Cycle-ology

I’m still having an infraculture shock. I’ve been a pedestrian and a cyclist, and a user of transport in two different cities in the Netherlands. What amazes me is the effort that has been put in to prioritize cyclists here. We have cycled through a few towns in the area as well. To say I am impressed is an understatement.

There are some stark difference with the design of these facilitates. One, cycling here is very pleasant. The design of the facilities is integrated in the nature and the city. It feels like we are biking through a huge park at all times. There are two way and one way cycle tracks, green barriers between vehicles and cyclists, as well as painted lanes. Also, the aggregate of the cycle tracks is a very mute burgundy which blends well into the surrounding environment, is very distinct, and promotes connectivity. With this continuity, the yield markings and cross walk markings save the Dutch money into making quality signage and traffic controls. Below, you’ll see an image of the design. The markers for pedestrians and cyclists is distinct but not distracting. Since being here I have not seen one stop sign. Everywhere the signs are the same, so there is less confusion and the users are able to make traffic decisions without the interference and distraction of blinking lights and obnoxious signs like in the US. The user here is able to use their judgement.

While biking here, I totally forgot that yielding to traffic was a practice. Cyclists 90% of the time have the right a way. Today we got to experience travelling through a roundabout. It was surprising to see how much priority was given to cyclists. I had to bike around it a few times just to witness the cars halting! Biking in the Netherlands feels like a luxury for the US biker. Rarely did cyclists have to stop, just in the the occasion of an intersection pictured above. In fact, the only time we had to stop was to discuss what we had seen and learned along our bike tour.

For these reasons of efficiency, speed, leisure, and design, cycling in the Netherlands is perceived as a way of life. On our tour we encountered children, elderly  peoples, mopeds, and even a youth who’s bike chain was broken, but steady made his way down the cycle track. And with the prioritization of bicycles in the Netherlands, this form of transportation is a right. Cycling here is like breathing. Anyone can do it at anytime and anywhere –except for in the canals — then you’re in trouble.