Policymakers in Rimini hope their efforts to get people
moving around more sustainably will be given a boost when the city hosts a leading
conference on cycling.
The historic Italian city has invested millions in a new rapid
transport system linking the city centre to the coast and boasts a 135km network
of bicycle lanes.
Now the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has announced the port will host the 2026 edition of its annual Velo-city conference, which attracts
around 1,500 delegates.
Marking its return to Italy for the first time since 1991,
ECF chose Rimini in recognition of its remarkable transformation from a
car-oriented to a more liveable city.
The conference will be organised by the City of Rimini, AIM
Group International, and ECF. This year’s event is taking place in Ghent, Belgium, and
next year’s host is Gdansk, in Poland.
During the event delegates will be able to see how Rimini is
weening itself off the car, from the pedestrianisation of the seafront to its integrated
transport system, the creation of a bicycle hub called Bike Park, to the
promotion of micro-mobility and the use of ‘cargo bikes’.
Stefano Bonini, president of VisitRimini, said “Coordination
was pivotal for the success of this bid, with everyone playing their part—from
public institutions such as the Municipality of Rimini, APT SERVIZI Emilia
Romagna, to private entities like Italian Exhibition Group with the Riviera di
Rimini Convention Bureau, a trusted partner in the international bidding
process, and the state-of-the-art Palacongressi di Rimini, situated in the
heart of the city.”
Flaminia Roberti, global sales manager AIM Group
International, said: “At the heart of the bid dossier was a narrative centred
on how the City of Rimini has changed over the years to become, in some ways, a
virtuous example of a sustainable and cyclist-friendly destination. We are
working tirelessly to ensure that the delegates’ experience is nothing short of
extraordinary: our Bike Village project and Bike Parade will create lasting
memories for all attendees.”
Jill Warren, CEO of ECF, said “We are thrilled to bring our
flagship event to Rimini, a city that has undergone an incredible
transformation from a car-centric environment to a people-oriented city.
Rimini’s unwavering commitment to green mobility, showcased in transformative
projects like the regeneration of its seafront, demonstrates a clear dedication
to a sustainable future. ECF has had the pleasure of working alongside Rimini
on various projects over the past couple of years, and we anticipate an unforgettable
conference for the global cycling community.”
Rimini faces the mobility challenges of a metropolis with
3.3m tourists arriving every year. One of its flagship projects is the 15km
waterfront, where car-dominated infrastructure was transformed into an Urban
Sea Park, making room for green areas, cycling, walking, open-air gyms, and
creating more beach space. The city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan has set a
target of 50 per cent of daily trips to be completed on foot, by bike, or on
public transport.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
