Hamburg vying for World Bicycle Congress 2026

"The mobility transition is essentially based on public transport, cycling and digital transport offers and is most effective when everything is thought out, planned and jointly implemented," said Anne Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition. Dr Volker Wissing, Germany's Minister for Transport, remarked:" We want to discuss how bicycles can be better integrated into public transport and pedestrian traffic, and how we can advance cycling with digital transport offers." Hamburg has the expertise required for organizing transport trade fairs after hosting the leading ITS congress on digital transport systems in 2021. The city is preparing the upcoming International Association of Public Transport (UITP) congresses in both 2025 and 2027. Tjarks added: "I am certain that precisely the interplay of these various congresses will allow us to expand transport offers in our city in a sustainable, convenient and safe manner."

Velo-City is likely to unveil many novel ideas for the future of cycling and sharing knowledge. First held in 1980, the congress attracts around 1,400 delegates from more than 60 countries every year. A joint organizing committee will plan Velo-City 2026 and will select the themes, content, projects and best practices for the event. Hamburg's Ministry for Transport and Mobility Transition would act as host while the national Ministry for Transport would be the strategic and political partner. The team will be supplemented by New Mobility Solutions Hamburg GmbH and will be responsible for applications, daily planning and other activities related to the congress pending the approval of Hamburg's bid.

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