By Sarah Ripplinger

Conferences like Velo-city Global are a link to inspiring speakers and current information on best-practices, research and more. Attendees have exclusive access to leaders in their field in a collegial setting. No wonder the next biannual Velo-city Global is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates.

A notable figure in the transportation policy world, Gil Penalosa will be opening and closing the conference, which takes place in Vancouver, BC, June 26-29, 2012.

The executive director of the Canadian non-profit organization 8-80 Cities and former commissioner of parks, sports and recreation in Bogota, Colombia, Penalosa brings with him a wealth of experience in developing liveable cities where bicycling plays a key role.

He recently stated that the best way to get politicians on side is to not mention cycling specifically, but as one factor in policies that promote public health, mobility and environmental protection.

“Imagine you have a city with two percent cyclists and 60 percent people using cars,” Penalosa said in a European Cyclists’ Federation report. “People will say you are against the 60 percent.”

“Cyclists are often too keen to talk about cycling and forget about the whole package. If you introduce cycling as a solution for obesity, for example, you are suddenly not only trying to help other cyclists, but a whole population.”

Information about other notable speakers attending the conference is presently available on the Velo-city Global 2012 website.

Keep checking this blog each week for more updates about the conference, presenters and attendees.

Velo-city Global 2012 is expected to host over 1,000 delegates from around the world. The conference will be held June 26 -29 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center Hotel, accessible by the new Hornby Street separated bike lane.

Conference registration has begun! Visit velo-city2012.com/registration to secure your spot now. Early bird registration rates end March 31.

Originally published on momentummag.com.