From towpaths to cycling routes: the future of Dutch waterways
For more than 225 years, Rijkswaterstaat has managed the canals of the Netherlands. We keep water flowing, ensure ships can pass safely and protect the surrounding land.
Canals have always served multiple purposes. In the 1600s, towpaths along these waterways were used by horses pulling barges between major cities. Today, many of these historic routes have become popular cycling paths. Rijkswaterstaat now aims to further improve these corridors as uninterrupted, long‑distance cycling routes.
Cycling Waterways
Cycling Waterways is a project funded by the Interreg programme for the period 2024–2028. Its goal is to strengthen cooperation across Europe and promote greener, more sustainable mobility. Rijkswaterstaat is proud to be one of the partners.
Last week, partners from Slovenia, Spain, Romania, Denmark and Italy visited Amersfoort and Utrecht. They experienced cycling along Dutch canals first-hand and discussed the challenges and opportunities that waterways present, both in the Netherlands and in their own countries.
The Cycling Waterways project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg programme.
