Delft '26 Day 3: Rolling to Rijswijk

This story is one of a series written by students in the Gonzaga in Delft program, a course from the Civil Engineering department exploring sustainable practices of the Netherlands.

Though students for the most part were not yet adapted to the biking lifestyle here in the Netherlands, today they overcame some sore muscles and hopped back on the bikes to explore more of the transportation infrastructure this country has to offer.

Biking around Rijswijk, the students observed and learned about how a city that was built around cars was transitioned to focus more on biking and public transit. Making their way through bike paths and multi-use facilities that used to be a part of large roads, they found themselves next to an iconic Dutch windmill, where they managed to get a good group picture.

Returning from their longer bike ride (only missing a few of the turns along the way) the group separated for a lunch before reconvening for a fascinating lecture from Dr. Brie Dorie giving an overview on sustainability, both in the Netherlands and in the United States.

After the lecture, some students headed out on their weekend adventures, while others planned some of their own. Looking forward to some rest and more exploration, the students ended their day enthusiastic for what the weekend may hold.

Dr. Sue Niezgoda snaps a quick selfie with a few students on the bike trail.