Dutch Cycling Embassy
@Cycling_Embassy
Followers
68,126
Following
2,065
Media
6,149
Statuses
8,952
The Dutch Cycling Embassy is a public-private network for bicycle inclusive mobility. We represent the best of Dutch cycling: knowledge, experience and experts.
Utrecht, the Netherlands
Joined August 2011
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Will Still
• 123409 Tweets
Rio Grande do Sul
• 109632 Tweets
#MOONLIGHT_MVTeaser
• 94331 Tweets
プロフェッショナル
• 54135 Tweets
RPWP CONCEPT PHOTO 2
• 47000 Tweets
JOONGDUNK LOVE WORKPOINT
• 34776 Tweets
YOASOBI
• 28234 Tweets
青山先生
• 27947 Tweets
SDカード
• 24528 Tweets
عدنان البرش
• 15686 Tweets
#無責任でええじゃないかLOVE
• 14127 Tweets
VACHSS
• 13809 Tweets
排外主義的
• 13664 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
We at the Dutch Cycling Embassy want to share our expertise and technology as the world's number one cycling country, to facilitate cycling worldwide as the most modern, efficient and sustainable method of transport.
Proud to unveil our brand new website:
15
96
317
In 2015,
@rotterdam
installed the first rain sensors at a downtown intersection.
Now, when it starts to shower, the traffic lights prioritize cyclists so they don’t wait as long. Drivers must wait a bit longer, because they are inside and can remain dry.
60
1K
5K
Each year, on the windiest day of the year, the Dutch Headwind Cycling Championships take place on the Oosterscheldekering Storm Surge Barrier.
Over 200 competitors ride the 8.5 km course against 100+ km/hr winds on upright single-speed bikes. Watch more:
141
1K
4K
During a recent study trip to Nijmegen, our group crossed (cycle) paths with the famous Bicco Bike Bus.
Developed in partnership with Struin—an after-school childcare facility in the city—it is a unique way to offer kids fun, exercise, and originality.
64
822
4K
There is a major public transport strike today, which means no train, tram, bus, or ferry service across the Netherlands.
To retain timely and efficient access to the city, Amsterdam opened the (previously car-only) IJtunnel to bikes and emergency services.
Video
@nsdsk_actueel
68
1K
3K
Around two-thirds of all Dutch children walk or cycle to school, preventing an estimated one million car trips across the country each morning.
That’s less strain on their streets, their wallets, and their lives; simply by enabling safe and active travel. Video by
@BicycleDutch
.
38
742
3K
Around two-thirds of all Dutch children walk or cycle to school, preventing an estimated one million car trips across the country each morning.
That’s less strain on their streets, their wallets, and their lives; simply by enabling safe and active travel. Video by
@BicycleDutch
.
48
676
3K
In Dutch cities and towns, one of the features that first stands out to international visitors is the use of the continuous cycle path.
Rather than treating humans as guests in the car space, the opposite occurs, and the cycle path is seamless by design.
27
495
2K
Dutch teenagers are among the healthiest and happiest in the world, with the lowest levels of obesity and antidepressant usage.
There's a definite correlation with the freedom and autonomy to move through the city without Mom and Dad driving them around.
34
509
2K
Did you know? Groningen was the first city in the Netherlands to implement simultaneous green lights for bikes.
At 29 different intersections, cyclists travel in all four directions at once; turning what might look like total chaos into a safer, more efficient way to get around.
75
445
2K
“I see neighbours coming out. They used to be hidden behind cars. You smell flowers, you see insects. Even the resonance is different. A totally different living environment."
How Amsterdammers are embracing the city's plan to remove 11,200 parking spots:
34
821
2K
During a recent study trip to Nijmegen, our group crossed (cycle) paths with the famous Bicco Bike Bus.
Developed in partnership with Struin—an after-school childcare facility in the city—it is a unique way to offer kids fun, exercise, and originality.
26
366
2K
Hundreds of thousands of children cycle to school every morning in the Netherlands. Kids cycling up to 15 km one way are no exception.
The streets are literally full of cycling children. The cycle highway from Geldermalsen to Culemborg is one such road.
