# Turkey Cycling Promotion Initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-cycling-promotion-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-04T08:39:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5. In mid‑July 2026, the Turkish Cycling Federation staged a three‑day Track Cycling Cup and Development Camp at the Konya Olympic Velodrome, drawing about 200 participants. Sixty senior and junior cyclists used the competition to fine‑tune race tempo ahead of the national championships, while 160 riders aged 12‑17 and 22 athletes from the Youth and Sports Ministry’s Athlete Education Centre took part in the development programme, forming the second stage of a points‑based cup. Provincial youth and sports directorates later organised community‑focused rides. In Kars, a 10‑km tour past historic sites such as Kars Castle was led by Recreational Coach Ülkü Alp and praised by Provincial Director Mehmet Başköylü, aiming to promote health and cultural awareness. In Eskişehir, a combined bike ride, nature walk and sky‑watch program – featuring the local astronomy society and astrophysicist Ömer Ayyıldız – encouraged outdoor recreation and environmental education. To celebrate Konya’s status as the 2026 European Bicycle Capital, the city hosted a Bicycle Festival at Ecdat Park from 7 to 10 August. Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay and other officials highlighted the city’s 680 km of dedicated bike lanes, noting efforts to create safe cycling environments for women and children. The festival, which featured workshops, acrobatics, and drone shows, drew over 100,000 participants. Following the festival, the Konya Metropolitan Municipality announced the winners of a photography competition themed ‘2026 European Capital of Cycling Konya’ to further promote the city’s cycling culture and infrastructure. Muhammed Furkan Yardımcı took first place in the contest. ## Claims - Konya was designated the 2026 European Bicycle Capital. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Konya Bicycle Festival began at Ecdat Park. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay hosted the opening ceremony. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The festival promotes cycling for health and environmental benefits. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Konya has 680 kilometres of bicycle routes. (single source) - The festival includes workshops, children's activities, and runs until 23:00 on the opening day. (single source) - Local officials Fatih Özgökçen, Mustafa Kavuş and Ahmet Pekyatırmacı attended the opening. (single source) - Electric‑assist bicycles are being promoted in Konya. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Konya announces winners of European Capital of Cycling photo contest Konya Metropolitan Municipality announced the winners of its photography competition celebrating the city's status as the 2026 European Capital of Cycling. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konya-announces-winners-of-european-capital-of-cycling-photo-contest ### 2026-08-10: Konya Bicycle Festival concludes with high participation The Konya Bicycle Festival concluded after four days of events, drawing over 100,000 participants in anticipation of Konya becoming the 2026 European Cycling Capital. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konya-bicycle-festival-concludes-with-high-participation ### 2026-08-07: Konya Bicycle Festival opens in 2026 European Capital of Cycling The Konya Bicycle Festival has opened in Turkey, celebrating Konya's designation as the 2026 European Capital of Cycling with various community activities and cultural showcases. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konya-bicycle-festival-marks-2026-european-bike-capital-celebration ### 2026-07-26: Turkey's Kars and Eskişehir Organize Community Cycling Tours Kars held a 10‑km historic bike tour, while Eskişehir staged a cycling, nature walk and sky‑watch event, both organized by local youth‑sports departments. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-kars-and-eskiehir-organize-community-cycling-tours ### 2026-07-14: Turkish Cycling Federation hosts bike cup and development camp in Konya About 200 cyclists, including 60 seniors and 160 youths, competed at the Konya Olympic Velodrome in a Turkish Cycling Federation cup and development camp ahead of the national championships. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-cycling-federation-hosts-bike-cup-and-development-camp-in-konya --- Cite as: Turkey Cycling Promotion Initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-cycling-promotion-initiatives