June 14, 2025 - The final day of Velo-city 2025 was truly out of this world — complete with intergalactic guests challenging us to rethink how we use urban space. As we wrapped up a week of bold ideas, shared visions, and joyful rides, one thing was clear: the future of mobility is human-sized, inclusive, and full of possibility. Until Rimini 2026 — keep pedalling forward!
Quote of the Day
“There is a very real chance to generate 2 million green jobs.” – Jill Warren, CEO Europen Cyclists Federation
Plenary 6: Cycling to Boost the Economy and Save Energy + Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony spotlighted cycling’s role in cutting energy use, achieving climate goals, and boosting the economy. Magda Kopczyńska kicked things off with an update on the European Commission’s actions since the adoption of the European Declaration on Cycling. While the declaration has helped move things forward, the panel agreed: there’s still a long road ahead to fully unlock cycling’s potential.
Jill Warren stressed the need for National Cycling Strategies and for cycling to be integrated into national climate plans—ideally, both at once, with coordinated efforts across government departments.
Lucas Harms from the Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management explained that although the Netherlands doesn’t have a dedicated national cycling strategy, cycling is well-established in multiple policy areas—mobility, health, climate, spatial planning, and social policy. He highlighted the need for strong economic data to keep momentum going.
In Poland, cycling already contributes €21 billion to the economy, according to Mateusz Pytko, President of the Polish Bicycle Industry Association. But there’s even more potential if investment increases in infrastructure, safety, and a stronger European-based bicycle industry. Olivier Schneider supported this idea, saying “Europe needs local manufacturing, not just for jobs, but for sovereignty. We need to invest in resilience and coordinate together — make it a European effort.”
Read the full report here.
