The Netherlands is rightly famed for its cycling culture. Here we take a light-hearted look at the many varieties of bicycles on Dutch streets.
The Netherlands is rightly famed for its cycling culture. Here we take a light-hearted look at the many varieties of bicycles on Dutch streets.
The Netherlands is rightly famed for its cycling culture. Here we take a light-hearted look at the many varieties of bicycles on Dutch streets.
The Classic Dutch Bike
The Classic Dutch Bike
The Classic Dutch Bike
The Classic Dutch Bike
Arguably, no other nation integrates cycling into daily life to the extent of the Dutch. Bicycles are not only an ubiquitous sight, but often display utilitarian adaptations for uses beyond the athletic or recreational.
Arguably, no other nation integrates cycling into daily life to the extent of the Dutch. Bicycles are not only an ubiquitous sight, but often display utilitarian adaptations for uses beyond the athletic or recreational.
Arguably, no other nation integrates cycling into daily life to the extent of the Dutch. Bicycles are not only an ubiquitous sight, but often display utilitarian adaptations for uses beyond the athletic or recreational.
The Front Tray Bike
The Front Tray Bike
The Front Tray Bike
The Front Tray Bike
The bicycle is the main form of daily transport for over 30% of Dutch people.
In cities such as London, Sydney and Los Angeles, no more than 2% of journeys are made by bicycle. In Amsterdam it is 40%.
The bicycle is the main form of daily transport for over 30% of Dutch people.
In cities such as London, Sydney and Los Angeles, no more than 2% of journeys are made by bicycle. In Amsterdam it is 40%.
The Basket Bike
The Basket Bike
The bicycle is the main form of daily transport for over 30% of Dutch people.
In cities such as London, Sydney and Los Angeles, no more than 2% of journeys are made by bicycle. In Amsterdam it is 40%.
The bicycle is the main form of daily transport for over 30% of Dutch people.
In cities such as London, Sydney and Los Angeles, no more than 2% of journeys are made by bicycle. In Amsterdam it is 40%.
The bicycle is the main form of daily transport for over 30% of Dutch people.
In cities such as London, Sydney and Los Angeles, no more than 2% of journeys are made by bicycle. In Amsterdam it is 40%.
The Basket Bike
The Basket Bike
Dutch geography is particularly well suited to cycling. The terrain is remarkably flat - over half the country is less than 10m high.
Indeed this landscape provided the Netherlands with its name, 'nether' meaning 'low'.
Dutch geography is particularly well suited to cycling. The terrain is remarkably flat - over half the country is less than 10m high.
Indeed this landscape provided the Netherlands with its name, 'nether' meaning 'low'.
The Basket Bike (Barbie Edition)
The Basket Bike (Barbie Edition)
Dutch geography is particularly well suited to cycling. The terrain is remarkably flat - over half the country is less than 10m high.
Indeed this landscape provided the Netherlands with its name, 'nether' meaning 'low'.
Dutch geography is particularly well suited to cycling. The terrain is remarkably flat - over half the country is less than 10m high.
Indeed this landscape provided the Netherlands with its name, 'nether' meaning 'low'.
Dutch geography is particularly well suited to cycling. The terrain is remarkably flat - over half the country is less than 10m high.
Indeed this landscape provided the Netherlands with its name, 'nether' meaning 'low'.
The Basket Bike (Barbie Edition)
The Basket Bike (Barbie Edition)
Dutch town planning encourages cycling. Cars and bikes are often physically separated, and roads can be designated as giving bikes priority over vehicles. Specialised infrastructure is built, such as protected intersections, and cycle-lane traffic lights.
Dutch town planning encourages cycling. Cars and bikes are often physically separated, and roads can be designated as giving bikes priority over vehicles. Specialised infrastructure is built, such as protected intersections, and cycle-lane traffic lights.
