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Rotterdam is one of the world’s top 100 innovative cities

Ailish Lalor
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Rotterdam is one of the world’s top 100 innovative cities

It’s no surprise to any of us who are familiar with Rotterdam’s stunning skyline, or the general atmosphere of creativity that the city has: but now it’s been scientifically proven. Rotterdam is one of the most innovative cities in the world. And even more excitingly, its level of innovation is growing each year. 

Last year, Rotterdam was ranked as the 111th most innovative city in the world: but this year it has jumped the queue massively, coming in at a very respectable 83rd place. That’s a 28-place jump! We’re far from surprised, given all the uniqueness Rotterdam has to offer. It also has the best non-native English speakers in the world, and has recently announced its plan to switch to green energy by 2020. Amsterdam, as the leader of the Dutch cities in this ranking, has actually dropped twelve places within a year, going from 18th place in 2018 to 30th in 2019. Oof!

How are cities ranked for innovation?

So how does the source of these figures, a research agency called 2thinknow, decide which cities are innovative, and which are not? Well, it comes down to a whopping 162 factors, so you can’t say they aren’t taking complexity into account. Among these factors are the number of start ups in a city, and their success rates; the speed of internet connections; the policies of local governments; as well as the infrastructure of a city. Furthermore, the question of whether the city is attractive to young, highly educated people is also taken into account.

Which is the most innovative city in the world?

You might be curious about which other cities across the world did well. Some of the answers are predictable: New York came first, Tokyo second, London third. Toronto in Canada comes 10th, Melbourne in Australia comes 11th. You can see the rest of the cities of the world listed on the Innovation Cities Index 2019, if you’re curious about your hometown, or picking a new place to live (which we understand, given the current Dutch weather).

Did you know that Rotterdam was this innovative? And what’s going on with Amsterdam? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Feature image: Martin de Lusenet/Flickr. 

First snowfall might happen in Limburg on Friday

Kavana Desai
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First snowfall might happen in Limburg on Friday

Are you looking forward to Friday? Have you been looking forward to the end of the workweek already? If you live in Limburg, there might be a small treat in store for you on Friday: the first snowfall will be coating your windows, reports Buienradar. However, the rest of the Netherlands will have to be happy with plain ol’ rain.

But is it the good kind? Maybe not. Marc de Jong from Buienradar says to RTL Nieuws that it will be the wet kind of snow. He said, “Limburg is higher, so it is slightly cooler there. And they have the least influence of seawater there.”

If there will be heavy snowfall in the early hours of the morning, then the snowflakes might even stick around for a while. But it may not be cold enough for it to remain snow.

So be careful of those puddles of water that may be everywhere!

What about the rest of the Netherlands?

Well, we may not be so fortunate. RTL Nieuws says that we shouldn’t expect any snow in the rest of the country. But expect it to be cold nonetheless! We are approaching winter after all.

So when Sinterklaas comes to Apeldoorn on Saturday, we may not see any snow. But will it rain? They’re not so sure themselves. “In the north of the country it will be wet, but not in the south. Apeldoorn is on the border so we dare not yet say if it will rain,” says De Jong. “It is at least cold and damp.”

Do you really love snowfall in the Netherlands? Which is the best picture of a snow-covered Netherlands you took? Tag @dutchreview on Instagram so that we can see too!

Source: pixabay/ skeeze

ProRail and NS want 20.6 billion euros invested into the railways

Kavana Desai
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ProRail and NS want 20.6 billion euros invested into the railways

ProRail and NS are looking to jump onto the nitrogen crisis bandwagon: they say the government should invest 20.6 billion euros into the railways as it would be the perfect solution to bring the nitrogen crisis under control, reports AD based on a proposal they have.

Making people take public transport

They don’t want all of this money pumped into one mega project, but different ones around the country up until 2040. As train journeys are a lot more sustainable than car journeys, Hans van Leeuwan, a member of ProRail’s board, says that public transport must be made more attractive.

However, there was no comment on how the NS has scrapped the evening rush hour discount for a number of loyal commuters who had an NS Voordeeluren season ticket. According to RTL Nieuws, they spoke of how many more trains they’ll have and how to make commutes faster. However, RTL Nieuws or AD did not mention if they would be introducing new discounts, reducing the price, and so on.

Where do they want this money invested?

But will we be complaining about faster commutes and better accessibility for some parts of rural Netherlands? Probably not.

