The City of Charlotte took a significant step this week toward a more bike-friendly future by hosting a three-day ThinkBike Workshop in partnership with Dutch cycling specialists from Goudappel and the Dutch Cycling Embassy. This event was a major milestone in the city’s efforts to improve active transportation options and make cycling accessible for people of all ages and abilities. VHB led the coordination and planning of the workshop in partnership with Vivid Earth Design.
The ThinkBike Workshop is an international program that helps cities apply Dutch cycling knowledge and best practices in a way that reflects the local context—geography, culture, and community priorities. The workshop focused on two key Charlotte corridors: Central Avenue in Plaza Midwood and South Boulevard in South End. Participants included staff from various groups with the Charlotte Department of Transportation.
“The ThinkBike workshop represents an important step in Charlotte’s effort to create a safer, more connected transportation system,” said Lyuba Zuyeva, AICP, VHB Transportation Planner. “Bringing in an international perspective challenged us to think differently about how our streets can better serve everyone who uses them.”
Workshop participants explored the two corridors on group walking and bicycling tours to observe existing conditions in real time. Divided into four groups, workshop attendees developed policy, program, and infrastructure recommendations for one of two corridors, presenting sketches of proposed cross-sections and intersection designs with support from VHB and Vivid Earth. A special Dutch documentary film screening and panel discussion was also included as part of Charlotte Bike Awards event held on the evening of the last day of the workshop, adding a cultural and community-focused layer to the week.
With the conclusion of the workshop, VHB will continue to collaborate with the City of Charlotte and engage members of the public and stakeholders in a conversation about the two corridors, with support from Civility Localized and Vivid Earth. The next step will be to develop conceptual designs for the two target corridors, building on the inspiring ideas from the workshop.
Through decades of trial, error, and innovation, the Dutch have created one of the most advanced cycling systems—featuring more than 22,000 miles of separated bike lanes, designed to be safe, equitable, and accessible for all ages and abilities. Supported by a culture that puts people first and integrates cycling with public transportation, education, and urban planning, their approach demonstrates how biking can be a practical, scalable, people-centered solution to modern mobility challenges.
Learn more about active transportation at VHB.
