Knowledge Rio de Janeiro industries visit the Netherlands 9 October 2024 Cycling News On 25-27 September 2024, the Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) welcomed two representatives of FIRJAN, the state-run industrial federation of Rio de Janeiro, for a study visit to gain inspiration in the realm of Dutch cycling planning. The study visit started at the DCE office in Utrecht where Margot Daris presented on the development of Dutch cycling. Then, Elke Schimmel of november:city gave a presentation on network and infrastructure planning for cycling and what this could look like in a Latin American context. Afterwards, the study visit group met with Samir Gazzah of Armada Mobility to gain an in-depth look into the development of street furniture for public spaces, public transport, and rail environments. Armada Mobility specializes in the design, manufacturing, and installation of outdoor furniture, railway infrastructure products, information systems, and other specialty products. Finally, the group ended the first day by visiting Utrecht’s bicycle garage–the largest in the world! The second day of the visit included attending the Vakbeurs Openbare Ruimte (Expo for Public Space where the Rio de Janeiro participants were able to gain inspiration and insight from DCE network members like Sander van de Vecht (bike.box), Mark Pruijssen (Falco), Patrick Roijers (Possehl), Ton Kooymans & Stefan Bukkems (Street-Stuff!), Ivo Koning (VConsyst), as well as representatives of Goudappel and Roelofs. During the expo, DCE’s very own Shelley Bontje gave a screening of Car-Free Grand Prix: How the Dutch Cycle to the Circuit, a short film on the ambitious integrated transport plan for the Formula 1 race in Zandvoort in August 2023. Here, 98% of attendees were enabled to arrive by foot, bicycle, or public transport. On the final day, the Brazilian delegation visited VelopA where Wijnard van Eenennaam (VelopA) and Arjan Nuijten, from VelopA’s parent company CROWD, welcomed them. They presented an overview of VelopA’s various companies across Europe and its global suppliers. The visit included a tour of VelopA’s showroom and warehouse, highlighting a range of their products. The day concluded with a self-organized tour of Amsterdam, led by Isabela Ledo showcasing the city’s many urban features. FIRJAN is looking to promote cycling as a mode of transportation to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and foster a more sustainable and healthy environment for the residents of Rio de Janeiro, and the DCE looks forward to being able to support them further in their mission.