Pedaling Towards Partnership – The Role of Cycling Diplomacy

The Netherlands is known as a cycling nation. Bicycles outnumber residents, and one in four trips is made by bike. But cycling here is about much more than just getting from A to B. It’s about liveability, accessibility, and connection. For the Dutch, this everyday mode of transport has also become a point of pride and expertise.

The Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) exists to share this expertise with the world. Since 2011, the DCE has connected cities, governments, and organisations abroad with a network of nearly 100 Dutch partners, ranging from municipalities and provinces to research institutes and private companies. Together, they work to make cycling safe, attractive, and accessible for everyone. Through study visits, ThinkBike workshops, training sessions, and international collaborations, the DCE has become the trusted gateway to Dutch cycling knowledge.

This report explores a fresh dimension of that mission: cycling diplomacy. Cycling gives the Netherlands a uniquely Dutch way to engage with the world, a way to build trust, open dialogue, and create shared experiences. Whether through symbolic bike rides, technical workshops, or long-term partnerships, cycling diplomacy strengthens international relationships while advancing goals around liveability, health, and accessibility.

Drawing on interviews with Netherlands Embassies, Consulates General, and Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSOs) across four continents, this report shows how cycling is being used as a diplomatic asset, and how much untapped potential remains. It highlights the central role of the DCE in connecting expertise with opportunity, and in fostering cooperation that goes far beyond transport.

Download the full report and discover how cycling diplomacy is shaping global partnerships – one ride at a time.