Bicycle Museum in Konya, the 2026 European Cycling Capital

Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay stated that he is pleased that Konya, which holds the title of 2026 European Cycling Capital, is associated with youth and sports and is a pioneer in this field.

The opening of the Velespit Museum, implemented by Konya Metropolitan Municipality as part of the 2026 European Cycling Capital Year, was held before the month of Ramadan.

As part of the program, a cycling event was organized, starting at the Konya Panorama Museum and ending at Kılıçarslan Square.

“THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE; IT IS THE RESULT OF UNIQUE CONSISTENCY AND EFFORT”

Speaking at the opening of the Velespit Museum, brought to the city by Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay shared his satisfaction that Konya, which carries the title of 2026 European Cycling Capital, is known for youth and sports and is a pioneer in this field.

Reminding that Konya is a city set as an example in the world with its bicycle lane network exceeding 680 kilometres, Mayor Altay said, “This network has transformed cycling beyond being a means of transportation into a city culture. With the exemplary projects we have implemented and major organizations such as the Islamic Solidarity Games, our Konya, which became the World Sports Capital in 2023, has now crowned this accumulation with the title of ‘European Cycling Capital.’ This is not a coincidence; it is the result of unique consistency and effort.”

“THE FIRST FACILITY OF ITS KIND IN TURKEY”

Continuing his speech by explaining the content of the Velespit Museum, Mayor Altay said, “The Velespit Museum is the first facility of its kind opened in Turkey. The name ‘Velespit’ also comes from what the people of Konya call a bicycle. Moreover, this museum is not just a place you visit. With activity areas where especially our children will be involved, our city will gain a living museum.”

“KONYA IS NUMBER ONE IN THIS FIELD”

Gian Francesco Lupatelli, President of the Federation of European Capitals and Cities, who attended the program, reminded that the title of European Cycling Capital was held by Manchester last year and said, “This year it continues with Konya, and Konya is number one in this field. It is very important that public participation is so high. As we always say, ‘sport is for everyone.’ The Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, as the 2026 European Cycling Capital, will be responsible for determining the candidates for cycling capital during a five-year period between 2026 and 2031. Thank you all very much.”

“IN KONYA, CYCLING IS ADOPTED AS A WAY OF LIFE”

Konya Governor İbrahim Akın also stated that Konya is one of the leading cities in sports as in every field, saying, “It brings hope to our youth, vitality to our city, and significant international prestige to our country. In our Konya, cycling is adopted as a way of life beyond being a means of transportation. With its bicycle lane network exceeding 680 kilometres, our city, which has the longest bicycle infrastructure in Turkey, integrates the title of bicycle city with a sustainable urbanism approach. Konya is also a pioneering city with its capacity to host international sports organizations.”