Velo-city 2026
Rimini
16-19 June 2026

Cycle with us

                 
   

Welcome Reception

Tuesday 16 June, 18:00 - 19:30 at Piazza Hall – Exhibition Area, Palacongressi di Rimini

Join us for a relaxed and friendly Welcome Reception, officially welcoming Velo-citizens to Rimini! Set within the modern and welcoming spaces of the IEG Palacongressi di Rimini, enjoy an early evening of informal networking, inspiring conversations, and light refreshments. Whether you are reconnecting with colleagues and friends or meeting fellow participants for the first time, this social gathering offers the perfect opportunity to begin the conference in a warm and vibrant atmosphere.

 

To encourage new connections and meaningful exchanges, participants will have the opportunity to write their main topic of interest on the back of their badge, making it easier to meet people who share similar ideas, projects, and passions.

No formalities — just positive energy, meaningful connections, and a genuine Romagna welcome.

Bike parade

Wednesday 17 June 2026, 19:00 - 22:00 at Lucio Battisti Roundabout, Rimini

 

Join the much anticipated Bike Parade—a colorful, joyful, and music-filled ride that brings Velo-city 2026 into motion! The parade kicks off at 19:00 from the Lucio Battisti Roundabout, right in front of the historic Grand Hotel and Fellini Park. Following the official opening greetings from our city council members, we will officially cross the starting line on Lungomare Claudio Tintori, all ready to take in Rimini's beautiful sights!

 

The 10,4 kilometre loop will give participants a new perspective of the city. Rimini has ancient Roman roots and a unique urban layout shaped over time by the shifting coastline and the railway line that divides the seafront to the historic centre. Along the relaxed ride, we will pass by "Spiaggia libera tutti" - an inclusive beach designed for full accessibility -, cruise under the majestic Ferris Wheel, check out the New Dockyard (Nuova Darsena), and head into San Giuliano Mare. Then, we will cross the 2,000-year-old Tiberius Bridge, which will be "wrapped" for restoration work, but since 2019 has stood proudly over the "Piazza sull'acqua" (Square on the water) as a symbol of urban mobility that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists. The journey continues through the city center: we will pedal through Piazza Malatesta, riding between the Castle and the magical "Piazza dei Sogni" (Square of Dreams) dedicated to the iconic filmmaker Federico Fellini, before passing the glorious Arch of Augustus. Next, we will head down the tree-lined Viale Pascoli to make our way back to the Parco del Mare, bypassing the construction site at Piazza Marvelli (where a new pedestrian and bicycle space and a new panoramic viewpoint will soon rise) to enjoy a final beautiful stretch along the Parco del Mare up to Piazzale Kennedy.

Music and art will keep spirits high along the entire route. We have four entertainment spots featuring the captivating melodies of the Matrioska Trio (a violin trio), the glowing Tribal Style Dances with their illuminated wings, the energetic Youth Band, and the explosive urban dance moves of the 5-member Invasion Group.

 

And once we cross the finish line? Upon returning to Fellini Park, the Bike Village will be waiting for us with food trucks, music, and great vibes to wrap up the evening in style. So pack your sunscreen and bring your best energy for this relaxed and joyful celebration of cycling, culture, and the spirit of Rimini.

How to Get a Bike

 

Want to join the parade but don't have a bike? No problem! All Velo-city conference attendees can access a dedicated fleet of shared bicycles provided by LIME and BIT. By using the promo code that you will receive in an email, you can unlock and use these bikes completely free of charge from Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June.

For the Bike Parade, you will find the bikes ready for pick-up directly on Viale Antonio Beccadelli (right by Fellini Park), which will be closed to traffic, and at other locations indicated in the designated apps of the bike-sharing operators. Easy, convenient, and green!

