Steady infrastructure evolution

In October I had the pleasure to speak at the second edition of VeloFinland in Helsinki. In my presentation I gave some insights about 25 years being active in the field of cycling promotion. In the afternoon we had a nice tour in the fresh autumn weather of Helsinki.

Good excursion to see different aspects of cycling in Helsinki. #VeloFinland pic.twitter.com/m7CNS9pm8i

— Herbert Tiemens (@herbert_tiemens) 1 oktober 2016

We were shown some great examples of city building, but also some small tweaks on Baana, a section I have written before. It is interesting to see how cities, not only in the Netherlands, are evolving. Today I show some examples of changes I witnessed this year.

Exploring the Cycle Highway of Eindhoven

As most people, we celebrated Christmas having a good family dinner. Of course this required a travel, we did by train and bike. And we were lucky! Between my city of birth, Eindhoven, and the place I was raised, Valkenswaard, a new cycle highway was opened the 4th of December. A cycle route that caused a lot debate, but by making the political decision dependent of the realization of a new highway for cars, it was finally realized.

Tracing the daily peloton

These days the city of Utrecht is the epicentre of roadrace cycling as the city hosts Le Grand Depart of the Tour de France. With Utrecht being the navel of the cycling world, it is amazing to see how much efforts are made to make everything going smooth. Parts of the city were renovated, like the Mariaplaats, where car space was removed to give space for terraces and promenading people. Other parts will have their complete make-over after the Tour, the parcours was a good excuse to temporary remove obstacles and rethink the design of important junctions. Also the Tour itself is a masterpiece of technique and knowledge. When the 198 racers will have their individual time trial over 13,8 kilometers, the differences will be measured on the spot in milliseconds and broadcasted for 3,5 billion spectators in 190 countries all over the world. What a difference when the daily peloton takes over the streets of Utrecht again when the professionals leave the city!

Tonights team presentation will take place in park Lepelenburg, a beautiful lawn to hang out with friends, and easy accesible by bike.