Knowledge Dutch Cycling Expertise at São Paulo’s first Active Mobility Symposium 6 October 2026 Cycling News The Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) was pleased to contribute to the first Active Mobility Symposium, held during Shimano Fest in São Paulo from 20–23 August 2026. As part of the programme, DCE facilitated the participation of Teije Gorris of Go-bility, an expert from the DCE network, who travelled to Brazil to share Dutch experience and perspectives on active mobility. The visit was organised by Brazilian NGO Aromeiazero and made possible with the support of the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in São Paulo, creating an opportunity to strengthen knowledge exchange between Brazil and the Netherlands. The inaugural symposium brought together around 500 participants across 20 panels, with discussions covering cities, sustainability, sports and social inclusion. Aromeiazero, in partnership with Shimano and the Office of Councilwoman Renata Falzoni, played a central role in curating and hosting the programme. On 22 August, Teije contributed to the symposium through two international sessions. He delivered the keynote “Wheels of Transformation”, exploring how cycling can contribute to transforming cities, and later joined the panel “Cycling Planning and Infrastructure” alongside Filipe Simões of Niterói de Bicicleta, a representative of CET-SP, Vivi Tiezzi of GDCI and Haydée Svab of Ciclocidade. The sessions provided an opportunity to discuss the Dutch approach to cycling and active mobility while connecting it to the Brazilian context. Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all model, the exchange focused on how experiences and lessons from the Netherlands can inspire solutions adapted to local circumstances. The strong response to the symposium highlighted the growing interest in active mobility in Brazil. Aromeiazero’s post-event report notes positive reactions from participants, including one describing the event as a “great celebration of cycling in Latin America” and another praising the quality of the speakers and panelists. For the Dutch Cycling Embassy, exchanges like this demonstrate the value of connecting international partners with the knowledge and expertise within the Dutch cycling ecosystem. By bringing Dutch experts directly into local conversations, we can contribute to mutual learning and support cities and organisations in developing their own approaches to more sustainable, inclusive and active mobility. We would like to thank Aromeiazero and the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in São Paulo for making this exchange possible, and everyone involved in the first Active Mobility Symposium for the warm welcome and inspiring discussions.