Speakers & Moderators

Philosopher and psychologist by training, this Franco-Dutchman left his native Netherlands to pursue a doctorate in philosophy in Paris in 1996. He entered diplomacy in the field of law enforcement and later dedicated himself to peacebuilding as a diplomatic attaché to UNESCO. Wanting to contribute locally, he founded the association FARàVélo in Fontenay-aux-Roses (92) in 2017 and took the initiative to unite cycling associations in the southern suburbs of Paris. A remarkable success followed: in March 2019, the Collectif Vélo Île-de-France (8,000 members) was born, with Stein van Oosteren as its spokesperson. The citizens' collective outlined a plan for a regional cycling network, “VIF,” which the Île-de-France region decided to fund with €300 million. A polyglot with significant media exposure, he continues to lead the debate on cycling in France and abroad. Notably, he published Pourquoi pas le vélo? and contributes as a columnist for 200 magazine.
©Valentin Cebron