Dutch town planning encourages cycling. Cars and bikes are often physically separated, and roads can be designated as giving bikes priority over vehicles. Specialised infrastructure is built, such as protected intersections, and cycle-lane traffic lights.
The Reclined Bike
The Reclined Bike
Dutch town planning encourages cycling. Cars and bikes are often physically separated, and roads can be designated as giving bikes priority over vehicles. Specialised infrastructure is built, such as protected intersections, and traffic lights for cycle-lanes.
Dutch town planning encourages cycling. Cars and bikes are often physically separated, and roads can be designated as giving bikes priority over vehicles. Specialised infrastructure is built, such as protected intersections, and traffic lights for cycle-lanes.
Dutch town planning encourages cycling. Cars and bikes are often physically separated, and roads can be designated as giving bikes priority over vehicles. Specialised infrastructure is built, such as protected intersections, and traffic lights for cycle-lanes.
The Reclined Bike
The Reclined Bike
The Sleeping Bike
The Sleeping Bike
Perhaps the most common bike design is the Omafiets, produced for over a century to the same basic design. Featuring a step-through frame and skirt guard, the name translates to 'grandma's bike.'
Perhaps the most common bike design is the Omafiets, produced for over a century to the same basic design. Featuring a step-through frame and skirt guard, the name translates to 'grandma's bike.'
Perhaps the most common bike design is the Omafiets, produced for over a century to the same basic design. Featuring a step-through frame and skirt guard, the name translates to 'grandma's bike.'
For those wishing to incorporate more riding into their daily life, Dutch companies produce bikes with useful adaptations. This type is a common sight, made for moving things too big for panniers or a backpack.
For those wishing to incorporate more riding into their daily life, Dutch companies produce bikes with useful adaptations. This type is a common sight, made for moving things too big for panniers or a backpack.
The Cargo Bike
The Cargo Bike
For those wishing to incorporate more riding into their daily life, Dutch companies produce bikes with useful adaptations. This type is a common sight, made for moving things too big for panniers or a backpack.
For those wishing to incorporate more riding into their daily life, Dutch companies produce bikes with useful adaptations. This type is a common sight, made for moving things too big for panniers or a backpack.
For those wishing to incorporate more riding into their daily life, Dutch companies produce bikes with useful adaptations. This type is a common sight, made for moving things too big for panniers or a backpack.
The Cargo Bike
The Cargo Bike
While some bikes have had extra attention paid to their appearance, in general compared to those in other wealthy nations they're surprisingly plain. Money is spent on utilitarian features more so than aesthetics.
While some bikes have had extra attention paid to their appearance, in general compared to those in other wealthy nations they're surprisingly plain. Money is spent on utilitarian features more so than aesthetics.
The Stylish Cargo Bike
The Stylish Cargo Bike
While some bikes have had extra attention paid to their appearance, in general compared to those in other wealthy nations they're surprisingly plain. Money is spent on utilitarian features more so than aesthetics.
While some bikes have had extra attention paid to their appearance, in general compared to those in other wealthy nations they're surprisingly plain. Money is spent on utilitarian features more so than aesthetics.
While some bikes have had extra attention paid to their appearance, in general compared to those in other wealthy nations they're surprisingly plain. Money is spent on utilitarian features more so than aesthetics.
The Stylish Cargo Bike
The Stylish Cargo Bike
Handlebars are comparatively bare. Instead of using levers, braking is done by back-pedaling. Gears are uncommon too, given the lack of hills.
Handlebars are comparatively bare. Instead of using levers, braking is done by back-pedaling. Gears are uncommon too, given the lack of hills.
The Baby Bike
The Baby Bike
Handlebars are quite bare. Usually there are no gear levers, instead braking is done by back-pedaling. Gears are uncommon too, given the lack of hills.
Handlebars are quite bare. Usually there are no gear levers, instead braking is done by back-pedaling. Gears are uncommon too, given the lack of hills.
Handlebars are quite bare. Usually there are no gear levers, instead braking is done by back-pedaling. Gears are uncommon too, given the lack of hills.
