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Canadian Urbanism Uncovered

Events Guide: Building a Cycling Culture – Learning from the Netherlands

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HALIFAX – Collectively, the Halifax Cycling Coalition, Planning & Design Centre, Dalhousie Office of Sustainability, Spring Garden Business Association and the Nova Scotia Bikeways Coalition have organized a critical cycling event titled Building a Cycling Culture: Learning from the Netherlands, tonight from 6:30 – 9pm at Dalhousie University.

The cycling event will feature a public talk by visiting speaker and cycling advocate Hans Moor.

WHAT: Bike Lecture and Panel Discussion: Hans Moor from the Netherlands
WHEN: Thursday, May 5 , 2011 · 7:00pm – 9:00pm
WHERE: Kenneth C. Rowe Building – Dalhousie University Room 1011
HOW MUCH: Free!

This free event will begin with a drop-in from 6:30-7:00 where drinks and snacks will be provided; additional information about the hosts organizations will be available and the recently completed Institutional District Bikeways Plan Posters will be on display. The lecture featuring Hans Moor will be from 7-8. Following Hans’ presentation, a panel of local cycling advocates will join him in a conversation about how to apply ideas from the Netherlands in HRM. An opportunity to ask questions will also be provided to the public.

The Netherlands is known internationally as a world leader in cycling infrastructure and culture. For tonights event, Hans will speak to the HRM community about the trends, economics and low cost solutions he’s experienced with regards to cycling in the Netherlands and discuss possibilities of applying them in the Canadian context. Hans will also elaborate on the personal benefits of cycling culture and the cost effectiveness of cycling; illustrating that cycling is not only about enjoying a slower pace of life, but even more a remedy against increasing health and infrastructure costs and  reducing the personal finances of individuals.

Hans Moor was born in The Netherlands in 1963 and moved to Canada in 1998 at age 35. After he graduated University with a Bachelor degree in Economics, he held several positions in sales and marketing in the private sector. In his new homeland Canada, he started as the proverbial dish washer, but by 2001 Hans was a guest lecturer at Ottawa University’s business school and was chosen the best in the lecture series for the season. In 2004, he started to work for the Economic Department at the Netherlands Embassy in Ottawa. In 2006 Hans, became Canadian. In his spare time Hans has volunteered for the Dutch Canadian Association. Last year, Hans was asked to become vice president for Ottawa’s Citizen for Safe Cycling; half a year later, he became President of the organisation. Hans cycles to work approximately nine months a year, but leaves the bike at home in winter time.

Poster image provided by Ross Soward


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