KNL Embassy promotes sustainable mobility in the Dominican Republic

News item | 21-10-2024 | 13:04

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Dominican Republic organized the second edition of the Orange Bike Ride. This event, in commemoration of World Car Free Day, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of cycling as a sustainable transportation alternative, highlight the rich history of the Netherlands as a cycling nation and promote sustainable mobility practices in the Dominican Republic through a guided tour through the historic center of Santo Domingo.

The vehicle fleet in the Dominican Republic has reached 5,810,888 units as of February 6, 2024, according to the latest bulletin issued by the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII). The Dominican Republic is the country with the second highest number of vehicles per person. Although the Dominican Republic ranks number two in automobiles per 1,000 people, its position changes when analyzing accident mortality.

In fact, it is the country with the highest rate of deaths caused by road traffic injuries in the world, according to the most recent “World of Statistics” statistical surveys. There are 65 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants on the island, according to the report. Hence the importance of educating the population about environmentally friendly transportation alternatives that can help reduce these alarming figures. Local authorities are taking firm steps to transform urban mobility, including the extension of the metro line and the addition of new buses. 

people on bicicles with orange t-shirts on in the dominican republic

In addition to the Orange Bike Ride, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Catholic University of Santo Domingo (UCSD), the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT), and other key institutions, held a conference entitled “Cycling for a more sustainable future: Analysis of the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic” at the university's Main Auditorium. The event gathered more than 150 university students and professionals interested in sustainable mobility.

S.E Frank Keurhorst, Embajador del Reino de los Paises Bajos, Jelle Wolbrink y Anouk Truin

The embassy's collaboration was quite successful, serving as the first event of Sustainable Mobility Week in the Dominican Republic, which together with the sustainable mobility conference, the orange bike ride, the ambassador's visit to the director of INTRANT, and interviews regarding sustainable mobility, allowed us to raise awareness about the importance of using environmentally friendly transportation alternatives through practical examples from the Netherlands. The director of INTRANT during the first day of Sustainable Mobility Week arrived on a bicycle, making a difference and setting a precedent in a vehicle-oriented country.

The development of these activities not only sought to promote the use of bicycles as a sustainable means of transportation, but also to create an aware and active community in the fight against climate change. With the support of key partners and the active participation of the community, we expect this event to make a significant difference in promoting sustainable mobility in the Dominican Republic.