Taipei Travel

On February 28, Mayor Ko Wen-je presented a gold medal to “Xiong Zan”—the mascot bear for 2017 Taipei Universiade—to promote the international sports event in a carnival held to highlight Velo-city Global 2016.

The Velo-city Global Conference is taking place in Taipei between February 27 and March 1.

During his address, Ko noted that it is the first time for an Asian city to host the cycling event. Taiwan, though boasting a thriving cycling industry, needs to invest more in the implementation of a sound biking network. He pledged that the capital, on the track to become a smart and green city, will strive to attain its goal of making the bicycle a mainstream means of transportation.

The carnival featured a wide array of activities for cycling enthusiasts, spanning Bike Parade, Fun Ride, Kids Push Bike Race, Night Market delicacies tasting, and a Chinese New Year Party showcasing a variety of cultural performances from other countries. Over 5,000 people participated in the carnival.

The most eye-catching participants of the Bike Parade include crystal-decorated bikes, a dragon-themed ten-seat tandem bicycle, the mascot bear dressed as Monkey King to spotlight the Year of the Monkey, and a team led by Miffy rabbit to represent the Dutch city of Arnhem-Nijmegen--the next host of the Velo-city Global.