As spring returns to Poland, so too does the country’s growing enthusiasm for cycling—and nowhere is that more visible than in the nationwide competition Rowerowa Stolica Polski (Cycling Capital of Poland). With the training phase officially underway as of 21 March, riders across the country are once again gearing up for this unique challenge, which not only celebrates fitness and sustainability but also the pride of representing one’s city or commune. For Poznań, it’s a chance to reclaim the top spot and prove it truly deserves the title of Poland’s cycling capital.
What Is Rowerowa Stolica Polski?
Rowerowa Stolica Polski, or Cycling Capital of Poland, is an annual competition organised by the city of Bydgoszcz. It invites municipalities across the country to rally their citizens in a race for the most cycling kilometres. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s a celebration of community, local pride, and the joy of two wheels.
According to organisers, the event was created to “promote an active lifestyle and sustainable mobility while building a sense of local identity through friendly rivalry.” The format is simple: use the free “Aktywne Miasta” app, pick your city or commune, and start recording every bike ride you take.
Training Phase: A Two-Month Warm-Up
The 2025 edition’s training period runs from 21 March to 21 May. During this phase, every kilometre cycled is added directly to the total of the chosen municipality, without applying the population-based conversion used in the June finale. This creates a level playing field and allows new participants to ease into the competition.
City officials from Poznań are encouraging residents to get involved early.
This is an excellent moment to test the application and get acquainted with the competition rules!
reads a post on the city’s official site.
Over 120 cities and communes are already participating in the training phase, making it one of the largest editions to date.
How to Join the Ride
Joining Rowerowa Stolica Polski (Cycling Capital of Poland) is straightforward:
- Download the Aktywne Miasta app (free on Android and iOS).
- Go to “Rywalizacje” (Competitions), then select “Trening Rowerowej Stolicy Polski 2025”.
- Choose your team—either a city (like Poznań) or a commune. You can’t ride for both.
- Join an existing group or start your own with friends or colleagues.
Once set up, you’re ready to log your rides, monitor rankings, and compare results with others across Poland. The app even connects with Garmin Connect, offering seamless tracking.
Poznań’s Strong Comeback Plans
Poznań finished second in last year’s edition among cities with over 200,000 residents, just behind Bydgoszcz (which competed as a metropolitan area). In 2024, 1,108 people rode for the city, collectively covering 417,835 kilometres—more than 5,000 kilometres up from the previous year. With a growing cycling infrastructure and a strong community of active residents, the city of Poznań is hopeful for a win in 2025.
This year, we’re aiming higher. We want the gold.
said a spokesperson for Poznań’s mobility office.
Two Competitions, One Goal
The main competition in June operates differently from the training period. It applies a coefficient to account for population, ensuring fairness between large cities and small towns. There are two official categories: most active city and most active commune.
That’s why it’s important to choose carefully. Riders can only represent one category, and once selected, they cannot switch mid-competition.
The dual format helps showcase both urban and rural cycling culture, without giving an unfair advantage to either.
as the organisers explain.
A Celebration of Movement and Community
While the competition is a motivator, Rowerowa Stolica Polski (Cycling Capital of Poland) is about much more. It’s a national movement to promote healthy, eco-friendly lifestyles. Riders participate not only to win but to be part of something bigger—a celebration of mobility, local pride, and community engagement.
It’s a great way to track your progress, ride with friends, and support your city—all while doing something good for yourself and the planet.
said one Poznań cyclist who took part in the 2024 event.
The competition also encourages group participation. Workplaces, schools, and community groups can form teams, with special rankings for the most active companies. Last year, the team from Żabka alone logged 23,352 kilometres.
Stay Informed and Stay Involved
To follow Poznań’s journey in Rowerowa Stolica Polski (Cycling Capital of Poland), residents can join a dedicated Facebook group or sign up for email updates via mobilnosc@um.poznan.pl. The city regularly shares tips, results, and motivational stories to keep the momentum going.
Saddle Up, Poznań!
With the Rowerowa Stolica Polski (Cycling Capital of Poland) training already rolling, there’s never been a better time to jump on your bike and represent Poznań. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or a daily commuter, every kilometre matters. By logging your rides, you’re not only staying fit and enjoying the fresh air—you’re helping Poznań pedal its way to the top.
