Amsterdam
Amsterdam is well known as a world leader in bicycle use. When traveling through the city, you see bikes everywhere, being used by everyone, from children to grandparents. Often, the bikes lanes are larger than the car lanes.
When I first asked my Dutch friend how far her city was from Amsterdam, she told me it was 30 minutes away by bicycle. I’d never heard anybody refer to a distance in bicycle minutes before, so it was very clear to me that bicycles were very important to the Dutch culture.
I interviewed my friend from Amsterdam about the biking culture in Amsterdam. I found her answers to be very interesting.
My friend and her Bicycle in Amsterdam
What is the bicycle culture like in Amsterdam?
Since Holland is flat the bike is, most of the time, the easiest way to get around. In the city, it is also the cheapest and fastest way to move. It’s easy to get around, easy to park anywhere, and last but definitely not least its very cheap. Parking, especially in Amsterdam, is extremely expensive. Many people have scooters as well, but I prefer my sweet bike.
Why is biking so common in Holland, rather than other countries?
Probably because the country is small and flat and everything is relatively easy to reach by bike.
What’s your favorite part about bicycling in Amsterdam?
On your bike, you are more in touch with the surroundings than when you are in a car, on a scooter, or on public transport. You see more and experience more with the bike.