October 19/10 18:57 pm - Vancouver Selected for International Cycling Conference

Posted by Editoress on 10/19/10
 

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson today thanked European Cycling Federation President Manfred Neun for selecting Vancouver as the host of the prestigious Velo-city Global 2012 conference, the first time the event has been held outside of Europe since 1996.

"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 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."

An estimated 1,000 conference delegates and their guests will attend the conference, which will be held in June 2012 at a Vancouver location yet to be selected.

The Vancouver bid for the conference was prepared by the City of Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver, TransLink and the VeloWorks Cycling Society.

"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," said TransLink's vice president of Customer and Public Engagement, Bob Paddon.  "TransLink is pleased to support the 2012 Velo-city conference.'

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

Press release