This year’s Velo-city conference, the premier annual global cycling advocacy and promotion event, took place in the home of the Polish Solidarity movement: Gdańsk. During the 1980s, Solidarność unified workers across trades to oppose the authoritarian apparatus of the state and advance the cause of social change.
What a symbolic place then to gather cycling advocates from across the globe to celebrate cycling for joy, health and mobility and to foster a move away from the tyranny of dependence on fossil fuels and motor vehicles. Mobility and recreation do not need to represent different spheres of cycling, but should rather strive together in solidarity to ensure a future for our children where safe and enjoyable cycling is possible for active mobility and recreation.
Mountain biking contributes to a strong cycling culture, engages with populations who might otherwise not experience cycling, inspires a love of nature and the outdoors, and is a significant player and cradle of innovation in the cycling industry. Trail infrastructure, like other forms of cycling infrastructure, benefits from prioritized planning and investment to improve accessibility and provide a rich range of experiences to meet the needs of the community.
Highlights from this year’s event:
–Meredith Glaser explains the furor about fatbikes in the Netherlands and the framing of this mobility phenomenon in the context of race and class.
-The engaging workshop with BYCS and C40 Cities, where we addressed the possibilities for the bicycle to improve public health and reduce injustices
–Henna Palosaari celebrating her joy of cycling and adventure in the plenary day 3.
-Erzsébet Pénzes telling the inspiring story of the Hungarian Youth Bicycle Tourism program “cycling camp” engaging thousands of children every year.
–Lauren Schuck sharing insights from Outride’s work engaging youth and fostering a love of cycling while addressing needs and well-being.
…And of course the cobble-ridden bicycle parade route, networking dinners, engaging conversations at the Cycling Industries Europe booth and the charming streets and architecture (and rave caves) of Gdańsk.