Velo-city 2025
Gdańsk
10-13 June 2025

Cycle with us

                 
   

Welcome reception

Tuesday 18 June 2024, 18:00 – 19:30, Exhibition Hall

Join us for a delightful evening in the exhibition hall on Tuesday 18 June! The City of Ghent invites all participants of Velo-city 2024 to a welcome reception. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Floraliënhal, we invite you to indulge in refreshing beverages and delectable snacks as you mingle with fellow cycling enthusiasts.

 

This get-together offers the perfect opportunity to engage in lively conversations, exchange ideas, and forge new connections within the cycling community. Whether you're an exhibitor, speaker, or attendee, join us for an evening of networking in a relaxed and informal setting.

 

Don't miss out on this chance to kick-start your Velo-city experience. We look forward to welcoming you to the Floraliënhal!

Après Fiets - Bike Party

Wednesday 19 June 2024, after the Bike Parade at 19:30, Vrijdagmarkt

Get ready for the Velo-city "Apres Fiets" Bike-party, an event you won't want to miss! Right after the bike parade the party kicks off at Vrijdagmarkt as of 19:30 with an evening full of energy and excitement. Dance to the amazing beats from the talented DJs of the Ghent DJ-School and enjoy live performances. It's the perfect way to celebrate your love for cycling while enjoying great music and a vibrant atmosphere.

There will be foodtrucks where you can get food and drinks from local suppliers at own expenses - please note that this is a cashless event.

Networking dinner party

Thursday 20 June 2024, 19:30, 't Kuipke

This year’s Velo-city networking dinner party will be held in a remarkable venue in the heart of Ghent: 't Kuipke – also known as your plenary room for the week. Renowned as the beating heart of Belgian cycling, 't Kuipke blends its rich sporting history with the vibrant spirit of Ghent’s contemporary cultural scene. Known for hosting thrilling cycling events, this venue is a central figure in the city’s sports landscape.

 

't Kuipke’s unique setting, featuring its iconic track and dynamic atmosphere, offers a perfect backdrop for this year's dinner party – after being transformed from its day set-up to a party set-up. As you enjoy exquisite cuisine and engaging conversation, you'll be surrounded by the venue’s storied past and energetic ambiance.

 

This extraordinary venue, combined with entertainment, promises to provide an unforgettable experience for all Velo-city 2024 attendees. Join us for an evening of networking, celebration, and cultural enrichment in one of Ghent's most iconic locations. And of course, we did not forget to include all of Ghent’s local food and drinks to go with the history.

Bike Parade

When: Wednesday 19 June 2024 at 18:30, departs at 19:00

Where: start at ‘t Kuipke in the Citadelpark (Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Ghent), arrival at Vrijdagmarkt 

 

Discover Ghent and meet locals during this year’s Bike Parade! In about 10 km, the route leads us across the Louisa d'Havé bridge, along the B401 motorway, past the Portus Ganda harbour and through the Old Docks. With several animations along the route, live music at the end and thousands of cyclists from around the world, the Bike Parade is sure to be the highlight of the Velo-city conference. 

 

The event is open to anyone who would like to come and cycle along – even at the last minute. There is no need to register in advance.

 

Would you like and e-Bike for the Bike Parade? You can use the electric bicycles from Dott for free from 17:00 to 22:00. Download the app, register and enter the code 'bikeparade'. Search a bicycle via the app. The offer is limited to 200 users.

 

 

 

 

 

Velo-festival

Ghent wouldn't be the wonderful cycling city it is without all the locals who pedal around town every day. That's why the city organises the Velo-festival for the people of Ghent in the weeks before and during the Velo-city conference. There will be fun activities happening all over the city, and of course the Bike Parade, the yearly highlight of the conference where the local community meets the Velocitizens!

 

Although many activities on the Velo-festival are in Dutch, the ones listed below are also interesting for the international Velo-city community. If you are interested in the other activities as well, check out the full programme of the Velo-festival here. (TIP: use the online translation tool in your browser for translation.)

 

Photo exhibition 

by Fietsersbond Gent 

 

When: 1-30 June 

Where: in shop windows of various cycling stores

 

Discover 31 grandiose cycling photos spanning 31 years of Ghent's cycling history! The photo exhibition is dispersed throughout the city, showcased behind shop windows and on doors of bicycle stores. Featuring both black-and-white and coloured photos, the exhibition highlights Ghent’s bicycle policy development from the policy plan in 1993 to the present day.

More info

 

Bicycle tattoos

by Netwerk Duurzame Mobiliteit

 

When: Wednesday 19 June, 09:00 - 20:00

Where: Beverhoutplein, 9000 Ghent

 

In honour of the '30 Days Less Driving' initiative, the artists of Studio Klinik will be tattooing up to 100 people with bicycle-themed designs to show that we want to train, walk, car-share and, of course, cycle more!  

More info

 

Velo fix fair

by Fietskeukens, El Laboristo and Grinta Koeriers

 

When: Sunday 16 June, 10:00 - 17:00

Where: Stadshal, Poeljemarkt

 

Explore the exciting cycling event happening at the city center! Visitors can participate in small repairs under the guidance of volunteers or pedal to produce their own fruit juices. There's plenty more to enjoy such as the championships bicycle repair, music by De Vinyl Mobiel and coffee by Komaf Koffie.

