Drenthe sports representative Henk Jumelet (CDA) expects to provide more clarity this summer about the future of cycling events in the province.
They are under considerable pressure because the police no longer use motorcycle officers to provide guidance. As a result, major events such as the European Cycling Championships, which took place in Drenthe last year, are no longer possible.
Member of Parliament Martin Jansen (BBB) is very concerned about this, as are his colleagues Alfred Schoenmaker of Sterk Lokaal Drenthe and Kees Vianen of the VVD. The members of Parliament want the provincial government to make an effort to realize the ‘cycling province of Drenthe’ brand.
They wanted to submit a motion about this on Wednesday, but Jumelet assured the three that the province, together with the Drenthe municipalities, is already busy looking for a solution. Because the problem also occurs elsewhere, the government is also investigating possible solutions. The three then withdrew their motion.
Last fall, the Northern Netherlands police announced that they would stop escorting cycling events from this year. According to acting police chief Joop de Schepper, motorcycle officers are needed elsewhere, such as for truck checks, accidents and to direct traffic.
