Opening of four bicycle routes in port area

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, four recreational cycling routes running through the port area were opened to the public. The port authority has created these marked bicycle routes, each of which has a different character. Information posts at interesting sites provide background information to the users, who will get a good impression of the industry, flora and fauna “living cheek by jowl” in the port area.

The Port of Amsterdam is keen to raise awareness of the port among the local residents and also strengthen its ties with them. Among other things, the port authority has now created these recreational bike routes, which run across the port area and are collectively named Havenfietsen (Port Bicycling). Users will be able to see for themselves what a dynamic and beautiful area this is. The port area lends itself exceptionally well for leisure activities.

The 18-kilometer Ruigoord Route takes us through the peat meadowlands in the Geuzenbos and Spaarnwoude wooded areas and through Europe’s biggest fuel storage facility. Among the wildlife on display are kingfishers, bluethroats and natterjack toads. Upon reaching thee Ruigoord artists’ community, cyclists have a panoramic view of the Afrikahaven (Afrika Port).

The 16-kilometer Westhaven Route shows how well flora, fauna and industry can go together. The route goes past not only large storage sites, but also a colony of common terns and a natural water-treatment system using helophyte filters (gravel-and-reed beds) to clean the rainwater coming from company sites.

An industrial chimney at the site of the Amsterdam Waste and Energy Company (AEB) is home to peregrine falcons. The route runs past various recycling companies. A long breakwater surrounded by water commands an excellent view of the North Sea Canal, which connects Amsterdam with the North Sea. With a bit of luck, you will see huge sea ships – a sight to behold! 

The 12-kilometer Hemhaven Route goes through an impressive landscape of coal mountains and oil tanks. Various vantage points provide different vistas of the port. Near the Hemweg (road) is a concrete wall with many swallows nesting in it.

The 5-kilometer Stadhaven Route takes cyclists to the outskirts of the city. They get to see grain elevators (grain silos) converted into apartment buildings on the Silodam. On the other side of the IJ River lie beautiful ships and old shipyards. Many excellent vantage points can be found here, including one surrounded by water and also a quiet place under trees with a view of the impressive hustle and bustle in the port.

 

Free guided cycling tours

To mark the opening of the cycling routes, the Port of Amsterdam is offering two guided cycling tours across the port area at no costs to the cyclists. These free trips will take place under the guidance of City Guide Josephine Moons. A tour along the Ruigoord Route will take place on Sunday September 7 from 10:30 a.m. and will take about four hours. This bike ride will coincide with the open days held at the Ruigoord artists’ community. 

On top of that, a tour along the Stadhaven Route will be held on Sunday September 14 from 10:30 a.m. and will take about 2.5 hours. The starting point will be the Havengebouw (the building housing the port authority and others) on De Ruijterkade 7.

Source: Transportweekly