Knowledge 40 Diplomats Cycle the Hague 15 June 2024 Cycling News On Saturday, June 15th, 2024, Diplomat Magazine and the Dutch Cycling Embassy led a group of foreign diplomats —including representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Iran, the USA, and more —on a guided bicycle tour of The Hague. The event aimed to showcase the city’s dramatic journey from car dominance to a cycling-friendly environment. The opening reception began with refreshments at Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague, where Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, and Skadi Tirpak, Director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy, delivered welcome speeches. Danielle van Mulukom, Head of International Enterprise at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the economic and social benefits of cycling, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainable growth and improving the quality of life. She stated that cycling holds significant economic potential for the Netherlands, a sentiment echoed by the city of the Hague’s Deputy Mayor Arjen Kapteijns, who underscored the city’s commitment to advancing mobility and sustainable practices. He mentioned The Hague’s efforts in supporting initiatives to improve mobility and encourage bicycle use, including expanding biking programs for families and supporting embassies. Emma Stubbe from the DCE presented on “Cycling in The Netherlands and beyond – with everybody,” followed by a Q&A session. Participants either brought their own bikes or rented complimentary ones from Gazelle for the approximately 14 km tour, which highlighted the city’s best traffic calmed streets, separated cycle tracks, and roundabouts. Intended to introduce embassies to the success of the Netherlands as a cycling nation, and how it might be translated to their own context, the event was organised in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, and made possible by the Municipality of The Hague, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.