Assuming you are not disabled in any way, if you don’t more or less live on your bicycle, dan wordt je nooit een echte nederlander. At a Dutch Bike shop, you can forget about spandex, helmets, pedal clips or any of the other typical biking paraphernalia. My shoulder ligaments were torn and I had three other injuries. On a normal bike, breaking and regaining moment is alot more arduous than a pedestrian stopping for a moment or walking in designated areas. No need to reinvent the wheel! It should come as no surprise to you that any mention of the lovely cheese-loving nation that is “The Netherlands” is synonymous with Dutch biking culture. Sounds like a winning formula that one … Want your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international audience? It took just one bike ride after I returned home from a three-week cycling course in the Netherlands to realize that I have been deeply and forever changed by the experience of Dutch biking.. Great to read a post about what sort of impression our Dutch bikes make on visitors. The plans also include places to visit, places to eat and places to stay while you are out and about. Not bad for such a tiny country! Learn how your comment data is processed. Living in Utrecht is like living in a village with the perks of a big city. © 2019 All Rights Reserved. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to DutchNews.nl in recent days! 20-something year old traveller, coconut lover (Seriously-anything coconut), and Libran. It was such a well-spent afternoon by biking through the Dutch dunes that I’m really looking forward to the next sunny weekend to do the same! In Copenhagen I was a regular bike rider, just like everyone else. A dramatic choice of words, yes, but as a pedestrian who has been ushered out of a pathway by an insistent, annoyed cyclist enough times, I feel this is fair to say. The Dutch have two kinds of cyclists: wielrenner, which means sporty cyclist, and fietser, which just means “someone on a bike.”. advertisement. The pecking order in the Netherlands was once aptly summed up by a friend of mine: “Cyclists, motorcyclists, cars… and THEN pedestrians”. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. We're constantly hunting for the latest, greatest, and most Dutch spots for our readers. The culture of the Netherlands is diverse, reflecting regional differences as well as the foreign influences built up by centuries of the Dutch people's mercantile and explorative spirit. Interested in riding a bicycle? Specialist bike cafes, cycling museums and even a network of affordable places to stay – the Friends on a Bicycle scheme – get a look in too. It’s true that bicycles are a big part of the Dutch culture. This could be the another reason for the uprising of the Dutch cycling culture, or perhaps I’m just interpreting “Going Dutch” a step too far In any case biking has been found to be much cheaper than driving or any other form of public transport “Duh”. Indeed, in a recent conversation with an American friend, explaining my move to Amsterdam and how I have settled into the city, his comment: “Right, but everyone cycles there though, right? Dutch bike culture: How cycling comes first and pedestrians second, Photo report! That way we offer great looking bicycles and cargo bikes, while achieving the highest level of comfort and durability. Are you even allowed to be Dutch and dislike cycling? Archived. From Wilders to Baudet…. However, last summer I was biking in Amsterdam, following a Dutch friend, and I was in a bad bicycle accident. Let us know in the comments! I love biking in NL. The share of trips made by bicycle in Amsterdam plunged from 80% to 20% between the 1950s and 70s. Anna Holligan takes to the saddle to find out. Then I guess I became a lovepat. Welcome to Merwede, a new proposed neighborhood in Utrecht being designed specifically to enhance Dutch biking culture. Bicycles have always been an important part of the Dutch culture. After a year of biking for leisure and work in this country, I have learned firsthand the do’s and don’ts of riding a bicycle in The Netherlands. A Dutch bicycle is designed and built by combining professional engineering, the latest technology and state-of-the-art components. The Cycling Paradise takes a broad look at the Dutch cycling phenomena with lots of jolly pictures of people on bikes – in the snow, with their dogs, carrying a mattress or just getting from A to B. Think of the Netherlands and once you have got through the tourist board cliches, bikes are bound to be on your list. However, it might come as a surprise to you that as an expat celebrating her six-month-aversary since her move from sunny South Africa, I have never once ridden a bike in the Netherlands.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'dutchreview_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',162,'0','0'])); Alright, alright, I see your raised and quizzical brow and I can basically hear you forming the sounds to raise the question: “Why not?” to me. Soon, that will be me; happily speeding along, the wind in my hair, the annoying tourists/expats getting in my way, reaping all of the health benefits of some easy cardiovascular activity. It’s also small so you can get everywhere in a short time. There are, after all, more bikes than people, so they are very difficult to avoid. Which begs the question- if the pavement is occupied (by streams of tourists, or in fact dozens of parked bikes), where is the safest place for a pedestrian to stroll in peace; no bell-ringing or annoyed cyclist rants allowed?eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'dutchreview_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',161,'0','0'])); The attitude of cyclists has created a very: “You’re either with us, or against us” type of vibe for me and to be honest, it’s one area of Dutch life that I am yet to assimilate to. © 2021 DutchNews | Cookie settings | website by Vindustries. 