Velo-city 2027 will take place on 25–28 May in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, with the Ehime Prefectural Budokan as its main venue. The European Cyclists’ Federation’s annual conference and exhibition brings together local authorities, researchers, cycling advocates and industry representatives.
This will be the first Velo-city conference in Japan. Ehime combines cycle tourism, including the Shimanami Kaido route, with the development of everyday cycling. Alongside Matsuyama, fellow organiser Imabari provides the route’s gateway on Shikoku.
The central theme, Kyōsei, explores creating a future with cycling together. Discussion strands cover comfortable urban spaces, cycling at different life stages, connections with public transport, inclusive mobility and regional development through cycle tourism. This brings everyday journeys and leisure travel into the same conversation.
The immediate deadline falls this autumn: both the general and academic calls for abstracts close on 22 October 2026. Contributions must be submitted in English under the relevant call’s guidelines. For Latvian municipalities, researchers and cycling organisations, it is an opportunity to put their experience into an international discussion.