They want more trains between Amsterdam and Eindhoven; expansion of travel hubs like Amersfoort, Nijmegen, and Leiden; shortening of the commute from Leeuwarden and Groningen to Randstad through the Hanze line; and faster train journeys to the west from selected stations.

With these changes, a lot more people can get around the country faster and can choose to live outside of the Randstad. However, they should seriously consider reducing the ticket prices and introducing attractive discounts so that travellers will actually be persuaded to make the switch.

Do you travel by the Dutch railways often? What’s your opinion on the public transport system in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Pexels/Skitterphoto

Dutch government puts brakes on highway speeds, drops limit to 100km/h

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Dutch government puts brakes on highway speeds, drops limit to 100km/h

The Dutch government has announced a plan to reduce speed limits on highways to 100 kilometres per hour during the daytime in an effort to curb nitrogen emissions. 

If the inner-speed demon in you is swearing, take a chill pill. You’ll still be able to drive at speeds up to 130 kilometres per hour between 7 pm and 6 am.

The plan is the latest and most important in an effort to curb nitrogen emissions, sources told NOS. By reducing emissions the government can move forward with its plan to build around 75,000 homes next year.

This would remove some pressure from the housing crisis plaguing the Randstad, with recent construction projects stalling or failing due to the nitrogen emissions.

What other plans have been announced?

After weeks of farmers protests, an agreement has been reached to implement enzyme-rich cattle feed so cows reduce their methane output by emitting less ammonia.

In the meantime, a plan to buy old, polluting cars has been scrapped, with sources concluding that the cost of the scheme would outweigh the benefits.

According to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, more plans to curb environmental impacts are in the works today and are expected to be announced tomorrow.

What do you think about the lowering of speed limits on highways? Is it a big enough step to curb the environmental crisis? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Joey Kyber/Pexels

 

Man threatens to blow himself up to protect the Zwarte Piet tradition

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Man threatens to blow himself up to protect the Zwarte Piet tradition

A Dutch man has been arrested after threatening to blow himself up. His cause? Protecting the Zwarte Piet tradition. It’s just the latest in the latest in the debate that continues to divide the Netherlands. 

That’s right. The man literally threatened to commit terrorism to save the right to wear blackface in the holiday season. There are two sides to every debate for sure, but once bombs start coming into it the party’s over.

At least that’s what the police thought. After receiving multiple reports from concerned citizens about the Facebook post they began an investigation. The threat was determined to be serious enough to arrest the 49-year-old suspect, according to RTL Nieuws.

An empty threat

A search of the man’s home turned up no evidence of explosives. But, despite the inflammatory threat, the man said he was shocked by the reactions and regretted the post. He’ll face magistrates court on Thursday.

Now the police are warning supporters and opponents of Zwarte Piet that they shouldn’t go too far with their opinions.

“As long as no criminal border is exceeded, everyone can give their opinion. The reaction of this suspect which created a threat that innocent people could die exceeded that limit,” a police spokesperson said.

Earlier this week five people were arrested for attempted assault and arson against a meet-up for a group that is against Zwarte Piet. Last month it was announced that Zwarte Piet wouldn’t be present for Sinterklaas’s arrival in Apeldoorn in November.

When does defence or support of Zwarte Piet go too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: René Cortin/Wikimedia

Fewer and fewer people diagnosed with HIV in the Netherlands

Kavana Desai
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Fewer and fewer people diagnosed with HIV in the Netherlands

The total number of people diagnosed with HIV has been declining drastically in the last few years. The Netherlands is far ahead as compared to other countries for achieving the United Nations’ goal to eradicate HIV by 2030, reports NU.nl. 

Although GPs saw a lot more people visiting them for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the last year, there has been a steady decline in the number of people diagnosed with HIV. Two-thirds of these diagnoses are for men who have sex with other men.

HIV/AIDS in the Netherlands

HIV is the virus that causes the body to have an infection. In Stage 3 HIV where the virus has caused severe harm to the body’s immune system, the person is said to have AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Despite having access to good healthcare, at least 20 people die every year. NU.nl says that it’s mostly because they don’t even know that they’ve been infected. However, this number too is falling.

Living with HIV in the Netherlands

According to the HIV Monitoring Foundation, there are currently about 23,300 people living with HIV in the Netherlands. The majority of this group are in treatment, and many of whom have suppressed the virus. So their life expectancy is good and it is getting harder for the virus to spread between individuals.