47
638
2K
Part of Toronto will soon be transformed into a 'Dutch-style' intersection.
Safety is improved by moderating turn speeds, increasing separation between modes, and enhancing visibility of vulnerable road users.
35
379
2K
From January 1st, 2023, employees in the Netherlands can claim a bicycle allowance of 21 cents per kilometer tax-free.
Employers can also provide an interest-free loan for a new bike or e-bike purchase, which can be repaid through this monthly allowance.
24
356
2K
Today
@AmsterdamNL
Central Station opened a new bike parking facility, which was not built on or underground, but underwater.
As city's largest such facility, the Stationsplein bike garage was built under the Open Havenfront and can store 7,000 bicycles.
29
393
2K
Every dollar invested in cycling returns 20 or 30 in social economic benefits: reduced carbon, air and noise pollution, improved public health and less congestion.
Cycling brings benefits to everyone in a city, whether or not they get on a bike.
31
517
2K
Around two-thirds of all Dutch children walk or cycle to school, preventing an estimated one million car trips across the country each morning.
That’s less strain on their streets, their wallets, and their lives; simply by enabling safe and active travel. Video by
@BicycleDutch
.
24
368
2K
"The Dutch have one of the most physically active populations in the world, largely because it is built into their urban fabric.
They also have the happiest children in the world, largely because they can move freely and independently from around eight."
14
376
1K
Most Dutch cities are changing their streets at an incredible pace.
This standard, four-arm intersection in The Hague was transformed into an urban roundabout with priority for cycling; making crossings shorter (and safer) using the same amount of space.
22
576
1K
In response to the pandemic, the Philippines built 500 kilometers of bike lanes across Manila, Cebu, and Davao in nine months.
To ensure long-term success, it was informed by a training program on Dutch infrastructure principles funded by the World Bank.
21
285
1K
People 65 to 75 cycle more than any adult group in the Netherlands.
Not because they’re super-human, but because of the traffic-calmed streets and segregated cycle networks. These environments allow them to participate in society far longer into old age.
35
449
1K
Why do so few Dutch cyclists wear helmets?
"There's safety in infrastructure, behavior and numbers; rather than protective equipment. It proves you can have safety without equipment, because it really lies in your street design and road safety policies."
41
307
1K
The Hovenring is Eindhoven's spectacular circular cycling bridge.
The cable-stayed bridge offers an exciting crossover. With its impressive pylon, 72 metre diameter, thin deck and conspicuous lighting, the suspended roundabout is a landmark for the city.
21
188
1K
Hundreds of thousands of children cycle to school every morning in the Netherlands. Kids cycling up to 15 km one way are no exception.
The streets are literally full of cycling children. The cycle highway from Geldermalsen to Culemborg is one such road.
12
271
1K
Dutch cities such as Utrecht and Groningen long ago discovered that the most important part of a bicycle plan is the car plan.
Inspired by these policies, Ghent recently implemented a light, quick, cheap Traffic Circulation Plan, and cycling shot up 60%!
35
547
1K
“Cycling has so many advantages; it’s about noise, it’s about clean air, it’s about climate, but also about how friendly it is in a city. You really have the idea that people are the boss of the street and not machines.”
Start your week with
@Streetfilms
:
28
551
1K
Hundreds of thousands of children cycle to school every morning in the Netherlands. Kids cycling up to 15 km one way are no exception.
The streets are literally full of cycling children. The cycle highway from Geldermalsen to Culemborg is one such road.
16
287
1K
Did you know? Groningen was the first city in the Netherlands to implement simultaneous green lights for bikes.
At 29 different intersections, cyclists travel in all four directions at once; turning what might look like total chaos into a safer, more efficient way to get around.
39
433
1K
Rather than hire a school bus, it's relatively common for entire classes of Dutch children to hop on their bicycles, and cycle together to a field trip location such as a museum, swimming pool, or cultural site.
@Hackneycyclist
caught one such outing in the small city of Meppel.
22
202
1K
Rather than hire a school bus, it's relatively common for entire classes of Dutch children to hop on their bicycles, and cycle together to a field trip location such as a museum, swimming pool, or cultural site.
