2016 Velo-City showcases Taipei’s cycling pedigree

2016/03/02

Asia’s first-ever Velo-City Global Conference wrapped up March 1 in Taipei City, underscoring achievements of the northern Taiwan metropolis in promoting sustainable transport.

Kicking off Feb. 27 at Taipei International Convention Center, the four-day event took place in conjunction with the annual Taipei International Cycle Show and Tour de Taiwan professional road race.

It drew over 1,000 participants from 43 countries, including 160 expert speakers and city officials. These comprise representatives from major cycling metropolises in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, such as Adelaide, Arnhem, Austria, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen and Hokkaido.

Taipei Deputy Mayor Charles C. R. Lin said the occasion highlights the city’s commitment to transit-oriented development. “Efforts in this regard form a central plank in our Taipei Vision 2050 Project.”

The project aims to enhance resident mobility through raising awareness of environmental issues and smart technology. One key initiative is YouBike—the internationally acclaimed public bike rental system boasting the world’s No. 1 usage rate.

“Springboarding off the success of YouBike, Taipei is joining with neighboring cities to notch up further headway in shared transport,” Lin said, adding that cycling culture is set to take root over the next decade with support from a bus, metro and walking network.

Manfred Neun, president of Brussels-based European Cyclists’ Federation and World Cycling Alliance, said the Velo-City gathering set a new record as the biggest edition outside Europe, and he praised Taiwan as an example of cycling development in Asia.

“We are here in Taipei to celebrate the future,” Neun said. “By bringing together industry professionals and public authorities, Velo-City is the place where the evolution of cycling takes shape, providing a unique insight into its future, especially in Asian markets.”

Initiated by ECF, Velo-City is considered one of the leading forums for exchanging ideas and formulating cycling policies and programs. Other renowned green capitals previously staging the event include Amsterdam, Munich and Paris.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242587&ctNode=2194&mp=9)