Dutch "Cycling Madness" Day  – Weekend Ride Departs from Dadaocheng Wharf

Lifestyle Center / Taipei Report

The Dutch Cycling Madness Day cycling event, organized by the Netherlands Trade & Investment Office, will kick off at 10:00 AM on December 1 (Saturday) from Dadaocheng Wharf. Riders will cycle all the way to the final stop at Bali Left Bank Park, covering a total distance of approximately 30 kilometers. Participants can enjoy the fun of cycling while taking in the beautiful riverside scenery. Additionally, Santa Claus from the Netherlands will arrive by boat to deliver surprises, giving everyone an early taste of Christmas cheer.

▲ On the day of the event, participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes and outfits with the color "orange" to create an orange-themed carnival together (Photo / Sourced from the New Taipei City Government official website)

The Netherlands has a population of about 16 million but boasts over 18 million bicycles. Whether for commuting or school, cycling is the primary mode of transport for most of the time. The first-ever Dutch "Cycling Madness" Day in Northern Taiwan not only introduces locals to the Dutch passion for cycling culture but also features a thousand-person cycling event starting at 10:00 AM this Saturday from Dadaocheng. The route will pass through Shetou Island Head Park and Guandu Wharf, then cross the Guandu Bridge to the final destination at Bali Left Bank Park.

Chen Shen-hsien, Secretary-General of New Taipei City, stated that like the Netherlands, New Taipei City is a riverine metropolis rich in cultural charm, with rivers flowing through it. In recent years, the city has actively developed six riverside cycling paths — Bali Left Bank, Golden Waterfront, Xindian River, Dahan River, Erchong Circular Line, and Xizhi — spanning a total of over 180 kilometers. These are excellent leisure destinations for New Taipei residents, and the public is welcome to join in the fun at Bali on the day of the event.

In addition to the group bike ride, a series of lawn party activities will be held at Bali Left Bank Park starting at 10:00 AM that day, including a year-end warm-giving Dutch specialty goods exhibition, Dutch cycling lifestyle showcase, traditional Dutch games experience, Dutch traditional costume photo ops, premium bicycle riding experiences, and bicycle health check services. Moreover, the Dutch Santa Claus "Sinterklaas" will arrive at Bali Left Bank Wharf by boat with his companion Black Peter, bringing Dutch Christmas surprises and joining in the festive fun with the crowd.