The inaugural edition of the Netherlands-Europe-India Mobility Conference, held in Mumbai on 16-17 April 2026 has opened the doors for new international collaborations with the European experts. The successful launch of the ‘Knowledge Bridge’ termed as a ‘Kick-Starter’ is aimed at re-imagining active mobility across the borders. Led by International Mobility Expert – Geert Kloppenburg and Vijay Malhotra – Founder of Pedal and Tring Tring, the summit witnessed high-profile delegates immersed in a progressive dialogue bringing insights on sustainable urban growth for Indian cities.
I am rounding-up the key-takeaways from this global-collaboration and where do we move next?
The Power of Ordinary Citizens:
When the bureaucratic systems function with rigid boundaries, citizens must take charge. This is exactly the case for the NL-EU-India Mobility Conference. Two ordinary citizens – Geert Kloppenburg and Vijay Malhotra first met in Haarlem and then in Mumbai, and barely knew where the fate is going to take them. Six months later, they teamed-up to put their vision into reality. Result: we unlocked new opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Dutch People are Committed Professionals:
One of the most admirable aspect of this association is the unwavering committment of our Dutch partners. Despite the complexities of international travel due to the west-asia conflicts, and high-cost of flying, these experts took the risk and prioritized the NL-EU-India Mobility Conference over convenience. Their investment of time and money demonstrates their commitment to address the growing global mobility challenges and the willingness to lend timely support. They just didn’t bring knowledge; they made genuine efforts to see Indian cities thrive which shows true urban advocay can surpass geo-politicial challenges.
‘Knowledge-Exchange’ Shifts Minds Beyond Conventional Ideas:
Listening to top experts like Chris Bruntlett – International Relations Dutch Cycling Embassy and Dirk de Jager – Former Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam and Sustainability expert shows us the way that cycling-cities are not born by accident – they are built by design. The delegates highlighted the Dutch Best-Practices including case studies from China – which is investing on non-motorized transport by building bicycle lanes and installing shared bicycles. These references are crucial for megacities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore for scaling active mobility and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Intent + Design = Best Cycling Cities:
The Dutch Cycling history reminds us of the 1970’s oil crises and the rising number of children deaths triggering mass-protests such as the ‘Stop de Kindermoord (Stop the child murder) people’s movement-paving the way to the Netherlands cycling infrastructure. As we witness the ongoing war causing fuel shortages, and increasing vehicle dominance in our streets, the time has come to reflect on our priorities. Our leadership must show intent and purpose through budget sanctions, policies to support active mobility, reduced speed limits and involving expert groups to devise local design solutions for easing out congestion. The best time to build a cycling-city is now.
Ownership is Key to Fast-Track Mobility Solutions:
The participation of corporates in the summit re-enforces the fact that urban-advocacy is not an individual subject; it’s a shared responsibility. Several reputed companies like YES SECURITIES, WRI, ITDP, StudioPOD etc supported this event. If such initiatives are to be fast-tracked, support from the corporate fraternity will be crucial.
The Future is Active Mobility:
From all the discussions, presentations and documentary screenings we had, one message clearly stood out that the future of our cities does not belong to cars; it belongs to people. The shift towards sustainable transport is more than essential for a healthier, safe and happier future. Let’s make our cities livable again!
A Note of Gratitude to Our Sponsors, Partners and Volunteers:
It is unimaginamble to believe that we pulled-off this mamoth event as a team. I am deeply grateful to our sponsors Sonja Munnix (Netherlands Enterprise Agency), Willem-Frederik Metzelaar (EIT Urban Mobility), Geert Kloppenburg (Geert Kloppeburg Beheer BV), Anshul Arzare (YES SECURITIES) and Vishvas Mote (Venue Partner – Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) for sharing our vision and working with us as trusted partners. I also want to acknowledge all our support partners, guest’s who travelled from different cities and the volunteers who stepped forward unconditionally and contributed to the Kick-Starter platform.
Moving Ahead:
If you have read so far, I want to give you a task and its simple. Start using a bicycle and be the change you want to see in the world. Because action speaks louder than words. Tag me @pedalandtringtring in your social media photos and I’ll repost.
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai.
