Earlier this year, I came across a notice in the local newspaper: the organisers of the Evening Four-Day Walk (Avondvierdaagse) in Biddinghuizen were looking for additional traffic marshals. The message stayed with me.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the Avondvierdaagse is a popular Dutch walking event held in many towns across the country. Participants walk either 5 or 10 kilometres each evening for four consecutive days. Completing all four evenings earns them a medal and, for many children, a real sense of achievement. In Biddinghuizen, the event is organised by Stichting IJsvogel, a dedicated volunteer organisation that brings together families, friends, neighbours and volunteers for four evenings of outdoor fun, exercise and community spirit.
Walking has always been something I enjoy. As a child, I took part in the Evening Four-Day Walk several times, and even after primary school I often continued walking it together with my mother. To this day, I still enjoy spending time outdoors on walks. That is exactly why I felt it was important for today’s children to have the same opportunity: walking together, being outside, and enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the event.
So I decided to volunteer. I completed the required training, submitted my availability, and before I knew it, I was standing in Biddinghuizen at 4:45 PM on May 19th, ready for my very first shift as a traffic marshal.
With my mother’s car and my folding bike in the back, I headed to the meeting point. The bike turned out to be the perfect way to move quickly between different locations. What immediately stood out to me was how well organised everything was. No fewer than 25 new traffic marshals had joined this year. New volunteers were paired with experienced marshals, allowing us to learn from one another and receive practical advice. It created a welcoming and reassuring atmosphere from the very start.
After a briefing on the route, we received our radios and, of course, our high-visibility safety vests. Then came the waiting for the walkers to arrive. Despite a little rain, the mood remained positive and everyone seemed cheerful and enthusiastic.
The second day brought a little more challenge. My two locations were further apart, and one of them was at a particularly busy intersection. Three of us worked together there to keep everything running safely. It was a completely new experience for me to manage traffic, trucks and pedestrians at the same time. Our team consisted of three women: one with extensive experience, one with experience at other events, and me as a complete newcomer. That combination worked surprisingly well. Everyone supported one another, and the experienced volunteers were always willing to share their knowledge.
Afterwards, we stayed for a drink and a chat. That social side of volunteering made the experience even more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend on Thursday due to caregiving commitments. I was disappointed to miss a day, but sometimes other responsibilities need attention too.
Friday was the final day and things worked a little differently. The traffic marshals were divided into teams for the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre routes. I was assigned to the 5-kilometre team. Before reaching my designated position, we first covered several other locations. From the start, all traffic marshals travelled by bicycle to ensure every crossing point was secured before the walkers arrived.
On previous days, participants mainly used the pavements. On the final day, however, much of the route took place on the road itself. While the walkers followed the route, we moved via pavements and narrow alleyways to reach the next crossing point in time. Sometimes it was quite a race to get everywhere on schedule, but the teamwork was impressive.
One thing that really stood out was the appreciation we received from the walkers. Throughout the event, people regularly gave us a thumbs-up, smiled or thanked us as they passed. Those simple gestures made it clear that our efforts were noticed and valued.
When the last walkers reached the finish safely, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Pride in what we had achieved together. My compliments go to everyone involved in organising the event. Thanks to clear instructions, good communication and the cooperation between experienced and new traffic marshals, everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
Perhaps what I enjoyed most was working with different people every day. You meet new faces, learn different ways of doing things, and see just how much community spirit exists when people volunteer their time.
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
In fact, probably sooner than I expect. For now, the Evening Four-Day Walk is over, but I am already curious about what my next event as a traffic marshal might be.
Volunteering is about much more than helping. It is about meeting people, learning new skills, working together and contributing to something that brings enjoyment to others. And that is exactly what made this first experience so special to me.
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