Study Visit from South Tyrol, Italy

The Dutch Cycling Embassy recently welcomed a delegation from the South Tyrol region in Italy for a two-day study visit focused on cycling infrastructure, spatial planning, recreational cycling and sustainable mobility. Among the participants from different South Tyrollean cities and towns was Daniel Alfreider, Deputy Governor of South Tyrol and Regional Minister for Ladin Education and Culture, Infrastructure, and Mobility.

The first day started with several presentations from Dutch experts. Ben Schaipp, Fietsmeister opened the program by sharing practical examples of cycling infrastructure design and implementation in the Netherlands. This was followed by a presentation from Wim van Tilburg, Mobycon on bicycle-friendly spatial planning, the important relationship between urban development and active mobility as well as how dutch cycling infrastructure changed throughout the decades.

After the presentations, the delegation joined a cycling tour through Utrecht led by mobility experts Elke Schimmel, november:city and Shelley Bontje, Dutch Cycling Embassy. During the ride, participants explored several examples of Dutch cycling infrastructure and discussed the planning principles behind them. Particular attention was given to bicycle parking solutions at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn Station and the impressive bicycle parking facilities at Utrecht Central Station.

To conclude the day, the group traveled by train to Maastricht for a joint dinner and informal discussions. There, the delegation was joined by Haskoning experts Sjors van Duren and Paolo Ruffino, as well as Nero Odour from the Province of Limburg and Limburg Deputy Elianne Demollin-Schneiders. The evening provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss mobility challenges and opportunities in both regions. During the discussions, it became clear that South Tyrol and Limburg share many similarities, from their strong regional identities to their commitment to sustainable mobility and tourism.

The second day began with a welcome session and an engaging presentation in the town hall of Maastricht on attractive public transport and tourism, delivered by Dana Deliever and Angèl Willems. This was followed by presentations from Paolo Ruffino and Sjors van Duren. Paolo highlighted the economic significance of cycling and demonstrated how a data-driven approach can support mobility policy and investment decisions. Sjors discussed strategies for finding and creating space for cycling infrastructure, particularly in environments where competing demands on public space are common.

Following the morning sessions, the delegation embarked on a cycling tour through the Limburg region towards the southern border of the Netherlands. After a pleasant lunch accompanied by insightful discussions, the group continued their ride through the rolling hills of Limburg. Along the route, participants experienced examples of rural cycling infrastructure and discussed the integration of agricultural traffic with cycling networks in countryside settings.

The study visit concluded at the Town Hall of Valkenburg, where the delegation was welcomed by Deborah Bekkers, Head of Public Space at the Municipality of Valkenburg. The visit ended in true Limburg fashion with coffee and traditional Limburgse vlaai.

We would like to thank all speakers, experts, and participants for their valuable contributions to this inspiring study visit. We look forward to seeing how the lessons and ideas exchanged during these two days will contribute to the future of cycling and sustainable mobility in South Tyrol.