More information to get a bike



 

 

 

Networking Dinner Party

Thursday 18 June 2026, 19:30 – 23:00 in Borgo San Giuliano, Rimini

 

On Thursday 18 June, we invite you to experience one of Rimini’s most charming neighbourhoods — Borgo San Giuliano. Known for its colourful streets, artistic atmosphere, and strong local identity, this iconic district will set the stage for a unique open-air dining experience.

 

The evening will take the form of a “diffuse dinner” across a selection of local restaurants joining the initiative, allowing participants to enjoy different culinary experiences while moving through the heart of the Borgo. The night will continue, with the opportunity to gather together in Piazzetta Sergio Zavoli for music, socializing, and celebration.

 

A live trio band will accompany the evening with relaxed performances, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere under the summer sky. No formal speeches, no rigid programme — just great food, music, and the pleasure of being together in one of Rimini’s most atmospheric settings.

Women in cycling drinks

Tuesday 16 June from 21:00 at Tortuga Beach Bar, Rimini

Join us for an informal evening of connection and conversation during Velo-city in Rimini! This networking event brings together people from across the cycling community who are passionate about inclusion, exchange, and strengthening the network around Women in Cycling.

Mobycon is proud to sponsor a round of drinks, so come by, grab a drink, and meet others committed to making cycling better for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!

New: Exhibition Express Tours

Curious to meet Velo-city exhibitors but not sure where to start? Join one of six themed exhibition tours led by ECF staff and get an express introduction to the latest cycling innovations and products – from bike sharing and parking to ITS solutions.

 

Meet at the ECF booth (no. 72) during lunch breaks to discover the exhibition through a new lens.

Other side events

Tuesday 16 June

  • 10:30 - 11:00 (Booth 26) Dutch Cycling Embassy booth opening
  • 14:00 - 14:30 (Booth 72) Exhibition express tour: National pavilions + Infrastructure and safety
  • 14:30 - 14:45 (Freewheel stage) Bikademy (Freewheel stage)
  • 15:45 - 16:15 (Booth 65) Bicycle Policy Flanders by Minister Annick De Ridder + networking/reception  
  • 18:00 - 19:00 (Booth 10-15) Good Cycle Japan: Velo-city 2027 reception
  • 18:00 - 19:00 (Booth 40-43) France Vélo pavilion inauguration
  • 18:00 - 19:00 (Booth 63) GDCI's Launch of the How to Implement Cycling Infrastructure handbook
  • 18:00 - 19:00 (Booth 72) EuroVelo NECCs reception

 

 

Wednesday 17 June

  • 10:30 - 10:45 (Freewheel stage) Presentation IPS Group
  • 13:30 - 14:30 (Freewheel stage) ECI Bike-sharing group
  • 13:45 - 14:15 (Booth 72) Exhibition express tour: Parking and storage + Mobility organisations and cycle brands
  • 14:00 - 14:30 (Booth 33) Sobremesa Talk: Actionable by Design (with Meredith Glaser, Urban Cycling Institute and Jesús Fuentes, EXP Miami; and ZICLA)
  • 15:30 - 16:30 (Booth 26) Dutch Cycling Embassy invites to a Swiss-Dutch Networking Session
  • 15:45 - 16:00 (Freewheel stage) Pony
  • 15:45 - 16:45 (Booth 68-69) German Cycling Embassy Booth Reception
  • 17:15 - 18:30 (Booth 26) Dutch Cycling Embassy invites to a German-Dutch Networking Session

 

 

Thursday 18 June

  • 10:30 - 10:45 (Freewheel stage) German Cycling Embassy
  • 11:00 - 13:00 (Booth 71) Novo Nordisk Meet-and-greet with Cycling Champions (Claudio Chiappucci, Gianni Bugno, Francesco Moser, Mara Mosole Moser, Alessandra Giardini, Jacopo Colladon)
  • 13:45 - 14:15 (Booth 72) Exhibition express tours: Bike-sharing + Smart cycling and ITS
  • 14:15 - 14:30 (Freewheel stage) IPS Group