HCMC – Around 400 local and foreign people on Sunday joined a cycling event to promote sustainable transport and environmental awareness.
Organized by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in HCMC, the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Association, and the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam, the “Cycling for the Future” event encouraged the use of bicycles as an eco-friendly alternative to motorized transport.
Among the cyclists were two young Dutch cyclists – Rick Keijzer, 21, and Sven Broekhuizen, 25, who made a 343-day cycling journey from the Netherlands to Vietnam. Covering nearly 20,000 kilometers across 24 countries, their trip aimed to raise funds for Coop Africa, a charity that provides bicycles to communities in Kenya and Uganda.
The ride through some main streets in HCMC began at 7 a.m. at the Saigon Opera House and passed by some downtown landmarks, including Ben Thanh Market, the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ba Son Bridge. The route ended at the residence of Daniel Stork, consul general of the Netherlands in HCMC, in Thu Duc City.
Speaking at the event, Consul General Daniel Stork emphasized the importance of cycling in reducing pollution and improving public health. He highlighted its potential to complement HCMC’s urban railway system, which recently saw its first line being launched.
Bicycles are not just for exercise but also a practical mode of transport, Stork said.
Tran Trong Dung, chairman of the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Association in HCMC, said the event also strengthened ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands while encouraging a more active lifestyle.
Bicycles are increasingly seen as a solution to urban congestion and air pollution. The organizers hope the event will inspire more residents to adopt cycling as a way to commute daily, helping to make the city cleaner and greener.
