Second annual Ottawa cycling event to raise cancer research funds

Ride the Rideau the Dutch way

OTTAWA, Ontario – Riding bicycles to get around fits Dutch culture and traditions to a T. Using pedal power is good for one's health and, perhaps just as attractive, it cuts expenses and avoids gasoline taxes and consumption taxes.

As a leading pedal power country, Dutch cyclists feel at home on their extensive dedicated bicycle routes which measure over 61.000 kilometres. It should not surprise anyone that there are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people, the ratio being 1.11 bicycles per person.

It is not entirely clear what has prompted Dutch officials to start campaigning abroad for a transportation choice they did not invent themselves, although admittedly they produce huge numbers, also for export. The brandname Batavus is available in Canada and the USA from select dealers.

Dutch officials stationed abroad are now inviting the public in their temporary abodes to join them on recreational cycling excursions as part of a environment sensitive campaign to Go Green, although promoting the Dutch transportation option and tradition immediately follow with Go Dutch and round it off with a command-sounding Go Bike (on a splendid Heerenveen-built Batavus).

Ottawa Hospital

Last year, a large group of people cycled along the famed Ottawa Rideau canal, an exercise to be followed up with new innovations this year, aimed at increasing distance and intensity, following the Dutch adage “een tandje erbij” (pushing a bit harder).

The effort is also a fundraiser for cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital, an initiative also supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands. Participants of this 100 kilometre bicycle ride are expected to raise a minimum of $1500 for this cause. Anyone is welcome to join the Orange Team.

For more information on Ride the Rideau, please check www.ridetherideau.ca.

As a point of interest, the phrase Go Dutch has been the Windmill Herald website address GoDutch.com since the mid 1990s. There is no affiliation with the campaign Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike beyond the placement of this news item.