* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt organised the fifth Orange Bike Day with more than 5,000 cyclists participating on Friday morning. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and sustainable business practices, supported by the slogan: Orange is the new Green. The event was planned with the support of Egypt's Global Biking Initiative and Abou El Goukh, as well as sponsors Fayrouz, E7gezly for online booking, and Dutch companies Farm Frites, Frico, and Unilever. In his opening speech, Dutch ambassador to Cairo Laurens Westhoff emphasised that the cycling tour is part of the embassy's continued efforts to promote bicycles as a clean, efficient, and sustainable alternative means of transport in Egypt. The Netherlands is one of the forerunners in the use of bicycles and the adaptation of cycling infrastructure to lessen traffic and pollution within cities. Ambassador Westhoff pointed out that Orange Bike Day has grown from only 400 participants in 2012 to more than 5,000 cyclists this year. The ambassador also explained the relevance of the colour orange to the Netherlands, stating: "Orange is the colour of the Dutch royal family. The Netherlands closely identifies with this color, which has come to symbolise our country." Dutch citizens therefore wear orange during national events, including sporting competitions.
