Knowledge Study Visit from İzmir, Turkey 14 November 2023 Cycling News From August 28th to September 3rd, 2023, as part of a larger program organized by DCE network participant Panteia, the Dutch Cycling Embassy warmly welcomed a delegation from the Municipality of İzmir, Turkey. During their visit, the delegation explored multiple cities and engaged with experts on various topics, including public transport, cycling, and micro-mobility. Watch our short film showcasing the highlights of the study visit! The primary objective of the study visit was to enrich the knowledge of key IMM staff in the planning and implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and policies within an international context. Specific goals for their visit included: Developing a 3-day SUMP international training program on urban mobility financing. Showcasing different examples of the SUMP development process by analyzing other cities that have faced or are facing similar challenges in various aspects of urban mobility planning. Drawing inspiration from the best Sustainable Urban Mobility practices. Showcasing examples of SUMP measures in implementation. Accessing tangible solutions and actionable insights. During part of their visit, they had some presentations by experts from the Dutch Cycling Embassy network. Melissa Bruntlett, Communications and Engagement Adviser at Mobycon, delivered a presentation on cycling and economic vitality. Her talk underscored the significance of focusing on the people in communities, highlighting the benefits derived from investments in infrastructure and their impact on the economic vitality of cities. These investments attract people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. Chris Bruntlett, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, presented on the cycling transformation in The Netherlands. Following the presentation, the delegation enjoyed lunch and reconvened at Utrecht Central. They embarked on a walking visit to Utrecht’s central intermodal hub, which included the world’s largest multi-story cycle parking. The engaging tour was led by expert Ruxandra Aelenei, a lecturer at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and a consultant at R.A. Planning. The group received (bi)cycles and cycled through Utrecht, exploring highlights and developments, including the famous Catharijnesingel that was once a motorway. The following day, the group visited Amsterdam for a presentation by Dirk de Jager of Sustainable Solutions. De Jager discussed bike-sharing experiences in Amsterdam, its policy, and its relation to the integrated mobility strategy of the Municipality of Amsterdam. The presentation aimed to identify lessons applicable to Izmir and concluded with an interactive discussion. Afterward, de Jager led the group to the mobility hub of the central station, demonstrating its functionality and the crucial role of cycling and bike sharing. Hosting the delegation was a pleasure, and we hope that this study visit provided inspiration. We’re excited to see the positive changes taking place in İzmir!