The Baby Bike
The Baby Bike
The simplicity of the typical Dutch bike stems in part from the small size of city homes. Rather than take up valuable space in apartments, bikes are kept on the street, where they are exposed to theft and the weather.
The simplicity of the typical Dutch bike stems in part from the small size of city homes. Rather than take up valuable space in apartments, bikes are kept on the street, where they are exposed to theft and the weather.
The simplicity of the typical Dutch bike stems in part from the small size of city homes. Rather than take up valuable space in apartments, bikes are kept on the street, where they are exposed to theft and the weather.
The Cargo & Baby Combo Bike
The Cargo & Baby Combo Bike
The simplicity of the typical Dutch bike stems in part from the small size of city homes. Rather than take up valuable space in apartments, bikes are kept on the street, where they are exposed to theft and the weather.
The simplicity of the typical Dutch bike stems in part from the small size of city homes. Rather than take up valuable space in apartments, bikes are kept on the street, where they are exposed to theft and the weather.
The simplicity of the typical Dutch bike stems in part from the small size of city homes. Rather than take up valuable space in apartments, bikes are kept on the street, where they are exposed to theft and the weather.
The Cargo & Baby Combo Bike
The Cargo & Baby Combo Bike
Weather presents a challenge for having cycling as a primary form of transport. While the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively mild, on average in a year there will be as many days with some rain as without.
Weather presents a challenge for having cycling as a primary form of transport. While the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively mild, on average in a year there will be as many days with some rain as without.
Weather presents a challenge for having cycling as a primary form of transport. While the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively mild, on average in a year there will be as many days with some rain as without.
The All-Weather Baby Bike
The All-Weather Baby Bike
Weather presents a challenge for having cycling as a primary form of transport. While the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively mild, on average in a year there will be as many days with some rain as without.
Weather presents a challenge for having cycling as a primary form of transport. While the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively mild, on average in a year there will be as many days with some rain as without.
Weather presents a challenge for having cycling as a primary form of transport. While the coastal climate keeps temperatures relatively mild, on average in a year there will be as many days with some rain as without.
The All-Weather Baby Bike
The All-Weather Baby Bike
Some towns are linked by Snelfietsroutes. These bicycle-only paths are designed for fast, long-distance travel, built with good pavement, and minimal changes of grade and direction.
Some towns are linked by Snelfietsroutes. These bicycle-only paths are designed for fast, long-distance travel, built with good pavement, and minimal changes of grade and direction.
Some towns are linked by Snelfietsroutes. These bicycle-only paths are designed for fast, long-distance travel, built with good pavement, and minimal changes of grade and direction.
The All-Weather Family Bike
The All-Weather Family Bike
Some towns are linked by Snelfietsroutes. These bicycle-only paths are designed for fast, long-distance travel, built with good pavement, and minimal changes of grade and direction.
Some towns are linked by Snelfietsroutes. These bicycle-only paths are designed for fast, long-distance travel, built with good pavement, and minimal changes of grade and direction.
Some towns are linked by Snelfietsroutes. These bicycle-only paths are designed for fast, long-distance travel, built with good pavement, and minimal changes of grade and direction.
The All-Weather Family Bike
The All-Weather Family Bike
Three-quarters of secondary school students use bikes to get to school. To help them do so safely, each year hundreds of thousands of students take an exam for a Verkeersdiploma, or traffic certificate.
Three-quarters of secondary school students use bikes to get to school. To help them do so safely, each year hundreds of thousands of students take an exam for a Verkeersdiploma, or traffic certificate.
Three-quarters of secondary school students use bikes to get to school. To help them do so safely, each year hundreds of thousands of students take an exam for a Verkeersdiploma, or traffic certificate.
The Double Dutch
The Double Dutch
The Double Dutch
Three-quarters of secondary school students use bikes to get to school. To help them do so safely, each year hundreds of thousands of students take an exam for a Verkeersdiploma, or traffic certificate.
