Many people associate Amsterdam with canals, Anne Frank and tulips among other things. After our brief visit a couple of years ago, there is now only one word that comes to mind for me – Bicycles. We were used to seeing many bikers around the beach paths here in Southern California but it was nothing compared to Amsterdam. It was astonishing to see so many people on bikes and just the sheer amount of bicycles all over the city. No wonder the Dutch capital was perfectly dubbed as Bicycle City.
They rode their bikes more than recreational past times. Bikes were a way of life and their primary means to get around. It has been said that an average Amsterdammer owns 1.5 bicycles. There are about 600,000 bikes for Amsterdam’s 750,000 residents resulting to 40% of all traffic. There were also 140 bicycle shops in the city.
This mode of transportation was so popular it was integrated into their daily city life. They have bike traffic lights, bike parking garages, multiple bike lanes and miles of bike paths more than any country in the world. They coexist with cars and trams but also making them the easiest way to get around the city. Many bike routes were built all over the city that were not accessible to cars or the trams.
Bikes were customized to fit one’s daily life. Here’s one decorated to hold the kids or pets.
They even carried multiple people during the bike rides with so much ease and puts pedal power to the test.
Had a little too much to drink or can’t find your way home or back to the hotel? There were bike taxis (some more colorful than others) available at some street corners.
While we would have loved to tour Amsterdam riding bikes, it was just too bitter cold for us during our November visit. Surprisingly, we didn’t see anyone with helmets or neon vests. This was a bit strange to us coming from someplace where wearing helmets almost felt instinctive and was mandated. The relax attitude and confidence in navigating city streets and traffic were admirable. We saw some of them biking while eating, drinking, texting and talking on the phone and they all made it look effortless.
Bikes were parked everywhere and anywhere. There was supposedly a three-story, 4000-bike garage somewhere but we didn’t see that. We did see this mass of bikes on their central square, Dam Square.
How did they ever find their bikes among all of this? We saw some distinguising marks and creativity for identification. For the most part, they looked nearly alike. What about finding them in the dark?
Considering its popularity and abundance, bike theft is fairly common. Thieves have been known to paint stolen bikes immediately or stripped the bikes for parts to sell. They were obviously locked down in various ways as deterrents. Because no matter what form of personal transportation one has, losing it will be a tragedy and an inconvenience.
We will be in Copenhagen in a few weeks which is another bike friendly city. It will be interesting to see how its bike culture compares with Amsterdam. We’re hoping to explore the city on bikes and our kids are looking forward to sightseeing this way. Amsterdam was such a captivating city that left so much to be explored. We’d love to return during warmer weather though and experience it on bikes. Their cycling culture was fascinating and a delight to see especially for people like us who live in a very car-centric region.
*Have you biked around Amsterdam or explored other cities through bicycles?
I wasn’t so keen on Amsterdam precisely because of all the bikes. As I am not really used to places with so many bike lanes, I was a bit clumsy sometimes and ended up standing where I shouldn’t have. Once I got shouted at and insulted. Most of the time though, it was just difficult to constantly get out of bikes’ way on shared pavements. They never stop, like cars do, when traffic lights are red, and as you said, they never wear helmets, which is pretty irresponsible. They also have no consideration for pedestrians.
Sorry to hear about your experience, Denise! We did see how some were riding fast. For the most part, we went around via trams and walking in the pedestrianized street. I think where in most places, people stop and look out for pedestrians – in Amsterdam it’s the bikers one needs to be aware of.
Why should they wear helmets if they don’t want to? It’s purely personal choice. In a country like the Netherlands where drivers are used to driving around people on bikes then there really isn’t any need for helmets or high vis clothing.
I was in Amsterdam back in the 1970s. I vaguely remember all of the bikes.
I can’t remember if I rode one or not. I have a bad knee and
biking does not help it at all.
Great set of photos.
Thanks Nancie! Sorry to hear about your knee. I hope you make it back to Amsterdam and the good thing is they have those bike taxis now to take you around.
Beautiful photos of a beautiful city! I especially like the bike/don’t bike semaphore. I haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, but would love to visit. Another place for the list…
Thanks Allison! Amsterdam is definitely a great place to visit even with the kids. Just try to come during warmer weather. It makes a big difference in how you perceive a city.
Amsterdam is such a great place to travel to. It’s very interesting how bicycles are such a big part of life here. If more people around the world felt this way about riding bicycles,it could reduce a lot of the pollution that comes from driving cars.
I totally agree, Mary! It was amazing how much they loved their bikes. Amsterdam really is a model city for others to follow in building the infrastructure and starting a bike movement for any city or town. Other than reducing pollution, a lot pf people would be healthier too.
I love Amsterdam’s bike culture. I think that is part of the city’s appeal and gives it a real sense of community.
