Swedish delegation from Kronoberg in Utrecht

On their way to the POLIS conference in Brussels, a delegation from the Swedish region of Kronoberg made a stopover in Utrecht to learn about the urban developments the city went through in recent years, especially with regard to cycling.

During a two-hour walking tour in the afternoon, the small group explored the area around Utrecht Centraal and the city centre. The tour started at the largest bicycle parking garage in the world, where the group was amazed by the size and organisation of the three floors of the garage, including the facilities for bike repairs and public bike sharing. Continuing over the Marga Klompébrug, they marvelled at the transformative changes to the Catharijnesingel as well as the development of Mariaplaats from a car parking lot to a square for pedestrians and cafes. Through the city centre, the group made their way back towards the station along the busiest cycling intersection and path and the Smakkelaarsveld, which will be redeveloped into a canal, park and living space.

During the lively interaction, the group asked many questions and identified areas in their own region where improvements to the cycling infrastructure could be made, including the connection of a newly built hospital with the city through cycling lanes and bicycle parking at a new public transport station. The DCE is looking forward to further support the region of Kronoberg in their efforts to improve the conditions for cyclists.