Three-quarters of secondary school students use bikes to get to school. To help them do so safely, each year hundreds of thousands of students take an exam for a Verkeersdiploma, or traffic certificate.
Three-quarters of secondary school students use bikes to get to school. To help them do so safely, each year hundreds of thousands of students take an exam for a Verkeersdiploma, or traffic certificate.
The Double Dutch
The Double Dutch
The Double Dutch
And while half of primary school students also ride to school, often it is their parent pedaling.
And while half of primary school students also ride to school, often it is their parent pedaling.
The Triple Dutch
The Triple Dutch
And while half of primary school students also ride to school, often it is their parent pedaling.
And while half of primary school students also ride to school, often it is their parent pedaling.
And while half of primary school students also ride to school, often it is their parent pedaling.
The Triple Dutch
The Triple Dutch
The Triple Dutch
Despite the many favourable factors, cycling in Dutch cities can still present a steep learning curve for the uninitiated. Trams and the heavy cycling traffic demand extra attention, tyres can become snared in the grooves of tram tracks, and the lack of helmets adds a sense of vulnerability for those from countries where they are mandatory.
Despite the many favourable factors, cycling in Dutch cities can still present a steep learning curve for the uninitiated. Trams and the heavy cycling traffic demand extra attention, tyres can become snared in the grooves of tram tracks, and the lack of helmets adds a sense of vulnerability for those from countries where they are mandatory.
The Quadruple Dutch
The Quadruple Dutch
Despite the many favourable factors, cycling in Dutch cities can still present a steep learning curve for the uninitiated. Trams and the heavy cycling traffic demand extra attention, tyres can become snared in the grooves of tram tracks, and the lack of helmets adds a sense of vulnerability for those from countries where they are mandatory.
Despite the many favourable factors, cycling in Dutch cities can still present a steep learning curve for the uninitiated. Trams and the heavy cycling traffic demand extra attention, tyres can become snared in the grooves of tram tracks, and the lack of helmets adds a sense of vulnerability for those from countries where they are mandatory.
Despite the many favourable factors, cycling in Dutch cities can still present a steep learning curve for the uninitiated. Trams and the heavy cycling traffic demand extra attention, tyres can become snared in the grooves of tram tracks, and the lack of helmets adds a sense of vulnerability for those from countries where they are mandatory.
The Quadruple Dutch
The Quadruple Dutch
The Quadruple Dutch
Amsterdam was one of the first cities with a bicycle-sharing scheme. The main system throughout the Netherlands is OV-fiets, run by Dutch Railways and with over 6000 bikes available for hire. Many of these are stored in unattended, automated lockers, unlocked and hired for around US$5/day.
Amsterdam was one of the first cities with a bicycle-sharing scheme. The main system throughout the Netherlands is OV-fiets, run by Dutch Railways and with over 6000 bikes available for hire. Many of these are stored in unattended, automated lockers, unlocked and hired for around US$5/day.
Amsterdam was one of the first cities with a bicycle-sharing scheme. The main system throughout the Netherlands is OV-fiets, run by Dutch Railways and with over 6000 bikes available for hire. Many of these are stored in unattended, automated lockers, unlocked and hired for around US$5/day.
The Sibling Bikes
The Sibling Bikes
Amsterdam was one of the first cities with a bicycle-sharing scheme. The main system throughout the Netherlands is OV-fiets, run by Dutch Railways and with over 6000 bikes available for hire. Many of these are stored in unattended, automated lockers, unlocked and hired for around US$5/day.
Amsterdam was one of the first cities with a bicycle-sharing scheme. The main system throughout the Netherlands is OV-fiets, run by Dutch Railways and with over 6000 bikes available for hire. Many of these are stored in unattended, automated lockers, unlocked and hired for around US$5/day.