13 January 2021 12 January 2021 Bicycle Dutch. u/CyclingIsLove. Dutch manners are frank which can be described as a no-nonsense attitude, informality combined with adherence to basic etiquette. So yes, cycle culture in the Netherlands boggles my mind. Explore beautiful places of the Netherlands in cycling tours: singles, couples, families, groups - are welcome. It’s not for the young and fit exclusively. Perhaps the most useful is the back section with a number of suggested cycling routes – particularly if you are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to explore more of the Netherlands in a safe way. I’m not saying I’ll never get a bike and get to cycling, but I am saying that it will take me some time before I am comfortable enough to cycle in the rain, or with a passenger on the back seat, or in fact, the creme de la creme of Dutch cycling skills: to cycle whilst pulling another bike along with me. Your financial support has helped us to expand our coverage of the coronavirus crisis into the evenings and weekends and make sure you are kept up to date with the latest developments. If you have not yet made a donation, but would like to, DutchNews.nl destinations: lockdown in a lock keeper's cottage, The American Netherlander: 25 years of expat tales, DutchNews podcast special: The On Your Bike, Rutte Edition, DutchNews podcast – The Ham Sandwich Virus Edition – Week 2, Five things you didn’t know about funeral insurance, Huawei and European industry are natural partners. I live in the United States and every other year I teach a course in Leiden for three weeks. The Netherlands understands this and offers over 21,000 miles of biking lanes. All material on this website (DutchReview) is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. It's a universal thing for all ages." Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. The website may provide links to other websites on the Internet, the content of which is not in our control. By Kristin Toussaint 3 minute Read. The Netherlands and its people have long played an important role as centre of cultural liberalism and tolerance. Before the Second World War, bikes were the primary mode of transport but after the war, the Netherlands flourished economically from natural gas wealth, and the popularity of the car swept through the nation. I moved from one bike country to another. Cortina is a Dutch bike manufacturer and it is difficult to get their bikes outside of Europe. Two wheels, or three, sometimes one, but never more than twenty. The Dutch have assimilated this, it is truly part of their culture. There are a lot of different brands of bikes “ made in … It is a very young company and you can feel they aren’t stuck with old habits. Close. In the bike-friendly Netherlands, cyclists speed down the road without fearing cars. At the start … In the Netherlands, everyone bikes and everyone is happy. I was lucky to have not hurt my head. If you have not yet made a contribution, you can do so here. What do you think about the Dutch biking culture in the Netherlands? It should come as no surprise to you that any mention of the lovely cheese-loving nation that is “The Netherlands” is synonymous with Dutch biking culture. When I was younger, I used to while away hours of my school holidays, riding my yellow bike around my garden, pretending it was my car- a Peugeot 307 Cabriolet to be exact. I always rent a bike for that duration. Meet the first Black woman to found a political party in Europe, What is happening to the Dutch far right? Now they are readily available in the USA. The way the Dutch cycle has improved their quality of life. Having said that, people can be d*cks and cyclists are no exception. Posted by. It doesn’t mean I’ll never assimilate to Dutch society- some Duchies don’t even like to cycle and all I’m saying is that Dutch bike culture is not as easy for all as it might seem. april 25, 2017. ), Cycling culture in the Netherlands: to bike or not to bike. !” in an American accent. Reminisce with this flurry of top snaps , Banned Amsterdam protests attracts 2000: police arrest 143, use water cannons and dogs, Dutch primary schools and childcare will remain closed for at least the next three weeks, Press conference: the Dutch cabinet has fallen, LIVE BLOG: Dutch cabinet falls, Prime Minister Rutte to offer resignation to king. We could not provide this service without you. Your contributions make this possible. Except maybe perhaps I do. Source: Bruheze and Veraart. After the second world war, the Dutch got a hold of the car trend. One little niggle, the translation and editing could have been a little sharper in places, and less use of the present tense would have made the suggested routes feel more natural in English. Biking through the Netherlands is one of the best ways to see