@Hackneycyclist
caught one such outing in the small city of Meppel.
23
263
1K
The secret to inclusive streets? The Dutch have cracked the code. For 40 years they've designed and built infrastructure so everyone who wants to cycle can do so.
The result: 25% of Amsterdam residents own a car, while 80% own a bike and 60% cycle daily.
22
256
1K
"The Netherlands has spent fifty years building tens of thousands of kilometers of segregated cycle tracks and traffic-calmed streets.
The Dutch also enjoy some of the highest levels of physical and mental health—and the happiest children—in the world."
16
302
1K
The Dutch have a saying: 'You are not made of sugar, you won't melt in the rain!'.
When you use a bicycle for practical purposes, the weather becomes less significant. Whether you commute to work on a bicycle, you do so both on sunny days and when it's raining.
34
191
1K
Today is national
#BikeToWorkDay
in the Netherlands.
Or, as it's commonly referred to in Utrecht: "Thursday".
(Footage by
@Streetfilms
)
19
355
1K
How the Dutch reduce friction between bikes and cars:
“Largely, infrastructure is designed to remove this conflict, with the bike and car networks unraveled from each other. Intersections are engineered to encourage cooperation rather than competition.”
21
244
1K
As the busiest cycle path in the Netherlands, Utrecht's Vredenburg must be seen to be believed!
Private cars are not allowed.
📹Harri Vaarala
25
281
1K
Utrecht’s Dafne Schippers Bridge follows in the Dutch tradition of working together to find space-efficient design solutions.
An elementary school acts as the on-ramp to a newly-built bike crossing of the Rijn Canal, complete with cycle path on the roof!
16
208
1K
People 65 to 75 cycle more than any adult group in the Netherlands.
Not because they’re super-human, but because of the traffic-calmed streets and segregated cycle networks. These environments allow them to participate in society far longer into old age.
15
316
1K
There is a large group of people in the Netherlands who also benefit from the well-designed cycling infrastructure: people with disabilities.
The cycle tracks offer them protection from motorized traffic, and thus a freedom to independently move around.
10
278
1K
Hundreds of thousands of children cycle to school every morning in the Netherlands. Kids cycling up to 15 km one way are no exception.
The streets are literally full of cycling children. The cycle highway from Geldermalsen to Culemborg is one such road.
19
348
1K
In 2019,
@AmsterdamNL
equipped 700 cyclists with a device that allowed them to "ping" when encountering a complicated, clumsy or unsafe traffic situation.
36,460 events were registered, which will inform upgrades to their bike network in the coming years:
17
213
1K
Utrecht’s Dafne Schippers Bridge follows in the Dutch tradition of working together to find space-efficient design solutions.
An elementary school acts as the on-ramp to a newly-built bike crossing of the Rijn Canal, complete with cycle path on the roof!
38
378
979
"The 65 to 75 demographic in the Netherlands cycles more than any other adult age group. So cycling isn't just a young person's game.
For old people, it's more than a means of transport. It's a means of participation in society."
LISTEN to
@TheWarOnCars
:
7
254
978
"Twenty years ago, 30% of Dutch rail passengers cycled to the station. Since then, we've invested massively in high quality bike parking.
That share has risen to 60% in major cities; creating a doubling of train ridership in that period."
@BikeTrainGuru
8
256
971
In response to the COVID crisis, the Philippines built 500 kilometers of bike lanes across Manila, Cebu, and Davao in nine months.
To ensure long-term success, it was informed by a training program on Dutch infrastructure principles funded by
@WorldBank
.
5
341
968
Hundreds of thousands of children cycle to school every morning in the Netherlands. Kids cycling up to 15 km one way are no exception.
The streets are literally full of cycling children. The cycle highway from Geldermalsen to Culemborg is one such road.
19
398
951
The EU released a new declaration on cycling.
The proposed declaration elevates cycling to a strategic priority and formally recognizes the vital role cycling can play in decarbonizing the transport sector.
19
318
955
Hundreds of thousands of post-secondary students across the Netherlands return to school today, with the opening of the academic year.
The vast majority of them get around by bike. Why? It's flexible, social, and economical. What does rush hour look like on your college campus?
