Stakeholders in and around National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug (NPUH) have developed a joint vision on sustainable recreational mobility in and around the nature area. The vision aims to reduce car dependency and encourage visitors to travel more sustainably by walking, cycling and public transport.
As part of Pilot A within the MONA project, Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park (NPUH) is encouraging a shift towards more sustainable travel options, including walking and cycling, by reducing reliance on private cars. MONA has been reporting on the progress along the way.
Download the English summary of the vision document.
Broad collaboration
Representatives from governments, land management organisations, transport providers, visitor groups and nature organisations were involved in the making of the project. Such as: the Province of Utrecht, municipalities, NS (Dutch Railways), ProRail (Dutch railways network infrastructure), ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club), Routebureau Utrecht, (Regional Routing agency), the NPUH Youth Council and Visio (Centre of expertise for people with visuals impairments). Both public officials and political decision-makers were actively involved.
The development of the joint vision was facilitated by the National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug Foundation, within the framework of MONA, with process guidance by consultancy firm Rebel Group (Living Mobility).
From long-term goals to concrete actions
In 2024 and 2025, stakeholders collaborated through a series of workshops, with forecasting and backcasting, and administrative meetings. They worked towards a shared long-term vision for 2050. The long-term vision is supported by concrete ambitions for the short (2026) and medium-term (2035), ensuring that long-term goals are translated into realistic and actionable steps. Experts assessed the feasibility of the vision across different modes of transport, including active mobility, public transport, shared mobility and car use.
In addition to the long-term vision, a concise development agenda was created, outlining concrete actions needed in the short and medium term to make the 2050 vision achievable.
A joint vision based on seven mobility principles
This process resulted in a joint vision based on seven guiding mobility principles, presenting a joint regional perspective for 2050. It is a broadly supported vision. However, it has not been formally established by all involved parties. By fostering consensus and commitment, the vision offers direction and ensures alignment toward common goals, while establishing the key focus areas needed to achieve them. The full vision (Dutch) can be accessed here.
Declaration of intent for Cooperation on Sustainable Recreational Mobility
In December 2025, public authorities, landowners, transport providers and regional partners signed a declaration of intent, confirming their shared commitment to continued cooperation on a sustainable recreational mobility system in and around the National Park.
The next phase will focus on translating the vision into a practical and implementable approach, ensuring a green, accessible and future-proof mobility system for the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.