Knowledge UBC and DCE at the Dutch Cycling Week 20 October 2023 Cycling News On October 19, Utrecht Bike Community (UBC) was a guest at the Royal Jaarbeurs as part of their ambitions regarding the Dutch Cycling Week. This inspiring networking event brought together a range of professionals from the cycling world. Prior to the main program, participants had the opportunity to take part in one of the two social bicycle rides – a recreational city tour or a sporty race tour. The Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) took part in the recreational city tour, organized by Mark Wagenbuur (Bicycle Dutch), André Pettinga (Cyclemotions) and Christien Rodenburg (New Urban Mobility). During the tour we stopped at various locations to learn about infrastructure designs and urban development processes, such as the recently developed area of Leidsche Rijn. We were fortunate to experience dry, and at times, even sunny weather, which contributed to the overall enjoyment and a sociable atmosphere among the participants! Following the social ride, everyone reconvened at the Jaarbeurs, where the plenary program kicked off at 15:30. The introduction was delivered by Utrecht Bike Community, whereafter they gave the floor to Jeroen van Hooff, the CEO of the hosting venue, the Jaarbeurs, Ralf van Heugten, the project manager of the Dutch Cycling Week, and Rene Koppert, a board member of the foundation Club 48. Each of these speakers explained their ambitions and contributions to promoting cycling in Utrecht and beyond. Shelley Bontje, DCE’s program manager, together with Jaap Breugem from ROM Utrecht and Jan Willem de Bie from Armada Mobility, then took the stage to point out the international opportunities for bicycle companies. Shelley also explained what the DCE does as a public-private network, emphasizing the global interest in bicycle mobility, as evidenced by the substantial number of international delegations and incoming requests we continually receive. The program continued with a presentation of the results from the Wielersport Monitor 2023 by Myron Ter Haar-Duivenvoorden, highlighting the surge in popularity of gravel cycling in the past year. Ewoud Vink, a policy officer of the Provincie Utrecht, then presented their plans for maintaining the region’s status as the world’s most bicycle-friendly region. He emphasized the central role of bicycle innovation in this trajectory. The remainder of the program primarily focused on business opportunities and initiatives within the bicycle industry. This featured several compelling pitches from various companies. Among these was the concept of a ‘Dutch Bike Valley,’ proposed by Uw Bedrijf, along with multiple pitches from a delegation representing the Czech bicycle industry. The event wrapped up with a networking session, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the themes highlighted during the presentations. We hope that this event served as a source of inspiration, while paving the way for innovative initiatives and new partnerships within the bicycle industry!