Dutch Cycling Embassy in Switzerland

28 February 2024

From March 5th to 7th, 2024, the Dutch Cycling Embassy will visit the cities of Bern, Zurich, Winterthur and Lausanne, as a part of a Cycling Mission to Switzerland organised together with RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) and the Netherlands Embassy in Switzerland. With twelve experts from nine companies (see list below), the mission encompasses expertise ranging from mobility planning and public space design, to cycle parking solutions and cycle promotion initiatives.

The aim of the mission is to engage with Swiss partners to help develop high-quality, accessible and safe cycling infrastructure. Switzerland, propelled by the new cycling infrastructure law which entered into force last year, has set forth ambitious targets to enhance cycling amenities nationwide. The Netherlands, with 23 million bicycles amidst a population of 18 million people on an equivalent landmass to Switzerland, has much expertise and experience to share on how to use limited space in a way that is safe to all traffic participants.

The Dutch delegation will visit Bern, Zurich, Winterthur and Lausanne, engaging with local Swiss partners in order to better understand challenges in the Swiss context, exchange experiences and articulate solutions.

“Cycling can improve the quality of life in our cities”

Reflecting on the mission’s objectives, Karin Mössenlechner, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Switzerland, underscores the positive impact of cycling-friendly cities on the whole urban landscape and the potential for Netherlands-Swiss collaboration in this area:

“Besides being a fast and efficient mode of transport, cycling also enhances health, liveability and sustainability. Urban populations will continue to grow in the coming years. Tackling inner city congestion and climate change are key concerns for both Switzerland and the Netherlands. Cycling can play an increasingly important role in both areas and can improve the quality of life in our cities.

I’m very impressed with the advances that Swiss cities have made in providing accessible and safe cycling amenities since my previous period in Bern. Switzerland already has a sound foundation to build upon, and a clear vision for its development. I’m excited about this mission and curious about what we can do together in the years to come.”