London 2012 blog

This week I met with the Dutch Transport Minister, Mr Camiel Eurlings, the country’s Ambassador, Mr Pim Waldeck, and their colleagues to share our transport plans for the London 2012 Games. The Dutch are extremely supportive of London 2012 and are known to always create a sea of orange when supporting their athletes at major sports events.

Dutch fans cheer on their women’s Hockey team, which won gold at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games:

In 2012, rail will be a great transport option for Dutch fans wanting to watch the Games. The opening last November of the High Speed 1 rail line to mainland Europe has shortened rail journeys across the continent considerably, serving the Low Countries, France, Germany and Spain.

The meeting was a good chance to get some insight into the modes of travel more associated with the Dutch, and to consider how we could best use these modes during the Games.

In particular, our Dutch colleagues could provide some great tips on how to get spectators on their bikes and cycling. Anyone who has visited the country’s capital would have marvelled at the efficient and extensive bicycle network on Amsterdam’s roads and cycle lanes.

We are trying to build on our own cycling culture in London for 2012 and cycling has increased in our city by more than 80 per cent since 2000. But, we still have some way to go and will be encouraging people to get active like the Dutch and make use of the new cycling routes that we are developing to link to our competition venues in 2012.

Find out more about London 2012's plans for cycling in 2012