The introduction of the Pre-Exposition Prophylaxis pill or the PrEP pill program in August where at least 8500 gay and bisexual men have signed up will only help in making this disease and virus a thing of the past.

If you’re showing any symptoms of having contracted the infection, go to your GP immediately. Get yourself treated before it gets worse.

Feature Image: kerryank/Pixabay

Here we go again; rain forecast for the Netherlands

Freya Sawbridge
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Here we go again; rain forecast for the Netherlands

Ahhh, the dreaded weather report. When writing one seems so futile given the rain pelts so persistently. But alas, here we are! 

Tuesday

Showers will continue throughout most of the country for the rest of today. If you are lucky, the sun will occasionally peak through. The temperature will be around 7° C.

Wind will be moderate inland but stronger on the coastal towns. There may be chance of lightening come this evening.

TRANSLATION: Good morning, especially in the northwest, there will be many showers in the coming hours. Later showers are possible everywhere in our country.

The rest of the week

Showers will persist for the rest of the week and tomorrow there is a slight chance of thunderstorm. Temperatures will range between 6 and 9 degrees. Wrap up!

Friday is predicted to be the coldest day of the week as temperatures will reach a maximum of 5-6 degrees.

The weekend

Over the weekend, the temperature will remain cold with some potential showers. If we are lucky, the sun might peak through to give us one of those glorious crisp Autumn days.

Fed up? Change your attitude! Here are four reasons to be grateful for the crappy Dutch weather. Do you mind the rain? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feature image: Pexels/Pixabay

You can now ride an electric step on the roads in Tilburg (legally)

Kavana Desai
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You can now ride an electric step on the roads in Tilburg (legally)

The e-scooter is not allowed on the roads anywhere in the Netherlands, but in the southern city of Tilburg, you can take an “E-step” on the roads since last week. It is a “special moped” where you have two brakes and stand upright to ride it. Do we all remember how these mopeds are banned from the roads? Well, Tilburg found a way around that.

Tilburg is the first municipality to launch this through the partnership of Jaap van Ham (the director of the amazing Doloris), City Marketing Tilburg, and Citysteps BV (the company that rents out these e-steps).

How is the E-Step legal only in Tilburg?

It is illegal to drive an e-scooter on the road anywhere else in the Netherlands. However, somehow, Tilburg has managed to get 20 of these vehicles approved to be used around the city. Mike Meeusen, one of the people who came up with a model E-Step, said to NOS that it was approved by the Netherlands Vehicles Authority (RDW) and hence insured. He calls it a “special moped” where the “wheels are slightly larger and the frame is stronger than with a regular e-scooter” and therefore safer.

e-steps in tilburg
Image: Ticket to Tilburg/Supplied

However, Veilig Verkeer Nederlands and Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (the Minister of Infrastructure) are still not sold on this idea. Nieuwenhuizen says that we need to research more about how “light-motorized vehicles” should be used so that it is safe for everyone. “If it is one of the sixteen steps that have been approved as a special moped, then it is allowed. But we must look carefully at those light-motorized vehicles. What is needed to be able to use this e-step safely between all other traffic? ”

The spokesperson from Veilig Verkeer Nederlands also warns people to be careful with these e-steps.

How did the E-step come to be?

It seems like projects in Tilburg are always oriented towards sustainability and innovation. From repurposing old buildings to having the largest citizen’s initiative, the city of Tilburg is always primed for something new and exciting. It has a booming music scene and thriving cultural scene, so a day trip to Tilburg might be just what the doctor ordered.

As Ben Smit of City Marketing Tilburg says, “in Tilburg, we are always looking for innovative ways to make our city more livable, attractive, sustainable and accessible.” And what is better, more sustainable and fun than an E-step when you’re visiting or living in Tilburg? It runs on changeable batteries and is now allowed on roads! So it’s super easy to get around, and even the most technologically challenged person can get a hang of it.

How can I get an E-step in Tilburg?

It costs 49.50 euros per person and is totally worth it! You can book one in advance through the Ticket to Tilburg website. Then, just head on over to Doloris between 10 – 10:30 am. The representatives from Citysteps B.V will be waiting for you with at least 20 E-steps. They will go through some safety measures and show you how to work it so that you feel comfortable using it. They will give you a map of which route to take and then you can be on your merry way. Be sure to return by 3 pm, though otherwise you risk getting a fine of 50 euros per bike.

e-steps in Tilburg
Pick up the e-step from in front of Doloris! Image: Ticket to Tilburg/Supplied

Where can I go with the E-step in Tilburg?

