Knowledge Cycling and Waterways: A two-day study visit 27 March 2026 Cycling News On March 24th and 25th, the Dutch Cycling Embassy, in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, had the pleasure to welcome a diverse European delegation for a study visit in the context of an Interreg project focused on cycling and waterways. The delegation consisted of representatives from several local and regional bodies, from Italy, Spain, Romania, Slovenia and Denmark all of whom eager to learn from Dutch cycling-history and -practice. The group started the first day in Amersfoort where they had the chance to learn more about the history of cycling and canals in Utrecht as well as elsewhere in the Netherlands, the price-efficiency of the integration of cycling and waterways and the international differences that exist in policy and property through means of some presentations. We extend special thanks to Bert Toussaint (Historian Rijkswaterstaat), Herbert Tiemens, (Municipality of Utrecht), Paolo Ruffino (Haskoning) and Freek de Lier (Decisio) all of whom drew from their expertise to share knowledge with the group. In the afternoon, participants had the choice between two cycling tours, each of which explored different aspects of cycling in the Netherlands. One was led by Marco Mulder (Arcadis), whose tour focused on how infrastructural choices make cycling attractive, looking at intersection designs, user comfort, network design and bicycle parking. Ruben Loendersloot’s (Loendersloot International) tour looked at rapid cycling connections, the facilitation of intermodal transport, network design and CROW standards. Through these insightful tours, participants were able to gain first-hand experience with Dutch cycling planning and even experience an after-school rush-hour on bikes. On the second day, in Utrecht, the delegation braved the wind, cold and rain to discover Utrecht by bike, with a tour in the morning, and one in the afternoon. In the morning, they had the choice between Alina Prey’s (Goudappel) tour focused on cross sector cooperation involving water management & cycling route integration with water network, and Arjan Freije’s (Movares) tour on cycling route integration with water network & maintenance, durability & life cycle management. Highlights included cycling over the impressive Daphne Schipperbrug and its seamless connection to the community it serves, and the Catharijnesingel, a famous example of a large freeway re-turned into a canal. After a filling lunch in the centre, the groups embarked onto their second tour. One group, led by Melissa Bruntlett (Modacity Creative), toured around Utrecht, passing by the Oosterspoorbaan and Utrecht Science Park by the while learning about communication, participation and cultural change in the Dutch context. The other tour, given by Fred Schoonhoven (AbelLeisure), ventured further out the centre, exploring technology & data on waterfront routes & signage, wayfinding & digital information. All participants regrouped afterwards over some drinks after the tours, followed by a quiz created by the participants and later a shared dinner. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this study visit possible, to all experts, and to the participants who hopefully return home with new insights and a spark of inspiration. Would you like to experience Dutch cycling culture first-hand? Get in touch with us to organise your own study visit. We’d be delighted to welcome you.