Esther van Garderen (52) will become the new director of the Cycling Association on 1 October. In this position she succeeds Saskia Kluit, who leaves the Cyclists' Union after eleven years. Van Garderen is still a senior urban policy strategist at the municipality of Almere and has extensive experience as a manager in the field of mobility and spatial planning.
Esther van Garderen is looking forward to working for the Fietsersbond.
“The bicycle can contribute to many challenges of our time: in the field of urbanization and the housing shortage, accessibility, climate, nitrogen and health. As director of the Fietsersbond, I want to put that firmly on the agenda everywhere. This time requires smart solutions and the bicycle is a big part of that. Sustainable, healthy and also cheap. ”
The new director of the Fietsersbond will soon head an association of more than 30.000 members and more than 1800 volunteers. Very different from the administrative environment in which Van Garderen currently works. “In my work I regularly came across the Fietsersbond. It is a beautiful organization with very enthusiastic people. I hope to strengthen it by building new coalitions, so that we can support the cyclist even better. ”
Chairman Franc Weerwind is pleased with the appointment of the new director.
“The challenges of the coming years are great. Our society is changing, and the Fietsersbond will change with it. With our Cycling Vision, we have created a strong vision of the future and Esther is the right person to achieve this image in a positive, energetic way. ”
Photo Esther van Garderen: Martin Hartman
