Knowledge Cycling Forward Together: The Fietsmissie to Baden-Württemberg 15 October 2025 Cycling News German From the 7th – 10th of October 2025, a Dutch delegation of around 20 representatives traveled to the German state of Baden-Württemberg for a Fietsmissie — a bicycle trade mission focused on (knowledge) exchange and cooperation in sustainable mobility between the Netherlands and Germany. The delegation included representatives from Dutch municipalities such as Delft, Ede, and Zwolle, as well as consultants, industry representatives, and officials from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Germany (including NBSO Stuttgart), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and the Dutch Cycling Embassy. Three Cities, Three Perspectives Tübingen The visit began in Tübingen, where the delegation met Bau-Bürgermeister Cord Soehlke and Johannes Schaal from the city’s Department of Traffic Planning. First, the delegation had the privilege to attend a presentation on the history of Tübingen, discussing the city’s cycling policies and future development plans. During a bike tour through the city, participants saw firsthand how Tübingen has integrated cycling into its urban fabric. A highlight was the Radbrücke Mitte and the Ann-Arbor Bridge, part of the city’s “Blue Ribbon” (Blaues Band) cycling route. Both bridges feature an innovative heating system that keeps it ice-free in winter. Despite initial concerns about energy consumption, the city reported that heating costs totaled only €300 for the entire year for the Radbrücke Mitte — a strong example of practical, sustainable design in action. Stuttgart In Stuttgart, the delegation met Stephan Oehler, Head of Traffic Planning gaining insights into Stuttgart’s advances in mobility. The delegation took part in a walking tour led by Marietta Wortmann from the Department of Urban Planning and Housing. The tour highlighted recent initiatives, including temporary superblocks and other pilot projects that aim to reclaim street space for people and promote active mobility in a dense urban context. The day concluded with a networking dinner that brought together key stakeholders from across Baden-Württemberg — including municipal representatives, state legislators, politicians, and traffic planners. The event provided valuable opportunities for exchange between Dutch and German professionals working toward more sustainable and livable cities. Heidelberg The final stop was Heidelberg, where the delegation met State Secretary Elke Zimmer, Elected Member of State Parliament and Minister for Transport Winfried Hermann, AGFK Baden-Württemberg Chair Günter Riemann, and Deputy Mayor Raoul Schmidt-Lamontain. Discussions focused on the implementation of the state’s cycling strategy, funding mechanisms, and multi-level cooperation between municipalities and the state government. A notable point is that Dutch consultancy firm Mobycon developed Heidelberg’s current cycling strategy — an example of long-term, practical collaboration. RADKongress Heidelberg The mission concluded with participation in the RADKongress in Heidelberg, a key platform for cycling policy and innovation in Baden-Württemberg. Two members of the Dutch delegation contributed to the program: Matthew Bearden (Arcadis) presented on traffic safety (Verkehrssicherheit). Nils Steinhauser (Goudappel) presented on bicycle parking in public space (Fahrradparken im öffentlichen Raum). Their presentations offered practical insights into Dutch approaches and sparked dialogue on how these can inform local practice in Baden-Württemberg. Shared Learning and Collaboration Across all three cities, the delegation encountered a strong commitment to sustainable mobility, ambitious plans, and a desire for continued cooperation. The Fietsmissie highlighted both shared challenges and opportunities for mutual learning — from behavioral change to infrastructure design. Once again, cycling proved to be more than a mode of transport: it is a bridge between people, cities, and ideas.