Velo-city is the largest international conference devoted to cycling policy. Velo-City conferences have been jointly organised by the European Cyclist’s Federation (ECF) and the chosen European host city every other year since 1980. During the conference, the Region is seeking to achieve a number of main objectives, which in particular include presenting high-standard cycling infrastructures and obtaining recognition for cycling to be incorporated in a sustainable, intermodal transport policy (cycling, combined with public transport and walking can be more efficient than the car).

BYPAD (Bicycle policy audit) is an instrument for evaluating local and regional cycling policy and improvement of its quality. BYPAD has been developed, applied and continuously improved since 1999, with support from the European Commission. Meanwhile more than 100 cities and regions in 20 European countries are evaluating and improving their cycling policy, supervised by 34 certified auditors from these countries. BYPAD has become a European quality standard for cycling policy and a vital European network.

Urban planning as a multi-disciplinary endeavor must come to grips with energy provision against the backdrop of climate change and the increasing scarcity of traditional sources. The purpose of "Powering the Urban Future" is to bring specialists from the energy sector --consultants, engineers, and enterprises in the Renewable Energy Source (RES) and Energy Efficiency (EE) areas-- together with city planners, municipal authorities, architects, financial services professionals, investors, and EU Commission representatives, in order to discuss practical experiences and strategies for the future.

The theme of the Council for European Urbanism's third annual conference is Climate Change and Urban Design.

Topic: Sustainability Issues and Challenges for Spatial Planning in 21st Century Cities and Regions. The 8th International Symposium (UPE 8) of the International Urban Planning and Environment Association aims to be a forum for discussing urban and environmental issues.

The mayor of a global metropolis, elected to his first term in 2001, set out to reduce driving and promote greener modes of transportation in his city. Congestion pricing turned out to be unfeasible, because influential political forces in the suburbs believed, rightly or wrongly, that charging people to drive into the urban core was regressive. Undaunted, the mayor found other means to achieve his transportation agenda.

The Council for European Urbanism will hold its third international congress in Oslo, Norway from the 14 th to 16th September 2008. The congress will discuss the rapidly-evolving topic of "Climate Change and Urban Design". What is the latest science telling us? What are the consequences for urban development internationally? What are the practical solutions available to reduce climate gas emissions from urban settlements and transportation? What strategies are available to adapt to changing conditions? The congress will welcome government officials, planners, architects, social scientists, ecologists, developers, local community activists, and all other development stakeholders who feel a responsibility to contribute to more sustainable urban development.

The Swedish city of Växjö has been making strides toward its goal, stated in 1996, of weaning itself from fossil fuels. Itself an example of environmental innovation and dedication, Växjö is also one of a growing number of European cities making local responses to climate change rather than waiting for national or international action.

At the Local Renewables 2007 event in Freiburg, Germany in June, city and business leaders from 34 countries called for renewable energy to be the basis of a decentralized and secure energy supply. They also agreed that measures to curb the dramatic impact of climate change must be carried out immediately, and that the local government level plays a crucial role in this.

Timothy Beatley explains what planners and local officials in the United States can learn from the sustainable cities movement in Europe. The book draws from the extensive European experience, examining the progress and policies of twenty-five of the most innovative cities in eleven European countries. Beatley focuses on the key lessons from these cities and what their experience can teach us about effectively and creatively promoting sustainable development in the United States.