Go Dutch and get on your bike!

The point of departure for the goinGDutch programme, launched in 2019, was Schiphol’s goal to get 10,000 of the 70,000 employees at and around the airport commuting to work by bike by the end of 2024. We’re doing that for various reasons. Cycling can help contribute to better physical and mental health, it helps reduce the number of cars on the road and therefore improves liveability in the local area, and it doesn’t produce emissions. Individuals, organisations and the whole of the Netherlands can benefit from it! That’s why we’re working on making it easier and more enjoyable to travel to Schiphol by bike. But how?

Cycle superhighway

Firstly, we’re working on better cycling infrastructure at and around Schiphol. One of the main ways we are achieving this is the expansion of a 22-kilometre-long cycle superhighway between Hoofddorp, Schiphol and Amsterdam. But this is not just any ordinary cycle path — it's interactive, with communication between road infrastructure and cyclists. For example, traffic lights that sense when a cyclist is approaching and, depending on the traffic situation, turn green so that they don't have to stop. In the near future we'll be expanding the range of interactive elements so that cyclists can cycle to work as speedily and comfortably as possible.

Improved bicycle facilities

We’re also making cycling more attractive by providing commuters on bikes with improved facilities. There’s an increasing number of locations where electric bikes can be charged, and we are expanding the number of bicycle parking facilities at Schiphol. There’s also a new bike share programme at Schiphol East that allows employees to cover short distances at the airport using the Hely app and bicycles.

Interesting incentives

And how does it sound to get paid for cycling to work? Using the goinGDutch app, employees can register the distance cycled between home and work and then receive a kilometre allowance from their employer. The app also provides commuters with up-to-date information about the weather and traffic conditions along their route, as well as where they can park their bikes and find changing rooms. Another incentive to get more people onto their saddles is the provision of good cycling gear. GoinGDutch is currently collaborating with a manufacturer so that commuters will soon be able to order comfortable clothing to wear when cycling to and from work.

Travellers can go Dutch too

Travellers can also benefit from these improvements to bike infrastructure and services. If you live in the area around Schiphol and you travel light, cycling to the airport is a great option. There are three secured bicycle parking facilities close to the terminal where you can park your bike for free for up to four consecutive weeks, as well as special bike lockers.

And if you just want to cycle around Schiphol for fun, that’s also possible!