The Netherlands is considered by many to be a paradise for cyclists. With his creative mind and sense of humor, the Dutch have developed many unique ideas for their bicycles. For the sole purpose of bikes, which are inherently simple but can best serve life needs such as carrying goods, carrying families, sheltering from the rain, etc.
Visit any city or town in the country, and you’ll find that the dense network of bike paths is a vital component of the transportation system. Hundreds and thousands of cyclists race to work or home as if there was no tomorrow.
‘Cargo-Bike Moms’ Are Gentrifying the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the utility bike bakfiets have become a symbol, and a tool, of urban mobility.
The Dutch use their bicycles to carry groceries, electronics and sometimes furniture. It is not uncommon to see one parent riding a bike with one child in front, another in the back, and a third child cycling independently.
Bicycles for Dutch children to go to school together
In an age of rising gas prices and skyrocketing rates of childhood obesity, Dutch educators have devised a brilliant way to get kids to and from school – by letting them pedal there on their own a whole new fleet of buses.
Each bike is designed to hold 11 kids 12 years and under, who, along with an adult driver, provide the pedal power to drive them to and from school. For those times when the youth team isn’t enough, like on-ramps or when only a handful of passengers are dropped off, an integrated electric motor is available to provide extra impetus.
The bicycles in the full bloom in Amsterdam
Brightly colored bicycles decorated with flowers, butterflies and clocks have been popping up all over Amsterdam for years.
The bicycles are not the work of a mythical Dutch bicycle fairy but an American man in his 50s named Warren Gregory.
Affectionately known as the Flower Bicycle Man, Warren’s bike decorating business began when his wife couldn’t find her bike in Amsterdam Central. Warren’s wife, Michelle, has had epilepsy for years and often struggles to remember details like where she parked her bike – though, let’s face it, finding your bike in the garage Cycling in the Netherlands is a nightmare for anyone!
In a country that loves bicycles, it’s no wonder Warren has become a national treasure in Amsterdam. People love Warren’s bikes, and many insist on paying for his creations. He customizes bikes for individuals and has even worked with a perfume company in Amsterdam. So if you’re thinking of buying a new bike, why not dazzle it by Flower Bike Man!
Cycling skills in the rain
The Netherlands is a country of showers. So the odds, when you are leisurely cycling to enjoy the weather and then get caught in the rain, is very high. But don’t worry, the Dutch can always cope with everything, especially the weather.
The raincoat is always the best choice. But remember to combine with a rain hat and rain pants. These will protect you from the rains and flooding of the Netherlands.
Some people believe in umbrellas, but you can see how useful they are in the images below!
Some other crazy ideas with bicycles that the Dutch came up with!
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