The association Vrienden van de Veerponten (Friends of the Ferries for Foot Passengers) was founded on 30 March 1982 to support and promote ferries for foot passengers and cyclists in The Netherlands, to put the discontinued foot ferries into service again, and to initiate new ferries.
From the Middle Ages on hundreds of ferries were the shortest and most direct connections across all kinds of waters (rivers, canals and lakes) in The Netherlands. In the sixties of the last century the fast growth of motor traffic and of building bridges caused the disappearance of many ferries.
Since the last decennium there is an understanding that the foot ferries are a fast, cheap, sustainable and ecological way to travel without making a detour. Many of these ferries are a link in networks of going to school or work, and in walking and cycling routes.
The association has been successful in fulfilling all of its goals during the last 35 years. The number of foot ferries has more than tripled. At the moment there are more than 300 ferries in The Netherlands. And it’s still growing.
Membership
If you want to support us, you can make a donation or apply for membership.
A minimal annual payment of € 5.00 is required for a membership. Please pay the amount into our Triodos-bank account.
BIC: TRIONL2U
IBAN: NL39 TRIO 0379 6423 01
Please state as beneficiary ‘Vrienden van de Veerponten’ and as payment description ‘nieuw lid’ (new member).
See also our webpage lidmaatschap and fill in the form.