Copenhagen was the first European city that we took our kids to and it was the bicycles that made the biggest impression on them. We stayed across the street from the central train station and they were amazed by the number of bikes locked up there. We also found it interesting to watch the people riding their bikes to work in the morning – we saw one woman all dressed up in a business suit sitting completely upright on her bike and carrying her latte in one hand! You have to pay attention when you are getting out of taxis though because there is a bike lane between the sidewalk and where the car stops so you have to watch that you aren’t stepping out of the car in front of a bike.
Thanks for the tip, Lisa! I’ll be more aware of the bikers this time around and will be taking a lot of pictures. Bicycle culture post comparison will definitely be done. We saw quite a few businessmen riding bikes too. We can’t wait to join the Danes in their bike paths.
I love bicycling. When we’re in Germany, it’s my preferred mode of transport.Where we live right now in Paris, hilly Montmartre, I would like to bike too, but on an electric bike please.
We’d love to bike in Germany. We’ve been to the Montmarte area and I don’t blame you for wanting an electric one.
Your children will have fun in Copenhagen – at Tivoli, especially (it’s where Walt Disney got his inspiration). Biking is a very common form of transportation there. Not many helmets, but they do stop for red lights. Mostly…
Thanks for the warning Sophie! We’re so excited about visiting Tivoli.
I’ve recently got back from a trip to Amsterdam and my absolute favourite thing was just riding around on a bike. A great way to see the place and it’s so relaxing. I loved the fact that bikes were adapted to fit in with people’s lives and loved seeing people with huge boxes attached to the front that were filled with anything from fruit and veg to children and animals. Brilliant. When I got back to London I jumped straight on my bike but it just wasn’t the same :(
It was so great to see how people customized their bikes to adapt to their lifestyle. Those attached buggies were awesome. I wish we had ridden the bike taxis. How lucky for you to have enjoyed joining to locals to bike around the city. We definitely need to tdo that during our return.
My bike is my primary mode of transport, and it’s always a joy to see bike-friendly cities. Many in Europe are, and those that aren’t, are getting much better. Amsterdam is a great place to ride. And yes, I wear a helmet and (almost) always obey traffic signs and stop lights. Most cyclists do – we just tend to remember those who don’t.
I think it’s so great that many countries are adapting a bike culture which is wonderful for the environment and healthy for them. So glad to know you’re one of those who’s not car dependent.
We were also taken with the bikes and the boats of Amsterdam. Seattle is becoming a bike-friendly city but has a l-o-n-g way to go when compared to Amsterdam. Fun photos!
Thanks Jackie! We only see bikers here at the beach and a few on the back roads. I have been hearing about more bikers in Seattle including a friend’s husband who commutes to work occasionally. It’s just far too dangerous in Southern California to be in a bike.
1.5 bikes per Amsterdam? That’s awesome. And how healthy! We used to biking in the Netherlands when I was a kid, and I loved it because it was so flat. I do wonder how all of that works in bad weather. I’m doubt everybody has such a cool cover like shown in one of your pics.
Isn’t it crazy how many bikes they have? I’m sure they are one of the healthiest people around. I don’t think cold weather deters them from biking. We still saw a whole lot of them biking even with light snow showers.
I have heard that Amsterdam is a bikers town and your pictures prove it! In general I find European cities are much more bike friendly than even towns that consider themselves “green” her in the US. I was amazed at the number of bikers in tiny Bamberg Germany and am always amazed by the number in Munich! When in Munich make sure you are not standing in the bike lane!!!!
Thanks Debbie! It would be so wonderful to see Bavaria Germany on bikes. I’ve heard the Amsterdammers feel the same way about their bike lanes.
We were in Amsterdam years ago and I remember a couple lending us their bikes for the day. We had a lovely time exploring. Part of the culture of biking from what I’ve read lately, is due to the price o gas. Still I’m very impressed with the shear numbers of people and love the fact that the Dutch are crazy about their bikes. They have also started up an organization – in Dutch unfortunately though the website translates. It’s called Vrienden op de Fiets – of Friends of the Bike. For 8 Euros/year you get a list of 3600 B&B’s that charge no more than 19 Euros per person – IF – you arrive by bike or other non motorized means.
Thanks for all this great information, Leigh. What a cool concept. It’s also a very cheap lodging alternative. Way to go green Amsterdam!
I love this- I have a friend who lives there and whenever she comes back to visit America she always has a hard time.
Thanks. It must be a hard adjustment to go to a non-bike centric area or to even go around by car.
What a great way to get around. Good exercise and so much better for the environment. Back when I was going to high school that was the favorite mode of transportation. Some students rode 6 plus miles to school. It always surprised teachers who came from other parts of Jamaica or overseas to see all the bikes and the huge bike rack. Unfortunately, not many people ride anymore.
Thanks for sharing a little part of Jamaica’s bike history, Marcia. It’s too bad that they’re moving away from using more bikes.
