Knowledge Fresh Insights from Dutch Cycling Embassy During the Netherlands-to-Belgium Climate Ride 19 September 2025 Cycling News Riders on the Climate Ride cycling tour through The Netherlands and Belgium got more than just scenic canals and picturesque villages on their journey the first week of September, 2025. On September 3, the group stopped in Gouda for a presentation and lively Q&A session with representatives of the Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE). The conversation shed light on the Netherlands’ unique approach to mobility. Far from being “anti-car,” Dutch policy prioritizes transportation choice by building a cohesive system where cycling, driving, and public transit complement one another. The result: the Netherlands holds the top spot in Europe for bicycle ownership, ranks second for car ownership, and remains a major user of public transit. What makes this balance possible is the careful separation of cars and bikes, creating networks where everyone can travel safely and efficiently. This cultural integration is rooted in decades of planning, beginning in the late 1970s, and has since transformed Dutch cities into models of people-centered design. Tour participants reflected on how different cycling feels in the Netherlands compared to the United States, where safety concerns often overshadow the joy of riding. “It’s a surreal feeling to ride a bike without a single thought of being hit by a car, the sense of freedom and safety is a total game-changer.” The meeting with the DCE left participants inspired to bring lessons back home, reinforcing the tour’s purpose: to experience, learn from, and share sustainable mobility practices across borders.