Vancouver to host International Cycling Conference

Vancouver is to be the setting for the Velo-city Global conference in 2012.

An anticipated 1,000 conference delegates and their guests will take place at an as yet unknown venue in the city.

The city’s bid for the conference, which will leave Europe for the first time since 1996, was put together by the City of Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver, TransLink and VeloWorks Cycling Society.

"Velo-city will bring together hundreds of planners, transportation experts and cycling specialists from around the world to discuss the fast-growing role of cycling in urban transportation," said city Mayor
Robertson.

"We are very excited that the European Cycling Federation has selected Vancouver for its global conference in 2012. Hosting a major international conference like Velo-city is a good boost for our local economy, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase Vancouver’s bike infrastructure to the world’s leading transportation experts."

Bob Paddon, TransLink’s vice president of Customer and Public Engagement, added: "Cycling is already an important travel mode in Metro Vancouver, and TransLink has partnered with the City, the province and the federal government in major infrastructure upgrades to make it an even better option for more people.

"TransLink is pleased to support the 2012 Velo-city conference.’

Rick Antonson, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver, enthused: "Bravo to the City of Vancouver, Translink and VeloWorks for their efforts in bringing the 2010 Velo-City conference to Vancouver.

"Not only will Velo-City generate business for the local tourism industry, it reinforces Vancouver’s reputation as a clean and green travel destination with exceptional offerings for cyclists."