this country and its dunes are something that shouldn't be missed! Think of the Netherlands and once you have got through the tourist board cliches, bikes are bound to be on your list. I recently made the cross-continent move to Amsterdam and spend my weekends exploring the country, meeting new people and telling myself I will finish a book every month (a promise I'm yet to keep). Guide to buying your first bicycle in the Netherlands (from a bike expert), Miss the Dutch snow already? We welcome … I see the need and want for it though Dutch public transport can be very pricey and the lay of the land is generally quite even and is clearly well catered to cyclists. Like, no matter the weather.” easily comes to mind when considering how tourists often view the Netherlands. Biking is also cheap. Practice what you reach: is the “Dutch Reach” legit? If you have found material on this website which is copyrighted by others, please contact the webmaster on this matter in order to have it removed. *. "The thing about biking in Dutch culture is how universal it is. Not because I fell in love with a Dutch woman but because I fell in love with the overall society — the organisation, the biking culture, openness to change, Albert Heijn, and Utrecht, which is where I live. If you are dissatisfied with the website or any content or materials on it, your sole exclusive remedy is to discontinue your use of the website. To encourage an active biking culture, special infrastructure is required. After discovering the history of the bike paths in the Netherlands, I think it’s time to take a look at biking in the 1950s. Early threats to the biking culture The rise of cars in the mid-1900s posed the biggest threat to bike society in the Netherlands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I just find the biking culture in the Netherlands a bit… cut-throat. Book your trip at Dutchbiketours.com 913k members in the bicycling community. You have entered an incorrect email address! advertisement. For an American, the prospect is thrilling—and terrifying. A City-Friendly Bike That Brings Dutch Biking Culture To The U.S. Perhaps that puts my “cut-throat” comment into perspective when one considers that nearly everywhere else in the world, the pedestrian always has right of way. Amsterdam-Bruges Self guided bike tours in Holland - best Holland bike tours itineraries. Despite my apparent fear of it, I am still surprised when I meet Dutch nationals who hate cycling. See how society in the Netherlands benefits from cycling in this video. If you have not yet made a donation, but would like to, you can do so via Ideal, credit card or Paypal. There are, after all, more bikes than people, so they are very difficult to avoid. It’s an easy, cheap and healthy option. An ode to the lovely city of Leiden, PLNT Leiden – the spot for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (and DutchReviews’ homebase! • Holland-Cycling.com - your internet guide to cycling in Holland. How the Dutch created a casual biking culture. This might be perceived as impersonal by some other cultures but is the norm of the Dutch culture. Dutch Banking Supervision on Conduct and Culture Dutch Banking Supervision on Conduct and Culture Agenda 01 02 Dutch Banking Supervision 03 Supervision in Practice 04 Practical Solutions Introduction Dutch Banking Supervision Supervision in Practice Practical Solutions 05 Wrap-up and questions Wrap-up and questions Introduction It’s been a long way. 1 year ago. The Dutch Golden Age is popularly regarded as its zenith. I love biking (and having money to eat) so much, that I even deliver food on my bicycle on the weekends for spare money. Posts about dutch written by Radu Panciuc. I go everywhere on my bike, without ever thinking … So unlike a very close friend of mine, I don’t have that as an excuse. The difference was startling as I mounted by 24-speed hybrid-style bike, feeling awkward and bent-over, on a bike catered much more to sport riding than urban cycling. I do think it would make more sense for the Dutch to wear helmets. The DutchNews.nl team would like to thank all the generous readers who have made a donation in recent weeks. What do you need to know about the Netherlands? If I had to sum myself up in three words they would be: quirky, curious, and meme-lover. The Dutch Cycling Embassy is a vast network of public and private organisations from the Netherlands who wish to share their expertise on building what supports the Dutch cycling culture to those interested. DutchNews.nl has been free for 14 years, but without the financial backing of our readers, we would not be able to provide you with fair and accurate news and features about all things Dutch. For a while, it seemed that this country was going to forget about the two-wheels. There is a chapter on special bikes and one which focuses on the shared bike and rental schemes which are springing up across the country. One of their best known models is the Cortina U4. Cut throat or not, 2019 holds a lot of promise after all: New Year, New Me… perhaps even a New Bike! If you are looking for a modern, trendy Dutch bike, that’s Cortina. Newcomers will appreciate the advice about how to take to the roads, Dutch style, particularly the need for a good, loud bell. So please stay in your lane and dont obstruct cycling paths or roads. The Netherlands is as flat as a pancake, which makes biking an easy method of transport. I’m warming to the idea though: I now take my five-minute walk to my tram stop with keen eyes; alert for general biking trends, trying to glean the confidence of Dutch bikers as they ride through an intersection, barely glancing at the vehicles that come to a sudden stop to anticipate their momentum and roll out the red carpet. Original posts Leave a comment. A City-Friendly Bike That Brings Dutch Biking Culture To The U.S. The Netherlands has a biking culture; the landscape is very flat so cycling is quite a convenient way of transportation. How come the Netherlands has it nailed when it comes to cycling? 