Cyclists Union hopes for increased ridership

THE HAGUE – Two Dutch groups want more Dutch people out riding their bicycles. The campaign Heel Nederland Fietst (freely translated in English as Entire country cycles) is an initiative of the Netherlands Institute for Sports and Exercise and the Cyclists’ Union. The campaign targets an increase in ridership of five percent over a three year period. To support its objective, the Cyclists Union has trained 140 cycling instructors who will pay special attention to the elderly and emigrants who generally frown on mounting a bicycle. The Moroccan Dutch in particular see a bicycle as a transportation method for losers, preferring public transportation, scooters and cars instead. Bicycling courses are encouraged in the Netherlands where it takes skill to navigate one’s way in busy city traffic.