Taipei readies for 2016 Velo-City cycling event

2015/06/10

Taipei City is set to host for the first time in Asia the 2016 Velo-City Global Conference, underscoring the experience of the northern Taiwan metropolis in successfully constructing cycling infrastructure and promoting sustainable transport.

The evolution-themed conference kicks off Feb. 27 and is running in conjunction with the annual Taipei International Cycle Show and Tour de Taiwan professional road race. It is expected to play a key role in paving the way for Taiwan to flex its muscles in sustainable transport development.

Taipei City Deputy Mayor Chou Li-fang said June 5 that she welcomes all avid cyclists to Taipei for the three-day event. “We boast sizeable resources in culture, nature and tourism, all linked by an accessible and convenient public transport system comprising buses, metro and public bikes.”

Chou, who made the remarks at the closing of the 2015 edition of the conference in Nantes, France, signed a charter the same day calling on EU and U.N. members to acknowledge the importance of cycling for a better future and integrate the activity in their policymaking processes. She was joined by Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland and European Cyclists’ Federation President Manfred Neun.

“This is a crucial step in creating a more sustainable future, not only in line with U.N. development goals but conducive to its Habitat III new urban agenda,” Chou said.

Habitat III is the U.N. Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development taking place in Ecuador next October. The objectives of the gathering are to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable urban development, assess accomplishments, address poverty, and identify new and emerging challenges.

“We are pleased to report that Taipei is taking the lead in including public cycling in its urban mobility systems,” Chou said, adding that this is facilitating a change in transport habits and raising awareness on climate and environmental issues.

Initiated by Brussels-based ECF, Velo-City is considered one of the leading platforms for exchanging ideas and formulating cutting-edge 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=231297&ctNode=413)