Cycling for Everyone
Cycling for Everyone
Knowledge

Two-Day Study Visit by representatives from ViaNova, Norway in Utrecht

24 September 2024

On September 20th and 21st, the Dutch Cycling Embassy together with network partners hosted an engaging two-day study visit in Utrecht, offering representatives of Vianova a deep dive into the history, infrastructure, culture and future of cycling in the Netherlands.  

This study visit provided a unique opportunity to learn from Utrecht’s world-renowned cycling network and urban development.
 

Day 1: Welcome and In-Depth Introduction to Dutch Cycling Culture  

The first day, Friday, September 20th, kicked off at the Crown Plaza hotel with a lunch followed by a welcome presentation by Shelley Bontje, project manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy. A short version of the documentary Together We Cycle was screened as context related to the evolution of Dutch cycling culture, and as food for thought for a Q&A session to discuss initial reactions.
The day concluded with a wrap-up and a preview of Day 2’s activities, led by André Pettinga from Cyclemotions, supported by Christien Rodenburg, New Urban Mobility en Geert van der Wilt, Filmende Fietser.
 

Day 2: Interactive Walking and Cycling Tours 

On Saturday, September 21, the group embarked on immersive walking and cycling tours in Utrecht. The tours highlighted Utrecht’s unique approach to the integratioin of cycling and urban design. 

  • Walking Tour: The Battle for Space led by Christien explored how Utrecht has reclaimed public spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, showcasing examples of successful redesigns and interventions. 
  • Cycling Tour 1: Cycling and Water in Utrecht’s South led by André, took participants through green urban spaces and waterways, demonstrating how cycling connects to urban and natural environments. 
  • Cycling Tour 2: Discovering Utrecht’s North led by Ben Schaipp (FietsMeister) and Geert, develed into traffic-calming measures and urban design strategies in the city’s northern neighborhoods. 
  • Cycling Tour 3: A Broader Perspective on Cycling led by Ruxandra Aelenei (R.A. Planning), combined historical, political, and planning insights, exploring key infrastructure and projects that shape Utrecht’s cycling culture. 
  • Cycling Tour 4: Connecting Old and New in Utrecht’s West led by Mark Wagenbuur (Bicycle Dutch), focussed on how the city has overcome barriers to expand and integrate new residential areas with the cycling network.
     

Each tour provides a unique perspective on how Utrecht has successfully incorporated cycling into its city planning, making it one of the world’s top cycling cities. The group was incredible lucky with a sunny autumn day! 

 

More information

For more information

Get in touch

Related to this: