Dennis Schomaker

What role does the UCI Bike Region label play in profiling itself as a cycling province?

The UCI Bike Region Label provides a link between various cycling activities and projects and makes the whole thing visible. This puts Drenthe on the map in the Netherlands and within the networks of the international cycling federation.

How can cycling strengthen the economy?

In the Netherlands and in Drenthe cycling is so common that we forget how special it actually is. We are ahead of many other regions of the world. This means that our experience may be valuable to others. Moreover, Drenthe is attractive to many different cyclists who like to go outdoors in their free time. By focusing more on the more active cyclists, we will become attractive to all cyclists.

What are the highlights of the province of Drenthe for you?

The beautiful surroundings and the nice routes. Several events make that beautifully visible!

How can the UCI Bike Region Label be used to get more people to use bikes?

Because more attention is paid to cycling, which is actually entirely natural for us, people are going to choose the bicycle more consciously. Also those times when people actually want to get in the car.

What does the future of Drenthe as a cycling province look like?

Bicycles develop and Drenthe develops along with them, from bikes for everyone to cycling to everyone’s taste

What are your ambitions for Drenthe as a cycling province and how do you contribute to this?

As project manager strengthening cycling events within the programme leisure economy & cycling, I can spend an important part of my working week on stimulating cooperation, which will lead to a future-proof event calendar as a showcase for everything Drenthe & cycling have to offer.