The World’s largest cycle planning conference is currently underway in Edinburgh. Velocity is in its 21st year and over 500 delegates from all over the world have converged for a five-day planning fest to share ideas about the bicycling in the 21st Century.

Velocity began as a European initiative back in 1980 with its focus purely on raising the profile of cycling. As interest in the annual event has grown so too has its remit beyond that of mere bicycle promotion. Themes for this year’s event include: health and well-being, tourism and the economy, children and mobility, the environment and land use, and sustainable transport and planning.

Speaking yesterday at the conference about tourism and the economic bnefits of cycling Transport minister Sally Keeble said “We acknowledge that cycle tourism can help local businesses especially those in rural areas, that is why we have supported the development of the National Cycle Route which has attracted a great deal of interest”.

Keeble last week launched a good practice guide on sustainable tourism “Tourism without traffic”. The document shows the way forward for local authorities, tourism agencies and public transport operators and addresses traffic problems in popular tourist destinations.

Tomorrow delegates will hear about cycle promotion in Scottish schools and from health and transport professionals.

See www.velo-city2001.org.uk for more details.