Utrecht Study Visit from Polytechnique Montréal’s PolyMonde Program

The PolyMonde program from Polytechnique Montréal visited Utrecht this week for an immersive study visit hosted by Dutch Cycling Embassy, giving 25 students and staff firsthand insight into the Dutch approach to sustainable urban mobility.

PolyMonde is a long-running student-led industrial mission that brings together future engineers to study international best practices across key sectors. The 2026 mission focuses on resilient territories and cities, industrial automation, and advanced chemistry and innovative materials, with Belgium and the Netherlands selected for their global leadership in sustainable urban development and mobility innovation.

The Utrecht program began with a guided cycling tour through the city centre, where participants experienced the Dutch cycling network from the saddle. Led by International Relations Manager Chris Bruntlett, the tour highlighted how Utrecht has integrated high-quality cycling infrastructure with public transport, compact urban planning, and people-centred street design to create a safe and accessible mobility system for all ages and abilities.

Following the tour, the group gathered for lunch at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, creating an opportunity for informal discussion and exchange between the visiting delegation.

The afternoon continued with a series of presentations exploring the policies, planning principles, and long-term investments that have shaped the Netherlands into a global leader in cycling. Discussions covered topics such as network design, governance, traffic safety, behaviour change, and the economic and social benefits of active mobility.

For many participants, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to connect engineering, urbanism, and sustainability in a real-world context. By experiencing Utrecht’s cycling culture firsthand, the PolyMonde delegation gained practical insights into how resilient and liveable cities can be designed around people rather than cars.