Biking

A Dutch woman asked me what Americans think of the Dutch. I told her that most Americans probably had never heard of the Netherlands – after all, some infamous surveys in the early Aughts suggested that 10% of Americans couldn’t locate Texas on a map, and only about 15% of Americans could identify Iraq. But then I realized that there are a few things Dutch that Americans are probably aware of. Clogs, windmills, the fact that the Pilgrims settled here for a bit before making it across the ocean, and the quasi-legality of prostitution and marijuana. But I’m doubtful that many people in the U.S. have much of an idea of what everyday Dutch life is like, or what social life is like in the Netherlands.

I’m guessing that a random person transported from Alabama to Amsterdam would find the bicycling norms here much more remarkable than the marijuana. Given the compact nature of the country (about the size of New Jersey, with one of the highest population densities in the world) and its relatively flat landscape, the Dutch government decided to invest heavily in bicycle infrastructure in the past. Most large streets have a small two land road for cars, a bicycle “lane” that is really a separate road on either side of the street, and a sidewalk for pedestrians. Cars generally yield to bicycles at all times, and I’ve heard that a driver will always be cited for a collision with a bicycle, even if the cyclist was clearly at fault.

Because it’s expensive, frustrating, and generally inconvenient to drive in the city, most people in Amsterdam get around by bike. This creates an interesting semi-organized chaos during “rush hour” at the beginning and end of work hours. This video was shot by someone in Utrecht, which is about 20 miles outside of Amsterdam.

Things pick up around the one minute mark.

Outside of transporting large objects like furniture, people seem to use their bikes for every possible type of trip. It’s very normal for people here, but it can seem a little odd coming from the U.S. People haul their dogs, children, and groceries on their handlebars, small platforms on the back of the bikes, or large baskets. Every level of society is represented on the bike paths; there are businessmen dressed in suits, children as young as eight and adults as old as 80, tourists, natives, and immigrants, and an equal number of male and female riders.

I thought it would be fun to walk around town today and take pictures of people riding their bikes in Amsterdam to share with friends and family in the U.S. These were taken on a Sunday, so there were fewer people out than during a weekday, and fewer bikers in business suits. But I still got a nice variety of riders. Most of these were taken in the Vondelpark, the largest park in the city.

Dutch cyclists usually signal by simply pointing in the direction they'll be turning

This is a collapsing bike that people can fold up and carry on a train and then use in the city.

Not sure if these two are an item, or just good friends.

Even for Amsterdam, this is a pretty small car.

I'm guessing this is a family riding together.

People often text and talk on their phones while riding, but I didn't get any pictures of people on cell phones. I did get this shot of a guy eating while riding.

Several bicycle taxis were advertising the torture museum.

Most Dutch bikes have two locks: one that is attached to the bike and passes a metal bolt between the spokes when parks, and a larger chain lock to attach to bike racks or posts.

This Giant has seen better days.

My bike (the one with the blue chain).

Most Dutch bikes have only one gear and are built to deal with rain, collisions, and potential theft. You do see road bikes occasionally, though they're usually stored inside homes to protect them from theft and the elements.

This dog doesn't look thrilled.

Rental bikes are popular among tourists. You can instantly tell that someone on one of these bikes is a foreigner.

This girl was hitching a ride with her friend, who was on a scooter.