You will receive a map of the route which will take you through all the sites in Tilburg. Your first stop will be one of the largest forests in Tilburg, at Oude Waranade. Stop by Grotto to get a nice hot cuppa with some cake, and then you can be on your merry way.

Coffee and cake at Grotto. Image: Ticket to Tilburg/Supplied

On this route, you will get a little taste of the city’s nature and their quintessential Dutch architecture (they really have a stunning city center). Just zip through Piushaven and stop at Villa Pastorie for lunch. After a hearty meal, you will end your journey at Doloris again where you can enjoya drink and their rooftop views. For the full route and see what is included in the price, check out Ticket to Tilburg.

Trialing the E-Step

There are a total of 20 E-Steps that have been approved. They will be trialled until March 21. If successful, they will roll out 100-200 of these: a full-fledged fleet of E-Steps in Tilburg!

Would you go on one of these e-steps? Have you been on a tour on an electric scooter? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Ticket to Tilburg/Supplied

Man beat train conductor unconscious in Breda; still at large

DutchReview Crew
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Man beat train conductor unconscious in Breda; still at large

The police are on the lookout for the man who beat a 63-year-old conductor unconscious on September 28, reports NOS. Although the incident happened in Breda a while back, it has just come to light. They have released surveillance footage where the man can be clearly seen.

The man in question was on the international train from Brussels to Amsterdam. He was travelling without a valid ticket. The conductor seized his fake one and asked him to buy a new ticket at Breda Central Station. As she got off the train for a break at the station, the man followed her and hit her very hard on her head.

The offender is a 35-year-old man who is said to have a Flemish accent. He is short (1.65m) and was wearing a white jacket and black pants, reports NU.nl. He has short, black hair. He quickly fled the scene of the crime at around 6:30 pm.

The surveillance cameras were able to record the whole incident, but do know that the video contains disturbing images and violence.

If you have any leads or tips, you can pass them over to the police through here. 

Feature Image: Politie Bureau Breda/Omroep Brabant/Screencap

The Dutch are roasting their new international tourism logo (and it’s hilarious)

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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The Dutch are roasting their new international tourism logo (and it’s hilarious)

The Dutch government unveiled their new international tourism logo last Friday. In one key difference, they’re now branding as ‘the Netherlands’ instead of ‘Holland’. In another significant change, the new logo sucks – or so Dutch Twitter thinks. 

Twitter is heating up and turning some of that infamous Dutch Directness back on the government. The results? Pure gold.

While the new logo incorporates a tulip into the branding, the Dutch just really think that it could have been done better – especially considering the hefty 200,000 euros price tag.

But, according to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag, the price tag is ‘very normal’.

“You recognize a country by this,” Minister Kaag told RTLZ. “When it comes to billions of euros and many jobs in the Netherlands, 200,000 euros, as a one-off investment, is a small amount.”

Out with the old, in with the new. Top: old logo, Bottom: new logo.

What does Dutch Twitter think?

Needless to say, they’re not impressed. A stack of graphic designers have jumped in critiquing the logo for various graphic design failings, in particular, a lack of symmetry.

“The tulip is not symmetrical. I repeat. The tulip is not symmetrical.”

“Okay, summary: – ‘the’ is missing – the tulip is not recognizable – the tulip is asymmetrical – the left leg of the left-N is weirdly shaped – the bottom leg of the L is too long – the L looks like a joint – the capital letter N in Netherlands is too small – the t is shorter than the h”

 Some people pointed out that perhaps the tulip, which originally hails from Turkey, was perhaps not the most representative of the Netherlands. They had some other ideas.

“The Netherlands has a new logo. We are no longer the land of tulips. The N and L together form a chimney.”

Or perhaps a different kind of smoke.


We think this one will really appeal to all the teenagers who buy t-shirts from street vendors.

“My entry didn’t make it …”

It’s always important with these kinds of investments to ensure that the logo will remain current for years to come. Thanks @BirdUtterance!

“I have made the logo future-proof:”

And some of the new suggestions are downright rude, but we’re putting it in here anyway. Who are we to block creative freedom?

Despite the government announcing the rebrand from ‘Holland’ to ‘the Netherlands’ they appear to have forgotten the ‘the’ in the final copy.

 But we like this one better anyway.

What do you think of the new Dutch logo? Stunningly designed and well worth the money? Or could you have done better on the Windows 98 version of Paint? Let us know in the comments below!

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