From February 27th to March 1st delegates gathered in Taipei to attend the acclaimed Velo-city conference, aimed at bringing together all those involved in policy, promotion and the provision of cycling facilities and programs.

With more than 1000 delegates from 43 countries attending, Velo-city Taipei 2016, became not only the first Asian city to host the world's premier cycling conference, but also set a new record as the biggest edition of the event outside Europe.

To celebrate the start of the conference, Taipei City Mayor, and avid cyclist, Ke Wen-je took part in a cycling challenge to ride the entire 520 kilometer length of Taiwan from Fugueijiao Lighthouse at the northern tip to Eluanbi Lighthouse at the southern tip of the island in 28 hours. During the ride Mayor Ke made a conference call to the opening ceremony welcoming delegates and speakers to Taipei.

President of the European Cyclists’ Federation and the World Cycling Alliance, Manfred Neun also welcomed delegates “We are here in Taipei to celebrate the future. By bringing together more than 160 speakers among experts, professionals, mayors and public authorities, Velo-city Taipei is the place where the evolution of cycling takes shape.”

Taipei City Deputy Mayor Lin highlighted Taipei City Government's plan to rejuvenate the city and make it more livable by 2050. “From now on, neighborhoods will develop wherever the bicycles go. The cycling-oriented network will lead city-wide development. A 2020 plan for the city is that Taipei can provide green and low-polluting transportation in a comprehensive manner, and become a safe, convenient and sustainable city.”

The motto of the conference was the Evolution of Cycling and it covered five different themes: urban transition, moving lifestyles, sustainable economy, sharing societies and design in motion. The program, held at the Taipei International Convention Center provided a unique exchange between eastern and western expertise with rich plenary and sub plenary sessions featuring politicians, bike industry representatives and architecture and design experts from all over the world. The last two days of the conference—right before the Taipei Cycle Show, focused on the role of the industry on the development of cycling, with Giant CEO, Tony Lo and Trek CEO, John Burke both making keynote speeches.

The program of Velo-city also included many unique side events, both in the Convention Center, and all around the city. Attendees joined with local crowds to take part in side events such as a colorful bike parade, numerous cycling tours and the VelO2 installation of lights.

On the final day of the convention the honor and responsibility for hosting Velo-city was handed over from Taipei to the Dutch city-region of Arnhem-Nijmegen.