The Netherlands is home to an extensive network of long-distance cycling routes (LF-routes), totaling approximately 3,300 kilometers. Five EuroVelo routes pass through the country: EuroVelo 2, 4, 12, 15, and 19, offering cyclists seamless connections to international cycling adventures.

EuroVelo routes near Utrecht:

• EuroVelo 2 (Capitals Route): Passes directly through Utrecht, offering a unique journey through the city’s heart.
• EuroVelo 15 (Rhine Cycle Route): EuroVelo 15 Rhine Cycle Route currently passes at 30 kilometers from Utrecht. This route will be completely renewed. The new route will be closer to Utrecht. This project will be finished in 2026. According to Eric Nijlan, NECC representative and Director of Fietsplatform, this will be a great showcase for EuroVelo 2026 because of the way new route is designed and many special features.
• EuroVelo 19 (Meuse Cycle Route): Connects Utrecht to Brakel, located 38 km away.

Other nearby routes:

• EuroVelo 12 (North Sea Cycle Route): Accessible via the LF4 Midden Nederland Route, 69 km from Utrecht (toward Wassenaar).
• EuroVelo 4 (Central European Route): Connects Utrecht to Breda, 78 km away.

With these routes, Utrecht serves as a perfect base for exploring the EuroVelo network, combining the charm of a cycling-friendly city with access to iconic long-distance trails. For more information about EuroVelo routes in the Netherlands, visit this link.

For this bid we contacted Eric Nijland, local NECC representative and director of our National Fietsplatform (cycling Platform). He provided us with useful information. Insights and ideas for this bid.

Most of partners of this bid are working closely with Fietsplatform and Eric Nijland on cycling routes, infrastructure and policy making, such as the city and the province of Utrecht, Utrecht Marketing and Fietsersbond. Within these organization we have consulted the management and various experts in order to collect all the insights, inspiration and information that was needed to answer all your questions. Esther van Garderen, of Fietsersbond, which we also consulted is currently the is the chair of the board of Fietsplatform.

Furthermore, we have consulted your members, Dutch Cycling Embassy (Skadi Tirpak, Chris Bruntlett and former director Lucas Harms), NTFU and Belle de Gast Bicycle Major of Utrecht and member of the BYCS Network, also a member of ECF. If we win this bid we will consult them for their contributions to the program and their help and support with the promotion of the event and attracting visitors to the event, and we will discuss with the ECF/EuroVelo team how to engage and to activate the other ECF-members.

For this bid we have the support of the municipality of Utrecht, the Province of Utrecht and the partners united in the Utrecht convention Alliance

There will be municipal elections on march 18, 2026.

We anticipate that they will not have any negative affect for the event: by then the policies and budgets for the running year are already established.  Given the societal and environmental challenges our country and region faces, and the signals we receive from our contacts at local, regional and national government, it is clear that the necessity of cycling stimulation will only increase in the coming years.

• Utrecht, Heart of Health is located in the heart of the Netherlands
• Ambition: Utrecht, the cycling region of Europe
• Most competitive region of Europa
• Within 30 minutes from Schiphol Airport
• Excellent congress venues and hotels
• City center venues all within walking distance
• Favorably priced compared to other European cities
• Lively university town with an authentic and friendly atmosphere
• City with the highest educated population in the Netherlands
• Ideal mix of history and modern culture
• Focus on hosting conferences of associations and federations In domain of health, life sciences and healthy urban living, l e.g. WHO European Healthy Cities Network Congress and Future Green City World Congress
• English is widely spoken in Utrecht and many people have a command of several other languages.

Utrecht is a global cycling hub with ambitions to be recognized as the World Bike Capital and Europe’s leading cycling region. The city has proudly hosted the start of all major cycling tours—the Tour de France (2015), Giro d’Italia (2010), and Vuelta a España (2022) —and continues to position itself as a top cycling destination. In 2024, Utrecht hosted an international press delegation to showcase its unique cycling culture.

Key achievements include:

• The world’s largest bicycle parking facility and the Netherlands’ first bike path (Maliebaan).
• Headquarters of the Dutch Cyclists’ Union and the Dutch Cycling Embassy, which exports Dutch expertise in cycling infrastructure and culture worldwide, helping cities and countries embrace cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.
• Home to Utrecht Bike Community, a vibrant cycling community connecting and inspiring 750 cycling-related professionals and accelerator for initiatives and innovations such as Cycling on Prescription and the Oncology & Cycling Knowledge Event ‘Movement in Treatment’: A medical congress and cycling tour highlighting the positive effects of cycling on cancer treatment, recovery and healing and the Fietsers Museum, and exposition about cycling culture trying to unravel the DNA of the why and success of Dutch Cycling Culture.
• Leveraging cycling as means to transform the city to a more healthy liveable city.

Utrecht also pioneers mobility innovations, including the OV-fiets, a globally unique bike-sharing concept now being exported internationally. Social and wellness programs, such as tandem cycling for individuals unable to ride independently and initiatives to encourage cycling among youth, the elderly, and underserved communities, reflect the city’s commitment to health, inclusion, and sustainability.

With its strong cycling culture, innovative programs, and welcoming community, Utrecht inspires residents and visitors from across the globe who share a passion for cycling.

Utrecht’s extensive network of knowledge-intensive businesses and institutions, with Utrecht Science Park, the largest knowledge center in the Netherlands, serving as the vital link, make the city exceptionally suited to organizing academic conferences. Utrecht Science Park is where academics and entrepreneurs join forces to provide a collective, significant boost to the regional economy. Key features include Utrecht University, the best research university in the Netherlands, the University Medical Centre Utrecht, which is one of the largest public healthcare facilities in the Netherlands, the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology, unique in that it brings together all the strands of highly complex care and research for children with cancer, and more than 100 companies and research institutions involved in sectors such as life sciences and health, sustainable economics, gaming, financial and business services, and ICT.

Utrecht University was founded in 1636 and has become a modern, leading institution. Research is a key facet of the university, with seven faculties that make connections within the entire scientific spectrum of research and education. This versatility forms an inspiring basis for multidisciplinary research both within and outside the university. Given this, it’s clear why the Shanghai rankings of best universities have placed it in the number one position in the Netherlands for years.

All of these parties work together with the municipality, residents, and region of Utrecht to create a green, healthy, and smart city. The city has embraced innovative solutions to optimize the use of limited space, experimented with open data applications and other technological advancements, and encouraged clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels.

This commitment to sustainability and health is further reflected in Utrecht’s transformation into a ‘10-minute city’ and a ‘cycling-first city,’ where most daily necessities are accessible within a short bike ride or walk. This approach has made Utrecht a global showcase for sustainable urban living. Each year, the city welcomes over 80 delegations and international press representatives who seek to learn how Utrecht has become one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Discover more about Utrecht’s vision for Healthy Urban Living at https://healthyurbanliving.utrecht.nl/.