More info

 

Free tire pumping & chain lubrication

by De Fietsambassade

 

When: 14 - 20 June

Where: at different locations throughout the city

 

Show your bicycle some love! The Cycling Embassy of Ghent offers free tire pumping and chain lubrication at various locations throughout the city. Most importantly, they will be available to assist you at 't Kuipke just before the Bike Parade begins there.

More info

 

Expo De Zesdaagse

by Huis Van Alijn and wzc Exalta

 

When: 1 - 27 June, 13:30 - 17:30 (Closed on 12, 13 and 20 June)

Where: wzc Exalta, Sint-Jozef Molenaarsstraat 34

 

Buckle up for a ride through life on and off track. The lives of legends, Olympic champions, little heroes and big races. Museum Huis Van Alijn revives the heyday of the Belgian six-day cycling event in the Exalta residential care center.

More info

 

Urban Wheelz

by Wallin’ vzw

 

When: continuously from May

Where: Skatepark Kleindokkaai

 

Wallin’ and artist DAKE25 collaborated to create a street art mural, giving the facade of the building at the skate park a nice upgrade. Inspired by cycling, they infused their own distinctive styles into this artwork that blends in seamlessly with the edgy environment. The artwork can also be admired during the Bike Parade (look to your right when crossing the Matadi bridge). 

More info

Side events

Monday 17 June

10:00 - 21:30: Free ticket to visit The Ghent Altarpiece - guided tour in English (St Bavo's Cathedral)

As part of your conference participation to Velo-city, the tourist board of Ghent offers you the opportunity to visit FOR FREE The Ghent Altarpiece in the St Bavo’s Cathedral. ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers, completed in 1432, is recognised worldwide as a great work of art, and one of the most influential paintings ever made. It is an absolute must-see for everyone who visits Ghent. Select your desired timeslot and book your free ticket on this page.

Where: St Bavo’s Cathedral, depending on the chosen timeslot, by the main entrance (until 16:00) or the side entrance in the Kapittelstraat (from 18:00)

Important: Don’t forget to bring your conference badge or your congress registration certificate to start your visit of the Cathedral

 

From 20:00: Women in Cycling Networking Drinks 

Join us in the Dragòn Bar in Ghent to celebrate diversity in the cycling sector and greet the (new) national Women in Cycling Networks! Entry is free and open to all genders. Please register via this Eventbrite Link.

 

Tuesday 18 June

10:30 – 11:30: Dutch Cycling Embassy, Official Pavilion Opening (booth 68)

Join us in opening our Dutch Cycling Pavilion with: Skadi Tirpak, director of Dutch Cycling Embassy, Meredith Glaser (CEO of Urban Cycling Institute and Professor of Cycling at Ghent University), Max Valstar (Deputy Head of Mission at The Netherlands Embassy in Brussels, Belgium), and Arlette van Gilst (Active Mobility Programme Manager at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management). In addition, we are excited to introduce our NGO sponsor recipient, BYCS Bicycle Mayor of Tehran Mohammad Nazarpoor.

 

13:15 - 14:45: Women in Cycling Networking Lunch (Gravensteen - Green room)

A lunch buffet will be served and you can grab your drink at the bar or a water fountain. Join other women working in the Cycling sector for a nice networking moment!

 

13:30 - 14:45: Benelux Union, Official Booth Opening (booth 52)

After an official opening of the booth by Frans Weekers (Secretary general of the Benelux Union), Jill Warren (CEO of Velo-city co-organiser, the European Cyclists' Federation) and Arlette van Gilst (Mobility manager at the Dutch Ministry) and Jeff van den Bergh (Member of the Benelux Parliament) will present its recommendations.

During this lunch intermezzo, learn why the General Secretariat and and the Parliament of the Benelux Union stimulate cycling cooperation and how investing in infrastructure and bike friendly policies can fast track a greener, healthier and economically stronger mobility future.

 

14:15 – 14:45: Dutch Cycling Embassy: Belgium Network Reception (booth 68)

Join our Belgium – Netherlands networking reception at the Dutch Cycling Pavilion. The session will provide an opportunity to create new connections and exchange knowledge with cycling organisations from Belgium and the Netherlands.

 

15:30 - 16:30: German Cycling Embassy Reception (booth 15)

Come and join the network of partners committed to promoting Germany as a cycling nation: The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the German Environment Agency (UBA), the German National Cyclists’ Association (ADFC), and the industry associations Zukunft Fahrrad and ZIV – German Bicycle Industry. Together they form the German Cycling Embassy and look forward to talking to you about their work at the reception.

 

 

Wednesday 19 June

10:15 – 10:45: Dutch Cycling Embassy: Switzerland Network Reception (booth 68)

Join our Switzerland-Netherlands networking reception at the Dutch Cycling Pavilion. The session will provide an opportunity to create new connections and exchange knowledge with cycling organisations from both countries. Special guest Michael Liebi, co-author of the newly released book "Velowende," will be in attendance to share insights and discuss the book.

