Gazelle North America Delegation Explores Amsterdam’s Cycling Success

This week, Dutch Cycling Embassy International Relations Manager Chris Bruntlett welcomed two groups of high-performing sales representatives, regional dealers, and local retailers from Gazelle North America to Amsterdam for an immersive introduction to the infrastructure, policies, and culture that make Dutch cycling so successful.

Travelling from across the United States and Canada, the delegates were invited by Gazelle to experience firsthand the conditions that have enabled cycling to become an everyday mode of transport for people of all ages and abilities. Through presentations, guided rides, and site visits, participants gained valuable insight into how Dutch cities have created environments where cycling is safe, convenient, and attractive.

The program began at Ride Out, where Bruntlett delivered a presentation exploring the evolution of Dutch cycling policy, the role of infrastructure in shaping travel behaviour, and the broader societal benefits of designing cities around people rather than automobiles. A lively question-and-answer session followed, allowing participants to connect Amsterdam’s cycling story to the challenges and opportunities they encounter in North American communities.

Following the presentation, the delegation continued to Urban Arrow for a series of presentations, interactive sessions, and bicycle demonstrations. The afternoon featured a guided cycling tour through Amsterdam, providing participants with an opportunity to experience the city’s connected network of protected cycling infrastructure from the perspective of everyday users.

The multi-day program also included visits to cultural landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam’s historic canals, offering guests a broader understanding of the urban qualities that contribute to the Dutch quality of life.

By connecting North American cycling professionals with real-world Dutch examples, the visit supported Gazelle’s efforts to promote cycling as a practical, inclusive, and enjoyable mode of transportation. It also aligned closely with the Dutch Cycling Embassy’s mission to share Dutch expertise and inspire sustainable mobility solutions around the world.

As interest in cycling continues to grow across North America, exchanges such as these demonstrate the value of experiencing successful cycling environments firsthand—transforming abstract concepts into tangible lessons that participants can bring back to their own cities and communities.