Continuing Education and Outreach

The rest of the world is watching the Netherlands on its progress with bicycle infrastructure and bicycle culture. Some are even trying to imitate what the Dutch have done and exporting this unique commodity to the rest of the world is already on the Dutch radar. With a dense network of over 35,000 km (22,000 mi) of bicycle infrastructure, a national average of 28% of all trips by bicycle, about 75% of urban streets 

traffic-calmed to 30 km/hr (19 MPH) and government spending of about 30 Euros ($35 USD) per person per year on bicycle infrastructure, it’s no wonder most everyone looks to the Netherlands on how to improve bicycling access and safety.

Yet, the historic lessons in governance, the grassroots movements, and the physicality of the streets are much more than just a simple machine with two wheels. They’re about this country’s people.

Join Trevor Roark and Robin Rothfeder for an evening navigating the cultural streets of the Netherlands, diving into how this navigational shift occurred and why it has been so successful. The audience will also get a peek at embracing the welcoming atmosphere of the Netherlands and exploring the local landscapes on two wheels through Trevor and Robin’s eyes – they’re returning to lead a UW-Stevens Point Adventure Tours bicycle tour and hope an experience like this can turn inspiration into action for travelers that are interested in improving their communities back home.

​Schedule ​5:30-6:15 p.m. ​Social Hour, Sonnetag Hall ​6:15-7:15 p.m. ​Lecture, Veninga Theatre ​7:15-9 p.m. ​Dinner, Center Stage of the Veninga

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​Sample Menu ​Appetizer ​Bitterballen ​Main Dish ​Kibbeling (Fried Fish) Stamppot ​Dessert ​Stroopwafel

Trevor’s the program manager for UWSP Adventure Tours and an experienced worldwide traveler and leader (including the Grand Canyon, New Zealand, Fiji, Costa Rica, Canada and many U.S. states). He is a frequent leader of the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hiking tour and changing socks often is his hiking motto. Yet, staying upright is his goal in the Netherlands while sharing the streets on two wheels. As a local active transportation advocate and Chair of the Stevens Point Bicycle & Pedestrian Street Safety Commission, Trevor understands well the struggles we face while shifting to more equitable transportation. He aims to break down bicycle barriers for regular people and empower travelers to take action.

Robin is an assistant professor of natural resource planning at UW-Stevens Point. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast (especially skiing, climbing, scuba diving and whitewater rafting) and a certified yoga instructor. He’s traveled extensively to places including Central and South America, Africa, French Polynesia, Turkey and throughout Western Europe. The Netherlands holds a special place in Robin's heart – it combines his love of active transportation, progressive planning and design, cities interspersed with water, classic art, and his wife, who visited there with him for their honeymoon. Robin is thrilled to return with UWSP Adventure Tours to share his planning background while helping to facilitate an inspiring adventure.