Dutch women’s football team bought 30 orange bikes to travel in NZ for the World Cup — here’s what they did next

How did the Netherlands’ women’s football team scoot around Tauranga, New Zealand, during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023? In true Dutch fashion, of course — atop the 30 orange bikes they purchased.

But now that their time at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has come to an end, what will come of all these Dutch-coloured two-wheelers? Tossing them in Amsterdam canals isn’t an option out there. 🥴

It turns out these neon orange bikes are being (very kindly) donated to charities — including Good Neighbour — in the local area, Tauranga City reports.

Contributing to the community

Apparently, the Dutch women’s football team, OranjeLeeuwinnen (Orange Lionesses), whizzed around the beachy suburb of Mount Maunganui and took full rein of the trails filled with beautiful views.

The Tauranga City Council commends the OranjeLeeuwinnen for their enthusiasm and generosity, with the Venues & Events Manager Nelita Byrne saying, “These organisations bring so much goodness to the fabric of our community”. Awww.

Not only is the donation charitable, but as Good Neighbour’s General Manager points out, hand-me-down bikes are also a form of “sustainability”.

READ MORE | Ajax cancels celebration of its own women’s football team

Plus, a large portion of the bikes are being gifted to students who need a budget-friendly mode of transport to get to school and back every day. 🧑‍🎓

So, if you live in Tauranga or ever happen to find yourself there, do keep your eyes peeled for some bright orange bicycles burning rubber through the city. 🧡🚲

What do you think of the women’s football team’s decision to donate their bikes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Featured Image: Liondartois/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Ellen Ranebo
Ellen Ranebo
As someone half Swedish and half Irish who has lived in the Netherlands, the UK, and attended an American School, Ellen is a cocktail of various nationalities. Having had her fair share of bike accidents, near-death experiences involving canals, and miscommunications while living here (Swedish and Dutch have deceptively similar words with very different meanings), she hopes to have (and document) plenty more in future.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Here are our favourite gift ideas for Christmas in the Netherlands in 2024

Are you on the hunt for the best Dutch Christmas presents to give to your nearest and dearest? We’ve sourced the merriest bits and...

8 things you need for travelling around the Netherlands

A well-connected public transportation system, the locals’ ability to speak excellent English, and the Netherlands’ modest size all make it one of the easiest...

These 17 changes are hitting Dutch wallets in 2025

Hoera! The new year is approaching quickly — and with it come higher costs and income adjustments. 😬 As the AD writes, new financial changes...

It's happening