20
324
931
In the 1970s, Amsterdam's Ferdinand Bolstraat was considered a major arterial, but residents fought a fierce battle to get rid of the cars.
After years of metro construction, it was rebuilt and reopened in 2018 as a street for trams, cycling, and walking:
16
160
937
A new study reveals people from the Netherlands are the most physically active on earth; getting 12.8 hours of exercise per week.
While gyms and sports clubs are a contributing factor, the average Dutch person also cycles about 1,098 kilometers per year.
17
263
931
Rather than hire a school bus, it's relatively common for entire classes of Dutch children to hop on their bicycles, and cycle together to a field trip location such as a museum, swimming pool, or cultural site.
@Hackneycyclist
caught one such outing in the small city of Meppel.
24
282
936
"In the 1960s, urban planners were convinced cars had to get everywhere. And everywhere fast. Today they rather dedicate valuable city center space to people."
With the conversion of motorway to waterway, Utrecht corrects a historic urban design mistake:
12
171
915
Decades ahead of its time, Philips developed an electric bike in 1931, with a 200W motor powered by a rechargeable battery.
It weighed 30 kg, was speed limited to 25 km/hr, with a range of 80 km. It was halted by legislation before going into production.
11
233
896
In response to rising road fatalities in the 1970s, the Stop de Kindermoord (“stop child murder”) movement changed Dutch street design for good.
Now, New York residents are drawing inspiration from those protests, and demanding safer streets of their own:
5
329
884
Cycling is now a universal mode of transportation in the Netherlands, but it wasn’t always that way. It was the outcome of decades of strategic investment in resilient and sustainable mobility.
We are proud to share our VR film: 'Liveable Cycling Cities':
17
229
877
Every single EU country will be more obese by 2030—except for one.
Current cycling levels in the Netherlands are estimated by Utrecht University to prevent 6,500 premature deaths per year, saving the economy €19 billion; equal to 3% of the national GDP.
11
462
873
Auckland Transport has released its new Urban Street and Road Design Guide, and it's filled with Dutch-inspired elements adapted for a New Zealand context:
✅ Segregated cycle tracks
✅ Protected intersections
✅ Roundabouts
✅ Bicycle streets
Read more:
9
316
867
When we say they roll out the red carpet for cyclists in the Netherlands, we mean it.
A 3-cm layer of tinted red asphalt is used for all bike infrastructure. For safety, continuity, clarity; it doesn’t matter where you are in the country. Red means bikes:
13
184
871
Utrecht’s Dafne Schippers Bridge follows in the Dutch tradition of working together to find space-efficient design solutions.
An elementary school acts as the on-ramp to a newly-built bike crossing of the Rijn Canal, complete with cycle path on the roof!
13
181
860
The Netherlands' Princess Ariane began her first day of high school today.
Her father, King Willem-Alexander, filmed her this morning as she left the Royal Palace for the 5 km bicycle ride to her new school in The Hague, where she joins her two sisters.
19
241
851
Fietsgeluk (“bicycle happiness”) is a concept rising in prominence among Dutch planners and policy makers.
It reflects the growing realization that transport has emotional, sensory and social qualities engineers have ignored for decades.
What does bicycle happiness mean to you?
33
253
859
The site of a 2015 ThinkBike Workshop with the Dutch Cycling Embassy, The Underline is a 16 km linear park being developed in Miami.
When complete in 2025, the cycling path and public space will run underneath the elevated Metrorail system from Dadeland South to the Miami River.
4
134
834
.
@Streetfilms
presents a look at "the absolutely wonderfully sane country where bicyclists are treated with the care they should be around the world."
Featuring footage from Amsterdam, Groningen, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Nijmegen. Watch the entire montage:
22
350
827
Many cities talk about prioritizing active travel. But few actually do.
At this Delft intersection, pedestrians and cyclists have a continuous green light, and drivers must ask for permission to cross the foot and cycle path.
Watch the full
@Streetfilms
:
8
221
835
Dutch companies pay their employees to commute to work by bike.
Cyclists can claim EUR 0.21 per km off their tax bill. On a regular bike, employees cycle an average of 9 kilometers back and forth in the Netherlands.
