The Consulate General of the Netherlands in Toronto started the "Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike!" initiative in 2007.
The object of the event is to promote the use of bikes for recreational purposes, but also as a daily mode of transportation to and from the workplace: Good for the environment and good for your health.
On Sunday the project received royal approval as in Calgary, Alberta, "Canada's Princess", Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and her husband Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven, participated in a cycle tour along Riverfront Avenue.
Princess Margriet and Pieter van Vollenhoven were cheered by a crowd of several orange shirted participants. Some eyebrows were raised as the royal couple followed Dutch custom of cycling without a helmet; and their Canadian security man felt ill at ease wearing clothes appropiate for cycling, whereas his Dutch counterparts were still in suit, as was the royal couple.
"In Holland cycling is part of the fabric of life. You cycle to work, and so you cycle in your work clothes", Professor Van Vollenhoven explained. "Here cycling is something you do to stay fit."
The cycling event concluded the week long visit of Ottawa born Princess Margriet and her husband. © Royalblog HJ
Comments