Why the Dutch Love Bicycles More Than Cars

If you’ve spent time in the Netherlands, you’ll no doubt have noticed that bikes rule the roost here. For this flat, compact country, bicycles are more than about getting from point A to B; the bond between Dutchman and his bike goes deep. This article explains why the Dutch cycling culture favors two wheels over four and why the Netherlands is the most bike-friendly nation on earth.

The Historical Roots of Dutch Cycling Culture

Go to any Dutch town or city and you’ll see a flood of bikes, as people go about their daily routine. Cycling in the Netherlands was already a thing in the early 20th century. The country’s flat terrain and compact cities helped. But the love affair with bikes didn’t happen overnight. Following the car boom right after World War II, the country sadly witnessed a spike in car deaths, notably among children. Thankfully this didn’t last long. The ‘Stop de Kindermoord” (literally “Stop the Child Murder”) campaign of the 1970s demanded safe streets for everyone. Eventually, investment into cycling infrastructure was made, creating a pathway (or cycle lane?) for cycling in the Netherlands and the country to be one of the most bike-friendly in the world.

Read Also: A Guide to Buying a Bicycle in the Netherlands

Cycling-Friendly Urban Design

If there’s one thing the Dutch are good at, it’s planning. And plan they did; designing spaces that made cycling safe and easy for everyone. There are more than 35,000 kilometers of separated cycleways all over the country. They remain away from car traffic, and laid down with protection so that everyone may enjoy safe cycling. Some Dutch neighborhoods include something known as “woonerfs” or living streets, where cars are the guests while pedestrians and cyclists take precedence. And there’s more—they have traffic lights that prioritize bikes, changing to green sooner and for longer to keep riders moving. Low speed limits, roundabouts that reward the cyclist with priority, and clear signage provide safety all over the Netherlands for bike riders.

Money Saver

Who doesn’t love saving money? Yet another reason why this country is hooked on bicycles. Imagine a life without patrol costs, car insurance and taxes and parking fees. Parking a bicycle is free and very easy. However, parking a car, just the opposite. Just think of the frustration of looking for a spot to park in Amsterdam. Really, there’s no contest. Dutch cycling culture and Amsterdam looks a lot more attractive doesn’t it?

Eco-Friendly

Dutch culture emphasises sustainability. A big difference for those expats from bigger cities elsewhere. Biking benefits the planet as much as your wallet and is instrumental in reducing those emissions. An extra bike could mean one less car on the road. A win-win we’re sure you’ll agree.

Health Benefits

Biking is not only better for your bank account, but also for your health. Studies have shown that regular cycling contributes to a reduction in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Far more importantly, it comes with mental health benefits. That is why you’ll see friends ride side by side, families pedal together, and children bicycle to school in groups called “bicycle trains.” It’s wholesome, it’s healthy, and it’s very enviable.

Freedom and Convenience

More freedom awaits the Dutch cyclist than their car-bound counterpart, who often wallows in congestion. Whether it is a blazing-fast sprint through those tiny narrow alleys, gliding for miles alongside the canals, or simply circumventing all those towering traffic jams, a bicycle will get you there way quicker and easier. Come rush hour, cycling wins hands down over cars on speed and convenience.

Innovation and Integration

Child seats and cargo boxes, called ‘bakfiets,’ ensure comfort for all bike riders. The e-bikes, alongside biking superhighways and public bike-sharing schemes, such as OV-fiets, allow for integrated travel that combines biking with train or tram usage.

This Is Dutch Pride

Cycling is a source of pride for the Dutch. It transcends the parameters of class, age, or background: CEOs and students, families, and the elderly all bike to their respective destinations. The royal family also does not shy away from setting an example by riding bikes during national occasions. So deeply ingrained are bikes in Dutch culture that the Dutch language actually reflects it, spawning words like “fietsfile” (bike traffic jam) and “fietsparkeerplaats” (bicycle parking space).

Challenges and the Future

Of course, nothing is without its flaws. Despite having a bicycle-love affair, some challenges are faced by the Netherlands: bike theft, overcrowded cycle paths, and accommodation of new forms of micromobility (think fat bikes and electric scooters). Nevertheless, cycling remains deeply embedded within the DNA of the country.

Why Bicycles Win Dutch Hearts

The Dutch love their bicycles more than their cars because it is efficient and fun. It is a sustainable and healthy option, right from kids and young adults in school to the old. Plus, it’s a great way to see this beautiful country. With proper urban design, shared values, and a bit of national pride, a flourishing Dutch cycling culture can be nurtured, as they have consistently shown.