The Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands has organized and participated in several campaigns that were held to promote alternative means of transport on the event of 22 September, International Car Free Day and European Mobility Week.

On International Car Free Day, held every year on the 22nd of September, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mrs. Simone Filippini, attended a bicycle promotion event organized by the NGO Planetum and supported by the Municipality of Strumica in the centre of Strumica. The bicycle and walking tour throughout the city centre was attended by many young participants. The Mayor of Strumica, Mr. Zoran Zaev, thanked the people who organised the event for their efforts in promoting healthier and environmental friendly ways of transport and awarded a couple with gifts. He anounced the construction of new bicycle lanes that will be ready before the Strumica Carnival in March 2010. As well as the purchase of 200 bicycles by the municipality which will be made available for renting in the city centre.



In the municipality of Karposh deputy Ambassador, Mr. Gert Kampman, participated in the closing event and promotion of the results of the project “I Like to Bike! But Where Shall I Park My Bike?!?”. This event was organised by the Coalition for Sustainable Development (CSD), the City of Skopje and the Municipality of Karposh. The Mayor of Skopje, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from CSD and other NGO’s  visited by bike different locations in and around Karposh where in total 60 bicycle parking racks have been installed which have been specially designed by Macedonian designers. Three bicycle racks have been installed in front of the Dutch Embassy. For more information on CSD visit  www.kor-csd.org



On the 23rd of September the Ambassador continued to promote cycling during the Mobility Week by visiting Nova International School. She awarded prizes to students who competed in a competition for best essay, best art project and best drawing inspired by the bicycle. In their essays the students explained why cycling should be increased and how this can be achieved. Aleksandra Gjorgievska, Rebecca Bosworth, Sara Lazarovska and Olja Simoska were awarded for their effort and creativity. The press release on this essay contest can be downloaded  here...
The essays can be downloaded here...
 Aleksandra Gjorgievska
 Rebecca Bosworth
 Sara Lazarovska
 Olja Simoska



After presenting Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski with a bicycle last year on Car Free Day, this year the La Strada Shelter Centre was presented a new bicycle on the 23rd of September. The NGO for protection of victims of human trafficking was promised a bicycle by the Ambassador and this year in the event of Car Free Day this promise was fulfilled. For more information on La Strada Shelter Centre visit their website  http://www.lastrada.com.mk