Welcome to my first blog, which I dedicate to the process of transformation at I-CE Interface for Cycling Expertise. It is not dramatic, since we stick to our mission and vision. Let the world use all the benefits, cycling mobility might bring.
The last 8 years I-CE was able to support policy processes in the southern part of the world through a subsidy from the Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation. Due to drastic reforms in Dutch policy that come with major shifts in budget allocation on top of cuts, we have to do without a new subsidy.
However, the results of our capacity building activities and contributions to institutional structures for cycling inclusive policy development, are sustainable. To further upscale our contribution, we will base our strategy on the cooperation we developed with a great number and variety of partners.
But I-CE has to change directions for fund raising and started to approach a much broader range of options. The demand for our unique expertise on cycling inclusive policies is only increasing. There is a clear need for tools that can bring the many benefits of cycling on board of mobility plans and transport strategies. Cycling is a catalyst and indispensable contributor to help make the transition to sustainable low carbon transport. Our development programs brought a lot of new experience in partnerships with governments, civil society, international bodies, universities and agencies. The context for cycling has changed and we can bring capacity building, technical assistance and studies in support of different actors. I-CE works both with subsidies and on assignment.
The first signs of a reshuffling happened in the Netherlands, where the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is our main partner in the central government now. With the Dutch Cyclist Union, the Cycling Council and the Ministry, I-CE will explore the feasibility of a public private partnership on international cooperation on sustainable transport that takes the full benefits of cycling on board. This public private partnership wants to become thé channel for international cooperation between Dutch parties and parties from abroad. It will be an embassy that contributes to a more sustainable world and more climate intelligent approach of transport, thereby facilitating social inclusion, economic growth and health promotion.