That’s about €450 a year.
25
226
833
The City of Eindhoven has redesigned a street in the city centre that used to be part of the inner city ring-road.
Space that was previously dedicated to moving cars has been re-allocated to walking, cycling and a lot of greenery.
@BicycleDutch
explains:
15
111
826
The German city of Münster is "Going Dutch" with a 4 m. wide bicycle ring road currently under construction around the perimeter of the city.
The beautiful vibrant colour is produced with a clear binder, red crushed stone, and pigment pellets. Learn more:
11
189
817
Utrecht’s Dafne Schippers Bridge follows in the Dutch tradition of working together to find space-efficient design solutions.
An elementary school acts as the on-ramp to a newly-built bike crossing of the Rijn Canal, complete with cycle path on the roof!
10
262
815
Through design, the Dutch made the cycle lanes a priority — visually and physically.
Bicycle underpasses are an essential part of Dutch cycling infrastructure; built below busy arterials and railways to improve safety and flow of traffic.
13
159
805
There is a large group of people in the Netherlands who also benefit from the well-designed cycling infrastructure: people with disabilities.
The cycle tracks offer them protection from motorized traffic, and thus a freedom to independently move around.
7
208
788
During COVID-19 lockdowns, the cars were temporarily removed from this street in Utrecht to provide pedestrians in the city centre with more space.
This measure proved to be such a success that it became a permanent arrangement in 2022.
13
186
778
Biking to the airport? No problem. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has invested in cycling infrastructure to make it easier for people to arrive by bike.
Bicycles can be securely parked at the parking facility at no cost for up to 4 weeks.
Learn more:
18
163
774
Streets can generally be divided into 3 categories:
🚲Ones that DARE you to cycle
🚲Ones that ABLE you to cycle
🚲Ones that INVITE you to cycle
Unless cities are striving for the latter, cycling will exclusively remain for the fit and brave.
Graphic via
13
390
761
"Twenty years ago, 30% of Dutch rail passengers cycled to the station. Since then, we've invested massively in high quality bike parking.
That share has risen to 60% in major cities; creating a doubling of train ridership in that period."
@BikeTrainGuru
11
166
766
"Twenty years ago, 30% of Dutch rail passengers cycled to the station. Since then, we've invested massively in high quality bike parking.
That share has risen to 60% in major cities; creating a doubling of train ridership in that period."
@BikeTrainGuru
6
209
760
From January 1st, 2023, employees in the Netherlands can claim a bicycle allowance of 21 cents per kilometer tax-free.
Employers can also provide an interest-free loan for a new bike or e-bike purchase, which can be repaid through this monthly allowance.
10
194
760
"Removing the parked cars yields so much space. You can build a much better environment for the people who live here."
Watch
@Streetfilms
' deep dive into
@AmsterdamNL
's decision to remove 10,000 parking spots; allowing citizens to redesign their streets.
16
323
748
University of Amsterdam study concludes that the bike-train combination provides a more attractive alternative to the car:
✅ 21% of bike-train trips in the Netherlands replace car trips
✅ 66% of bike-train users have car access but prefer to not use it
9
225
753
Using the upper section of the two-tiered bike parking in the Netherlands isn't for everyone. But it's easier than it looks.
As
@BicycleDutch
shows, the spring-loaded racks do much of the heavy lifting; freeing up the lower racks for those who need them.
14
119
751
“If you need a sign, it’s a bad design” is a planning axiom held in high regard in the Netherlands.
Often, the uses of various parts of the road are cued via the style, shape and colouration of paver materials, which are standardized across their cities.
8
146
754
The Netherlands women’s football team bought 30 orange bikes for commuting during their stay for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Tauranga.
The football team gifted their bikes back to local charities before departing! 🚲
6
130
742
Effective today, the tax laws in the Netherlands have changed to financially reward cycling commuters:
🚲 €0.19/km reimbursement for business travel
🚲 Interest-free loan towards (e-)bike purchase
🚲 Option to lease a bicycle from an employer
Read more:
21
377
730
56% of Dutch cyclists are women. Why?
