresses the need for non-partisan cycling advocacy, especially amid rising populism and political shifts. It explores how to secure lasting support for cycling across the political spectrum. ECF members from several countries will share strategies and experiences in navigating diverse political landscapes.
8.3 Cycling tourism’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals: positive health and CO2 emissions savings
As cycling tourism grows, this session explores its contribution to the SDGs, focusing on social inclusion, economic growth, and environmental protection. It will present methodologies and data from European initiatives, including EuroVelo, to assess impacts on health, local economies, and CO2 reduction. The aim is to better understand and enhance cycling tourism’s alignment with the SDGs.
9.5 How can we make the European cycling data dream come true? Latest news on standardisation efforts within NAPCORE
This session focuses on the importance of cycling data from various sources for policymakers, advocates, and developers. It highlights progress made by the Cycling Data Taskforce in standardising data collection across counting, infrastructure, parking, and real-time info. The workshop also seeks feedback on national standards and the potential for harmonised European data practices.
10.4 One year of implementation of the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility
This interactive session provides practical strategies for integrating cycling into policy and securing investment, focusing on the African context. Participants will explore real case studies and collaborate on implementing the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). Through peer learning, attendees will develop concrete steps to overcome governance challenges and promote cycling in their cities.
11.2 Some space oddity for better cycling – A performance with alien space experts in 6 acts
In this performance, Ytilibom and Ecaps, space experts from another galaxy, explore how Earthlings use street space, often inefficiently and unfairly. Travelling across three continents, they discovered inspiring examples of redesigning streets as human-centred spaces. They come to Velo-City 2025 in Gdansk to share their findings and gather new ideas.
Velo-city 2025 will take place from 10 to 13 June in Gdansk, Poland. Discover the full programme and book your ticket now. See you in Gdansk!
This year’s edition is especially meaningful for Jill Warren, as it marks her final Velo-city as CEO of ECF. We asked Jill what she’s most looking forward to. Among her top picks are the unmissable ECF Awards, celebrating standout achievements from cities and cycling initiatives worldwide, and the plenary sessions, where high-level speakers tackle the most pressing topics in cycling today.
But beyond those, Jill has handpicked 10 must-see sessions that she believes you won’t want to miss.
1.2 Pedals and tracks: Overcoming barriers to seamless rail travel for cyclists
Join us for the launch of ECF’s second Cyclists Love Trains report, evaluating bike-friendliness across 70 European rail operators. The updated edition includes new rankings for night and high-speed trains and reflects recent EU bike transport mandates. A panel with rail operators and railway commentator Jon Worth will follow the presentation.
2.6 The “resting bicycle face”: How a diverse initiative is built for structural change
This session explores how to empower diverse women leaders in the cycling sector by building cross-stakeholder communities that drive structural change. It highlights historical and ongoing gender biases, calling for collective action to influence policies and create inclusive mobility systems. Drawing from the Women in Cycling Germany initiative, it aims to inspire change across politics, industry, media, and more.
3.3 Women in cycling – a catalyst for more cycling
To grow cycling, the sector must become more diverse and inclusive, integrating varied perspectives to create better infrastructure and environments. Despite progress, women still face barriers, which the Women in Cycling network aims to address by promoting visibility, leadership, and structural change. This session invites open discussion on transforming the sector with input from all participants.
4.4 Saddle up to transform cities for better health and more inclusion
Cycling is a powerful, affordable tool for boosting public health and creating more inclusive, resilient cities. This workshop will showcase success stories and explore how cycling can reduce health inequities and promote well-being. Led by Cities for Better Health, it brings together experts to highlight the links between mobility, health, and climate.
6.2 Tackling transport poverty for a just transition
This session explores how bicycles can offer sustainable and affordable mobility solutions, especially for underserved communities. Speakers from Belgium, France, Slovakia, and Sweden share initiatives that improve access, promote equity, and empower people through cycling. The discussion highlights cycling’s potential for lasting social and environmental impact.
7.2 Cycling advocacy in changing political landscapes
This session addresses the need for non-partisan cycling advocacy, especially amid rising populism and political shifts. It explores how to secure lasting support for cycling across the political spectrum. ECF members from several countries will share strategies and experiences in navigating diverse political landscapes.
8.3 Cycling tourism’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals: positive health and CO2 emissions savings
As cycling tourism grows, this session explores its contribution to the SDGs, focusing on social inclusion, economic growth, and environmental protection. It will present methodologies and data from European initiatives, including EuroVelo, to assess impacts on health, local economies, and CO2 reduction. The aim is to better understand and enhance cycling tourism’s alignment with the SDGs.
9.5 How can we make the European cycling data dream come true? Latest news on standardisation efforts within NAPCORE
This session focuses on the importance of cycling data from various sources for policymakers, advocates, and developers. It highlights progress made by the Cycling Data Taskforce in standardising data collection across counting, infrastructure, parking, and real-time info. The workshop also seeks feedback on national standards and the potential for harmonised European data practices.
10.4 One year of implementation of the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility
This interactive session provides practical strategies for integrating cycling into policy and securing investment, focusing on the African context. Participants will explore real case studies and collaborate on implementing the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). Through peer learning, attendees will develop concrete steps to overcome governance challenges and promote cycling in their cities.
11.2 Some space oddity for better cycling – A performance with alien space experts in 6 acts
In this performance, Ytilibom and Ecaps, space experts from another galaxy, explore how Earthlings use street space, often inefficiently and unfairly. Travelling across three continents, they discovered inspiring examples of redesigning streets as human-centred spaces. They come to Velo-City 2025 in Gdansk to share their findings and gather new ideas.
Velo-city 2025 will take place from 10 to 13 June in Gdansk, Poland. Discover the full programme and book your ticket now. See you in Gdansk!