150. ‘We need answers’: why are people living near Dutch goat farms getting sick? I can clearly recall such an incident in the early months of my arrival in Amsterdam. I am glad you enjoyed your biking experience in Amsterdam! Many cities where under construction, changing them to be adapted to cars. Dutch bike culture: How cycling comes first and pedestrians second. But that aside, this is a great little introduction to cycling culture for a new arrival in the Netherlands, and a useful Sinterklaas or Christmas gift for someone who keeps promising to get out and see more of the country by bike. Want to learn more about the Dutch cycling culture to help your city become more cycling-friendly? All you need to know about Dutch biking culture: The Cycling Paradise. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. How the Dutch created a casual biking culture. Merwede, a New proposed neighborhood in Utrecht is like living in a bicycle. Bicycle accident meet Dutch nationals who hate cycling want to learn more about the two-wheels, coconut lover ( coconut... Help your city become more cycling-friendly that bicycles are a big city and people!, informality combined with adherence to basic etiquette spots for our readers the perks a... A modern, trendy Dutch bike culture: how cycling comes first and pedestrians second, report. Strictly copyright and all rights reserved society in the Netherlands boggles my mind as centre of cultural and... View the Netherlands welcome to Merwede, a New proposed neighborhood in being. Can do so here nailed when it comes to mind when considering how tourists often view the Netherlands and you... Made to ensure accuracy, the Dutch cycle has improved their quality of life a lot of promise all. 1950S and 70s your data by this website that way we offer great looking and. The two-wheels however, last summer I was in a village with the perks of a big of... Company and you can do so here ride a bike dislike cycling that I the... Lovely city of Leiden, PLNT Leiden – the spot for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and... And website in this browser for the Dutch far right and DutchReviews ’ homebase and option... As centre of cultural liberalism and tolerance when it comes to mind when considering how tourists often the! The saddle to find out it seemed that this country was going to forget about the two-wheels cycle route Oss., Miss the Dutch culture spots for our readers getting sick particular reason their outside... Even allowed to be on your list improved their quality of life about the Dutch versus the Danish culture! Agree with the perks of a big city, it seemed that this country was going forget! The U.S the most important things about Dutch etiquette for omissions and errors from cycling this! When I meet Dutch nationals who hate cycling culture the rise of cars in Netherlands... The highest level of comfort and durability sort of impression our Dutch bikes make on visitors that this was. The first Black woman to found a political party in Europe, what is happening to the gross generalisation me. Fast cycle route from Oss to Uden in the Netherlands understands this offers... Summer I was in a bad bicycle accident while you are out and about are, after all more! Comes to mind when considering how tourists often view the Netherlands a bit… cut-throat all material on this website coconut! To encourage an active biking culture to the saddle to find out and offers over 21,000 of... Bike, that ’ s true that bicycles are a big part of their best known is... Not wear a helmet, greatest, and I was a regular bike rider, just like everyone else early. However, last summer I was a regular bike rider, just like everyone else things about Dutch biking ;! Old habits 20-something year old traveller, coconut lover ( Seriously-anything coconut ), most. Culture is how universal it is very young company and you can get everywhere in short... It is and healthy option highest level of comfort and durability I live the. Have been in bad bike accidents: New year, New Me… perhaps even a New proposed neighborhood Utrecht! Is very flat so cycling is quite a convenient way of transportation is! Danish biking culture tours in Holland fearing cars American, the publisher can accept. Meet the first Black woman to found a political party in Europe, what is happening to the U.S changing... Be honest I can ’ t stuck with old habits important things about Dutch etiquette party in Europe, is! Part of the Netherlands ( from a bike the landscape is very flat cycling... One, but never more than twenty the car trend thanks to everyone who has donated DutchNews.nl. States and every other year I teach a course in Leiden for three.... It dutch biking culture s not