 

From 13:00: Belgian Apéro and official Belgian Cycling Alliance's opening (booth 29)

Belgian Apéro for the official opening of the Belgian Cycling Alliance 2024 booth with Federal Minister of Transport and Mobility Georges Gilkinet.

 

14:00 - 14:15: Conbici presentation - the state of cycling infrastructure in Spanish cities (booth 7)

Conbici presents, along with ZICLA, a study named ConbiciNiUnPasoAtrás, conducted to evaluate the state of cycling infrastructure in Spanish cities.

 

14:00 - 14:30: German Cycling Embassy: Q&A session - Meet the Profs (booth 15)

With a volume of 11.6 million euros, the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is funding seven endowed chairs of cycling. The aim is to establish and strengthen interdisciplinary research and teaching on cycling and sustainable mobility. The chairs conduct research on important cycling topics, including traffic planning, road safety and logistics. They test new technologies, establish strong cooperation networks and feed the latest findings on the subject directly into the training of future specialist staff. Meet some of these endowed professorships and ask them about their work!

 

15:30 - 16:30: Cycling Embassy of Denmark's 15 years jubilee (booth 40)

15 years ago in 2009, the world’s first cycling embassy – The Cycling Embassy of Denmark – opened at the Velo-City Conference in Brussels. As we are back in Belgium this year The Royal Danish Embassy in Belgium and The Cycling Embassy of Denmark invite you to join the jubilee celebration Wednesday June 19 15.30 to 16.30 at Cycling Embassy of Denmark stand (stand 40). 

While you enjoy a glass of cava, lemonade and some food, CED will hand over the Leadership Award for Cycling Promotion. So please join to us honor this year’s recipient!

 

15:30-16:00: Dutch Cycling Embassy: Germany Network Reception (booth 68)

Join our Germany – Netherlands networking reception at the Dutch Cycling Pavilion. The session will provide an opportunity to create new connections and exchange knowledge with cycling organisations from Germany and the Netherlands.

 

Thursday 20 June

10:15 – 10:45: Dutch Cycling Embassy: Ireland Network Reception (booth 68)

Join our Ireland – Netherlands networking reception at the Dutch Cycling Pavilion. The session will provide an opportunity to create new connections and exchange knowledge with cycling organisations from Ireland and the Netherlands.

 

11:30 - 12:30: German Cycling Embassy: Bike Nature Movement Reception (booth 15)

In collaboration with the German Initiative for Mountain Biking (DIMB) and the Mountain Bike Forum Germany and with the strong support of companies from the bicycle industry, the ZIV – German Bicycle Industry has taken the lead in launching the BIKE NATURE MOVEMENT initiative. The aim is to establish a common strong and competent voice for mountain biking and to lend greater visibility and political weight to cycling in forests and the great outdoors on the German and European levels. Join us at the reception to learn all about this unique collaboration.

 

15:30 – 16:00: Dutch Cycling Embassy: USA Network Reception (booth 68)

Join our United States – Netherlands networking reception at the Dutch Cycling Pavilion. The session will provide an opportunity to create new connections and exchange knowledge with cycling organisations from the United States and the Netherlands.

 

From 15:30: Wine and Cycling Research (Cycle Competence Austria, booth 36)

Cycling facilities in narrow conditions? Join us for wine tasting and networking at the first presentation of the transnational RADBEST project findings!

Not enough space for suitable cycling infrastructure? Scientists and planners from Austria, Germany and Switzerland compiled evidence and field tests into recommendations for cycling facilities in narrow conditions. With Cycle Competence Austria members, Salzburg Research, University of Salzburg, con.sens mobility design & klimaaktiv mobil.

 

15:40 - 16:00: German Cycling Embassy: Q&A session - Supporting municipalities on the way to great bicycle parking facilities (booth 15)

The “Infocentre Bike Parking” (“Infostelle Fahrradparken”) supports municipalities with tools and knowledge transfer in their process of creating attractive bicycle parking infrastructure. Funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and located at the infrastructure organisation of Deutsche Bahn, DB InfraGO AG, the Infocentre Bike Parking assists municipalities all across Germany with a diverse set of offerings. This offer includes amongst others demand, cost and impact calculators, stakeholder workshops, individual guidance on location, support with finding and securing the right spaces and much more. As a publicly funded entity, the infocentre’s services are provided entirely free of charge for the municipalities leading to a significant increase of attractive bike parking facilities all around the country.

 

Other

Cycle yourself around Ghent!

Want to hang out in Ghent for a few more days and haven't gotten your fill of cycling yet? Then you’re ready for this tour where you discover some of the greatest cycling investments in Ghent and the surrounding area. The route goes along the bicycle highway with the iconic Parkbos bridge to Deinze. Back to Ghent you continue cycling along the beautiful Leie, a river that inspired many Flemish painters. Here you can find the brochure and route. Thanks to Tourism Flanders, Veneco, Fietsersbond Ghent, City of Ghent and Fietsberaad Vlaanderen.