DCE hosts study visit from South Dublin

A delegation from South Dublin County joint a two-day study visit organized by the Dutch Cycling Embassy.

Representatives, councilors, and civil servants, from South Dublin County joint a two-day study visit organized by the Dutch Cycling Embassy on the 16th and 17th of May. The main interest within the group was focused on how to make the change: from being car minded to being bike (and pedestrian) minded.

Therefore, the program started with a kick-off in Rotterdam by Maurits Lopes Cardozo (Bike-minded) who among others discussed the mode shift of Rotterdam, with impressive figures, facts, and stories. The Irish group got stimulated and dove into the content with very detailed and content related questions. Next was Marco Mulder (Arup) who continued the conversation by looking into the services Arup is currently offering in Ankara, Turkey. Compared to this city, we could even talk about a ‘high’ mode share of cycling in South Dublin County. Marco focused among others on what the group can learn from the interventions Arup recommended within this project.
After a brief walk, a delicious lunch, and a friendly welcome by the bike rental shop we continued the conversation while being on wheels. Due to the guidance of Maurits the group was able to experience the Rotterdam cycling theory into practice. Visiting the Coolsingel, Hofplein, Rotterdams Central train station, a typical Dutch round about, little C, the Maastunnel and much more. The group was excited about being on wheels in Rotterdam, and experiencing cycling themselves, for some it has been years since they biked.

The second day, the program continued in historic Utrecht. During an interactive session Angela van der Kloof (Mobycon) challenged to group to think about what cycling actually means and discussed theories behind inclusive cycling. This again sparked the minds present, while South Dublin County is working on materials and competences to enable citizens to cycle, the meaning behind cycling is often forgotten.
Ruben Loendersloot (Loendersloot Consultancy) continued the conversation by diving into the relationship between car and bicycle management. By sharing inspiring examples and projects where car management funds benefitted the car and bicycle network.
As icing on the cake, Chris Bruntlett (Marketing and Communication manager DCE) toured the group around in the city center of Utrecht by foot. Indicating where infrastructural changed happened in the last years. The group was highly impressed by Utrecht’s canals, shared spaces as well as separated bicycle facilities and all outdoor and indoor available bicycle parking.

After an intense two-day program, the group travelled back home with lots of enthusiasm, inspiration, and potentially next steps in mind. Can’t wait to see the change happen in Dublin!