Konya Showcases Cycling Vision at World Cycling Summit

Konya Metropolitan Municipality made a strong impression at the prestigious Velo-city Conference, the world’s leading cycling summit held annually in a different country under the support and patronage of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF).

This year’s event took place in Rimini, Italy. Since its inception in 1980, the conference has played a key role in shaping the future of sustainable urban development and cycling mobility. More than 1,600 cycling experts, advocates, policymakers, and academics from over 60 countries attended the historic gathering.

Participating with its own exhibition stand and drawing significant attention through its successful projects, Konya Metropolitan Municipality effectively showcased both Türkiye’s and Konya’s cycling culture to an international audience.

Ahmet Murat Koru, Deputy Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, took part as a panel speaker on the summit’s opening day during the highly attended plenary session titled “Plenary 2: Inspiring Interventions – Designing Beautiful Urban Environments.”

Addressing international delegates, Koru highlighted the pedestrianization projects, infrastructure investments, and world-class initiatives implemented in Konya—Europe’s Cycling Capital—to advance cycling mobility. He also emphasized the city’s deep-rooted connection with cycling.

Stating that cycling in Konya is far more than a means of transportation, Koru said: “Konya has a very special relationship with cycling. For us, cycling is not only a mode of transport or a sport; it is one of the most important elements of our urban culture and daily life. Through our safe cycling routes projects, we encourage children to travel safely to school by bicycle. Our goal is not simply to build bike lanes, but to raise confident, independent, and environmentally conscious generations. What makes us most proud is that cycling in Konya is not a temporary project—it is a long-term urban vision. It is a powerful vision that brings together sustainability, public health, quality of life, and social well-being. We believe that every kilometer of bike lane built is a direct investment in a happier, healthier, and more resilient Konya.”

As part of the summit, the Konya Metropolitan Municipality delegation also held high-level strategic meetings with leading figures in the global cycling community.

During discussions with ECF President Henk Swarttouw and ECF Board Member and Vice President Sílvia Casorrán Martos, the Konya delegation exchanged views on Konya Metropolitan Municipality’s membership in the federation, future joint programs, and opportunities for international cooperation.

At the meeting, ECF representatives praised Konya’s achievements in sustainable transport infrastructure and cycling-focused urban development. They also raised the possibility of Konya hosting the Velo-city Conference—the world’s largest cycling gathering—in the near future.

This vision once again confirmed Konya’s growing influence in global cycling diplomacy.

The special exhibition stand established by Konya Metropolitan Municipality at the conference venue became one of the most visited and talked-about promotional areas of the summit.

Hundreds of cycling experts, urban planners, and cycling advocates from around the world visited the Konya stand to learn about the municipality’s technological and physical investments in cycling infrastructure, while also receiving detailed information about Türkiye’s cultural and tourism assets.

The new connections and dialogue established throughout the conference made a significant contribution to the international promotion of both Konya and Türkiye.

Declared the “2026 European Cycling Capital” by the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES), Konya continues to strengthen its vision of becoming a globally recognized cycling city.

VELO-CITY CONFERENCE

The Velo-city Conference is the most prestigious and longest-running international event in its field. Held annually in a different country, it is widely recognized worldwide as the “World Cycling Summit.”