Ah, every time I see photos from Amsterdam I’m so jealous! All my friends visited when we were in Europe but for some reason I didn’t go! This set makes me wish I had even more!
You’d love Amsterdam! Another reason to go back to Europe and make a pit stop here.
I didn’t use a bike while I was in Amsterdam, but really enjoyed seeing all the bikes and people-watching. Next time, I’d definitely like to do it. Great pics!
Thanks Cathy! You’re right it is a great place to people watch whether they’re on bikes or houseboats.
Seriously, no helmets? That’s nuts. Even if they’re traveling at a slow speed, there’s just so many cyclists packed into such a small area. I’d be nervous beyond belief.
Yup, no helmets even for the kids which would make me extremely nervous to make my kids ride and to drive around Amsterdam. I guess they’re just so used to riding around and I suppose so are the cars.
Amsterdam is bike heaven… I just love it. Where else can you get stuck in a bike congestion. It’s how the world should be! And I love the fact that anyone and everyone does it and on any kind of bike. It’s so inclusive and there’s so little lycra. Great city. You need to get yourselves some gloves for those winter rides!
I don’t know if I can do those winter rides, Stuart. It was hard enough to walk. It was a great city and I’m assuming there would be more bikers during warmer weather which would have been much more interesting to see and/or join.
This is fascinating – I would love to bike around here but it is MILES to get to anything – I did LOVE seeing so many bikers during our stay in Huntington Beach 2 weeks ago !!
Thanks for linking up this week!
We love biking around our beach areas and probably the safest and most scenic. Just like you, it takes miles to go someplace and just too many cars.
this is one of my dream place to visit. Wow, that’s a lot of bikes I have ever seen. Thanks for the tips about this, I have an idea what should we do if we will visit one day here.
I hope you make it to Amsterdam soon, Mhie! It was the most bikes we had ever seen too. Such an interesting city!
I think it’s great that so many people in Amsterdam (as well as in the rest of the Netherlands) ride bikes everywhere. It’s not only a great way to keep your carbon footprint down, but it’s also great exercise. I wish that it were safer to ride a bike here in Los Angeles–but I’d be afraid I’d be killed by a car!
I’m scared to walk in Los Angeles, Michael and I lived there for awhile. Too many crazy drivers! I’m glad there are park places to ride bikes and of course, the beach so it helps.
I just started bicycling again since I now have a cart that I can pull my boys in behind me. It’s so nice to have the fresh breeze in your face, and our boys love it. The first thing I thought of when reading this was wondering if theft was a problem, which it appears it is. It’s amazing how people treat other people.
What a great activity with your boys, Justin. It would even be more wonderful when they start biking with you. It’s so sad how prevalent theft was with these bikes. i’m glad they’re putting a lot of deterrents and thank goodness Amsterdam has a wonderful transportation system, just in case.
That is so cool! I would love to live in a more bicycle-friendly place. It sounds like there are some differences that one has to get used to in a place with so many bikes, but I think the benefits far outweigh any inconveniences. Lovely photos :-)
Thanks Andi! It took awhile to get used to but we would definitely love to join them one of these days. It’s such a scenic place to see (in warmer weather) on bikes.
I’ve thought about writing a “Death By Bike” story about Amsterdam. Got to stay out of the bike lane if you want to survive a stay in that city!
Now that would be a very interesting story to read! I guess they’re pretty serious of their bike lanes. Luckily, we tried to stay out of their way.
I loooooved seeing these photo’s!! Having lived there for half my life, it brought back so many memories of biking through Amsterdam. Living in New Zealand now, you don’t see anything like this. Thanks for sharing these photo’s and bringing back some amazing memories :-)
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Raquel! How fun ti have lived in Amsterdam and enjoyed this fascinating bike culture. I hope you get to return to Amsterdam soon but living in New Zealand sounds just as wonderful.
Wow-there are so many bikes there! My guys are just starting to bike and I don’t have one of my own yet. I wish I were more into getting around by pedaling rather than just pedaling my van;) Seems like this would be a pretty healthy city. Fun pics!
Thanks Terumi! It was crazy to see so many bikes. I’m sure the Dutch are one of the healthiest people around. I’m with you…I don’t have one of my own either and my kids love their bikes.
I visited Amsterdam about 5 years ago now and have to admit it has been one of my best travel spots in the world (apart from here in Australia!).
Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Glad you had a great time in Amsterdam. We visited when it was snowing so we’d love to return during warmer weather especially when the tulips are in bloom.
Hi Mary…I loved your blog and I did use some of your pictures on mine http://experienciasdeviagens.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/se-amas-tulipas-va-a-amsterda-na-primavera/ (of course giving you all credits). Thanks! (I´m a Brazilian citizen and I´m new on this “writting a blog” and reading yours gave me a such inspiration…