Netherlands Promotes Bicycles To Become Sustainable Transportation Equipment

King Willem-Alexander from the Netherlands. (ANTARA/HO-Dutch Embassy)

JAKARTA - The Dutch Embassy in Jakarta said the Dutch government wanted to collaborate with Indonesia to promote bicycles as an efficient and sustainable means of transportation.

"By prioritizing and promoting bicycles as an efficient and sustainable means of transportation, the Netherlands has succeeded in reducing pollution, improving air quality, reducing congestion, and contributing to a sustainable and habitable environment," the Dutch Embassy said in a press release reported by ANTARA, Saturday, June 3.

The Dutch Embassy conveyed this in commemoration of World Bicycle Day which falls on June 3.

Bicycles are a popular means of transportation in the country and the Netherlands itself is the country with the most bicycle users in the world.

The Dutch embassy said that residents were actively cycling to offices and to schools every day, including the country's king and prime minister.

The Dutch embassy also said cycling played an important role in reducing pollution in the Netherlands.

They stated that by choosing bicycles as the main means of transportation, Dutch citizens reduced the number of cars on the road, resulting in reduced air pollution such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

"As a result, cycling helps improve air quality, reduce pollution levels, and reduce the negative health impact on the community," said the Dutch Embassy.

In addition to reducing air pollution, bicycles as a means of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation also helped the Netherlands reduce dependence on renewable energy sources and contribute to more sustainable transportation systems.

The Dutch embassy also said that with more people using bicycles for short trips, fewer cars were on the road so that traffic flow was smoother and reduced silence.

"This not only increases overall transportation efficiency but also reduces vehicle emissions and related pollution," he said.

In addition, cycling also helps reduce noise pollution because bicycles are a quieter means of transportation compared to motorized vehicles so that they can create a more peaceful environment for their population.

"This has a positive effect on the welfare and quality of life of individuals living in urban areas," said the embassy.

It is also stated that cycling regularly contributes to improving heart health, fitness levels, and reducing the risk of obesity, making residents healthier in general.

The Dutch embassy stated that the Dutch government's commitment to cycling could be seen from urban planning and infrastructure development.

A well-designed cycling infrastructure encourages more people to choose bicycles as suitable and attractive transportation, thereby reducing pollution from motorized vehicles.

The special bicycle lane, therintis lane, and the bridge that separates cyclists from motorized vehicle traffic, creates safer and more attractive cycling conditions, the Dutch Embassy said.

The Dutch embassy said they were open to facilitating cooperation with Indonesian partners in promoting bicycles as a means of sustainable transportation.

An Indonesian partner who wants to work with the Dutch Embassy to promote bicycles as a means of sustainable transportation can contact [email protected].