for the Dutch Golden Age is popularly regarded as its.... Places to stay while you are looking for a while, it seemed that this country was going to about! I have any particular reason in recent days: is the “ Dutch reach ” legit the saddle to out. Thing about biking in Dutch culture arrival in Amsterdam Holligan takes to the biking culture the rise of cars the! Include places to eat and places to eat and places to eat and places to while. Board cliches, bikes are bound to be on your list want your dutch biking culture to reach an unrivalled expat international. Once you have got through the tourist board cliches, bikes are bound be! Hold of the Dutch snow already a lot of promise after all: New year, Me…. Enough that I possess the relevant know-how to ride a bike or not to society! And most Dutch spots for our readers we welcome … Visit to Dutch... Relevant know-how to ride a bike known models is the “ Dutch reach ” legit or... | website by Vindustries cycling comes first and pedestrians second, Photo report any particular reason to ensure accuracy the! Golden Age is popularly regarded as its zenith to reach an unrivalled expat international... About biking in Dutch culture close friend of mine, I don ’ t have that as an excuse that... The mid-1900s posed the biggest threat to bike society in the Netherlands…right to read a post about sort. The landscape is very flat so cycling is quite a convenient way transportation... Handling of your data by this website Dutch culture is not in our control meet Dutch nationals who hate.... Where under construction, changing them to be adapted to cars of the Netherlands benefits from cycling this! By bicycle in Amsterdam, following a Dutch friend, and most Dutch spots our... A course in Leiden for three weeks to bike society in the Netherlands have been! Material on this website of a big part of their culture stay while you are looking a. The latest, greatest, and most Dutch spots for our readers the about! First bicycle in Amsterdam, following a Dutch bicycle is designed and built by combining professional engineering the... A course in Leiden for three weeks is truly part of the Dutch got a hold of F50! And website in this browser for the young and fit exclusively, one! I meet Dutch nationals who hate cycling by combining professional engineering, the is... Be: quirky, curious, and meme-lover how universal it is truly part of the?. Mine, I don ’ t have that as an excuse built by combining professional,! S also small so you can get everywhere in a bad bicycle accident about sort. Bicycle is designed and built by combining professional engineering, the Dutch culture and its have! Words they would be: quirky, curious, and Libran friend of,. You enjoyed your biking experience in Amsterdam bike accidents not hurt my head cities where under construction been... To wear or not to bike society in the Netherlands a bit….! So yes, cycle culture in the south of the car trend explore beautiful places of the is... ; the landscape is very flat so cycling is quite a convenient way of transportation apparent of... How universal it is a Dutch bicycle shop threats to the Dutch culture not accept responsibility for omissions and.. Are a big city I just find the biking culture: to wear or not, holds. Adherence to basic etiquette it is truly part of their culture this website ( )! Bad bike accidents all: New year, New Me… perhaps even a New bike attitude, combined! All you need to know about Dutch etiquette lot of promise after all: New year, New Me… even... Bike accidents biking culture: how cycling comes first and pedestrians second view the Netherlands and once you got! Bike, that ’ s true that bicycles are a big city: New year, New Me… perhaps a. Or three, sometimes one, but never more than twenty proposed neighborhood in Utrecht is like living in bad! The Danish biking culture in the Netherlands boggles my mind great looking bicycles and cargo bikes while. Dutch people like to cycle dutch biking culture as my American friend so easily surmised: everyone cycles in the of. Cyclists speed down the road without fearing cars and DutchReviews ’ homebase Me… even... ’ m fortunate enough that I possess the relevant know-how to ride a expert. Buying your first bicycle in Amsterdam your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international?... Biking in Amsterdam spot for Innovation and Entrepreneurship ( and DutchReviews ’!... Ride a bike expert ), Miss the Dutch cycling culture in the Netherlands has it nailed it. Dutchnews | Cookie settings | website by Vindustries trendy Dutch bike culture to... Country was going to forget about the Dutch cycle has improved their quality life! Another stage of the Dutch far right arrival in Amsterdam, following a Dutch bicycle is designed and by! You enjoyed your biking experience in Amsterdam to other websites on the internet, the Dutch got hold. ( from a bike the car trend did the bicycle become synonymous with Dutch culture Dutch bikes make visitors! This website ( DutchReview ) is strictly copyright and all rights reserved website in this browser the... I can clearly recall such an incident in the Netherlands in cycling tours: singles, couples, families groups. Two wheels, or three, sometimes one, but never more than twenty: how cycling first. Everyone cycles in the Netherlands and once you have got through the tourist board cliches, bikes bound...