The mobility networks benefit all types of trips: to school, shops, friends, etc. They physically separate bike lanes, calm traffic and prioritize public transport on roads and rails.
#InternationalWomensDay
#IWD2022
6
172
729
"The fact that you can cycle side by side without too much hassle contributes a lot to social interactions, like with your friends or children."
Dutch experts explain how to build acceptance for continuous cycle ways through language, framing, and design:
7
184
735
One of the major successes of Dutch cycling is that teenagers make up the largest share of all people on bicycles in the country.
That is because it is direct, safe and social. When teens are seen as a welcome part of the city, everyone is better for it.
10
174
730
Last week, Utrecht Council approved Merwede, a 24-hectare Urban Plan for a largely car-free neighborhood—with access to shared vehicles.
It will house 12,000 residents, with almost everything—including Centraal Station—within walking or cycling distance.
8
166
724
The world's safest streets have one thing in common: "Systematic Safety".
A policy based on the belief that mobility is a basic human right, and no one should have to risk their life to get to work, the shop, or a friend's house.
@BicycleDutch
explains:
13
335
721
How much did the Dutch cycle in 2021?
An average of 18.7 km per person per week, with the 12- to 18-year-old demographic (32.9 km) cycling the most, followed by 65- to 75-year-olds (23.4 km). Women made 17% more cycling trips than men.
Via
@BicycleDutch
:
18
166
723
"The Dutch are the most physically active on earth, on average getting 12.8 hours of exercise per week...
Good infrastructure in the Netherlands plays a big role in how active they are, as the average resident cycles more than 1,000 kilometers per year."
15
188
721
The Netherlands wasn't always known as a biking country. Change is possible!
The Voorstraat in Utrecht, photographed in 2000 vs March 2023.
Photos from
@edwinlucas_
on Twitter:
'Neem het fietspad als uitgangspunt van de mobiliteitstransitie. Dat is veiliger, efficiënter, schoner en stiller.' (
@carlovdweijer
&
@M_Steinbuch
). De
#Voorstraat
in
#Utrecht
, gefotografeerd in 2000 en door mij in maart 2023.
#stadsmens
@ZowasUtrecht
@fietsprofessor
@EmmanuelSPV
8
20
103
4
129
710
20,000 cyclists were passing through this Amsterdam intersection per day, eventually causing the car-based engineering manual to break down.
The low-cost, low-space solution? Study the organically occurring behaviour, and adjust the design to support it.
9
95
710
“If we’re going to talk about transport, I would say that the great city is not the one that has highways, but one where a child on a tricycle or bicycle can go safely everywhere.” - Enrique Penalosa
(Assen, the Netherlands. Video by
@Hackneycyclist
)
5
265
700
Cycling offers freedom to children: Dutch children are the happiest in the world. Cycling allows them to reach their destinations safely and gives them the feeling of freedom and independence. 🚲
Learn more:
12
194
708
After a number of street design experiments in the 1970s, the Dutch came to an important conclusion in Delft:
The only way to permanently increase cycling is build a dense network of high quality infrastructure, within reach of every home and destination:
10
205
717
Last century, Amsterdam seemed to be taking the same path as other European cities that gave way to the car.
But after a conflict between 'large-scale' and 'small-scale', the proponents of the latter won, and cycling was made a practical mode of travel.
5
113
701
There is a large group of people in the Netherlands who also benefit from the well-designed cycling infrastructure: people with disabilities.
The cycle tracks offer them protection from motorized traffic, and thus a freedom to independently move around.
15
203
699
"The Dutch have one of the most physically active populations in the world, largely because it is built into their urban fabric.
They also have the happiest children in the world, largely because they can move freely and independently from around eight."
6
167
698
Cycling is not only about big bridges or cool underpasses. It is also about trusting everything is safe enough to just go out on your bike and enjoy yourself.
@BicycleDutch
documents the people riding through a Den Bosch park on a sunny autumn afternoon:
14
127
691
The Netherlands wasn't always known as a biking country.
In the past 20 years, the Netherlands has doubled the length of its separated cycle path network, which stretches 35,000 km across the country.
Map source:
10
182
699