14 September 2021

Foreign students attended a different-than-other lecture

Maastricht invited foreign students for a practical cycling course in the city during the ‘Going Dutch - the Cycling College’ on Thursday, September 9 at the new Velorium Outdoor Sports & Bikepark in Maastricht. The students had the opportunity to follow a different-than-usual course.

During this one-day practical lesson, students learned all about cycling in Maastricht in a fun and interactive way. From how to ride a bike to all the important traffic rules and bicycle practices. In this way Maastricht wants to invite new students right from the start to join the #posifiets movement by cycling more often, cycling safely and parking safely. After all, those who get on their bikes and leave their cars behind are helping to create clean air and good accessibility to the city center.

Afterwards, under the guidance of Sjef Eijmael, Managing Director Velorium, the students were able to put their acquired knowledge into practice on the Velorium track.

What did the students themselves think?

Pietro Melis: “I think the event was very useful especially for foreigners who come here with no idea on how to use a bike properly and what are the consequences for not respecting the rules in place. Even though I have been living in the Netherlands for about two years, I was unaware of certain regulations explained during the event and so do many other people living here. Creating awareness for this cause I think is important to foster a well-balanced relationship between internationals and locals in the city of Maastricht!”

Oscar Gryspeerdt: "It was really interesting to learn the rules of how you have to use your bike in Maastricht. After the theoretical part you practice what you have learned to be sure you understand everything."

No knowledge of Dutch cycling rules

Camiel Pesch, Events, community & partnership manager of the Student Hotel Maastricht: "From our Student Hotel community we often hear that students don't know the Dutch cycling rules or that accidents even happen when cycling. Within The Student Hotel, we find it important that attention is paid to the safe integration of students into our cycling culture. This way we contribute to the safety and livability of the city."

Sjef Eijmael from the Velorium Outdoor Sports & Bikepark looks back with satisfaction on the first practical lesson: “As a social enterprise, we want to take responsibility for the safety of everyone that rides their bike. Especially in a country such as the Netherlands this is super important. Therefore, we were very happy to welcome the international students of the Student Hotel at our brand new site! We hope they did not only learn something but also had a good time. We thank them for their participation and hope to see them soon at our urban sportspark!”

Going Dutch

‘Going Dutch’ is an activity for #posifiets and a collaboration between The Student Hotel Maastricht, the new Velorium Outdoor Sports & Bikepark (formerly known as Bikepark043) and the city approach Maastricht Bereikbaar. #posifiets is increasingly becoming a movement of and for the city. The partners are aiming to make connections and want to make Going Dutch an annual event.