Our team

Shelley is highly motivated to contribute to a liveable, enjoyable, and future-proof world. She believes active and environmentally friendly modes of transport are essential to creating an inclusive society for all. She fully embraces the mission of the Dutch Cycling Embassy: Cycling for Everyone, Everywhere. As Knowledge & Partnerships Manager, she ensures the quality of knowledge exchange and strengthens international partnerships, working closely with cities, regions, and organisations around the world. Shelley has a background in Human Geography and Urban Planning and holds a teacher’s degree. She is culturally sensitive, open-minded, and always ready to think along or engage in conversations about concrete steps that can positively impact our surroundings.

As International Relations Manager, Chris brings a diverse set of skills to his role at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, including writing, photography, filmmaking, podcasting, public speaking, and digital media management. He first visited the Netherlands in the summer of 2016, and quickly fell in love with its seemingly effortless bicycle culture, and unique approach to transport planning. This cross-country tour inspired him to co-author the book, “Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality”, which shines a spotlight on the incredible (and often underappreciated) achievements of the Netherlands as the world’s foremost cycling nation. Chris uses his knowledge and passion to share practical lessons for global cities wishing to follow in their tracks, and become better places to live, work, play, and—of course—cycle.

As Project and Network Assistant at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, Jorma supports the project team in their daily work and helps maintain and activate the organisation’s public-private network. With a background in Tourism Management, Jorma focused the final year of his studies on the intersection of urban development and tourism mobility. He sees cycling not just as a mode of transport, but as a key factor in making urban life more liveable, healthy, and engaging. Having lived in five countries, he has experienced a wide range of mobility cultures, experiences that deepened his appreciation for the role of well-designed cycling infrastructure in creating vibrant, people-centred cities. His enthusiasm for cycling goes beyond commuting; he’s also a fan of long-distance bike tours, from crossing the Alps to riding along the Danube.

Oskar is passionate about making cities more liveable through cycling. As Project Coordinator at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, he focuses on the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), connecting growing demand for cycle-inclusive mobility with Dutch knowledge and expertise. His current focus is leading the final phase of the Germany Strategy, concluding this summer and laying the foundation for continued collaboration. He has lived in Berlin, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and recently completed a Master’s in Urban Human Geography at the University of Amsterdam. Fluent in German and English, and proficient in Dutch, Oskar brings strong international experience and cultural insight. Outside work, he enjoys long-distance bikepacking tours and believes there is no better way to discover a city than by bike.

As Network Coordinator, Nicole ensures our team stays closely connected with the Dutch Cycling Embassy's public-private network. She oversees the structure and vitality of the network, including onboarding, retention, and key moments of engagement such as our quarterly network meetings and the Dutch Cycling Embassy’s presence at Velo-city. Nicole has extensive experience in organising international congresses and events. Having spent years abroad in places where cycling was not the most obvious means of transport, she realised how much cycling contributes to a happy and free life, and what it means to her personally. As such, Nicole likes to contribute to the mission of making cities and places around the world greener and more liveable.

Having learned to cycle in rural car-dominated Canada, Yari is passionate about promoting cycling even in places where bikes aren’t a common sight. As an intern at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, he assists his colleagues in the organisation and execution of their projects. A national to Canada, France and Germany, he understands the importance of building bridges between cultures and ways of thinking to co-create a more active and sustainable cycling future. With a background in Cultural Studies and History, and currently a student of Urban and Regional Planning at the university of Amsterdam, he has explored topics of post-war reconstruction, climate resilience and alternative mobility narratives. Besides academics, he is an avid language-learner and traveller, by bike of course.

Jeska combines sustainable mobility expertise with a passion for understanding human behavior across cultures. With a background in Social Urban Planning and Social Psychology, she enjoys turning creative ideas into practical solutions. At the Dutch Cycling Embassy, she coordinates international study visits and workshops, working with experts from our network to share Dutch cycling knowledge worldwide. She also manages marketing coordination, ensuring materials remain relevant and up to date. Jeska brings experience from projects ranging from cycling promotion to sustainable urban logistics and has previously contributed as an expert in our Capacity Building Workshop in Dubai. She is energized by international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and helping make cities more vibrant and liveable through active travel.

As Managing Director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy, Skadi is responsible for the overall direction of the organisation and the strategic development of its public–private network. She leads the team, working closely with them to deliver projects arising from international requests, and oversees operations and finances. She develops and maintains partnerships that connect Dutch expertise with cities and regions seeking to strengthen their cycling policy and infrastructure. An international executive with over 25 years’ experience throughout Europe, the United States and Australia, Skadi has worked across government, consultancy and international collaboration. She brings cultural awareness and a steady ability to align organisations around shared ambitions, enabling effective cooperation across sectors and borders. She believes in practical solutions that contribute to healthy, liveable and green spaces.