Amsterdam was one of the first cities with a bicycle-sharing scheme. The main system throughout the Netherlands is OV-fiets, run by Dutch Railways and with over 6000 bikes available for hire. Many of these are stored in unattended, automated lockers, unlocked and hired for around US$5/day.
The Sibling Bikes
The Sibling Bikes
The Sibling Bikes
While in the minority compared to the number of bicycles, rules allow motorised scooters to travel on bike paths. This has caused tension as the higher speeds, and greater size and mass of scooters adds danger for cyclists. Pedestrians are also affected, as many cycle paths run along footpaths, often only a few steps from the front door of homes.
While in the minority compared to the number of bicycles, rules allow motorised scooters to travel on bike paths. This has caused tension as the higher speeds, and greater size and mass of scooters adds danger for cyclists. Pedestrians are also affected, as many cycle paths run along footpaths, often only a few steps from the front door of homes.
The Wanna-Be Bike
The Wanna-Be Bike
While in the minority compared to the number of bicycles, rules allow motorised scooters to travel on bike paths. This has caused tension as the higher speeds, and greater size and mass of scooters adds danger for cyclists. Pedestrians are also affected, as many cycle paths run along footpaths, often only a few steps from the front door of homes.
While in the minority compared to the number of bicycles, rules allow motorised scooters to travel on bike paths. This has caused tension as the higher speeds, and greater size and mass of scooters adds danger for cyclists. Pedestrians are also affected, as many cycle paths run along footpaths, often only a few steps from the front door of homes.
While in the minority compared to the number of bicycles, rules allow motorised scooters to travel on bike paths. This has caused tension as the higher speeds, and greater size and mass of scooters adds danger for cyclists. Pedestrians are also affected, as many cycle paths run along footpaths, often only a few steps from the front door of homes.
The Wanna-Be Bike
The Wanna-Be Bike
The Wanna-Be Bike
Cycling in the Netherlands is popular with all ages. Over-65s make a large share of their trips by bike. Electric bikes are particularly popular in this age group.
Cycling in the Netherlands is popular with all ages. Over-65s make a large share of their trips by bike. Electric bikes are particularly popular in this age group.
Cycling in the Netherlands is popular with all ages. Over-65s make a large share of their trips by bike. Electric bikes are particularly popular in this age group.
The Windy Weather Bike
The Windy Weather Bike
Cycling in the Netherlands is popular with all ages. Over-65s make a large share of their trips by bike. Electric bikes are particularly popular in this age group.
Cycling in the Netherlands is popular with all ages. Over-65s make a large share of their trips by bike. Electric bikes are particularly popular in this age group.
Cycling in the Netherlands is popular with all ages. Over-65s make a large share of their trips by bike. Electric bikes are particularly popular in this age group.
The Windy Weather Bike
The Windy Weather Bike
The Windy Weather Bike
With so many bikes, many of which are left on streets overnight, bicycle theft is rife. It is estimated that over half a million bikes are stolen per year in the Netherlands. Many of these are taken to other countries for sale.
With so many bikes, many of which are left on streets overnight, bicycle theft is rife. It is estimated that over half a million bikes are stolen per year in the Netherlands. Many of these are taken to other countries for sale.
With so many bikes, many of which are left on streets overnight, bicycle theft is rife. It is estimated that over half a million bikes are stolen per year in the Netherlands. Many of these are taken to other countries for sale.
The Almost-Bike
The Almost-Bike
With so many bikes, plenty of which are left on the street overnight, bicycle theft is rife. It is estimated that over half a million bikes are stolen per year in the Netherlands. Many are taken to other countries and sold.
With so many bikes, plenty of which are left on the street overnight, bicycle theft is rife. It is estimated that over half a million bikes are stolen per year in the Netherlands. Many are taken to other countries and sold.
With so many bikes, plenty of which are left on the street overnight, bicycle theft is rife. It is estimated that over half a million bikes are stolen per year in the Netherlands. Many are taken to other countries and sold.
The Almost-Bike
The Almost-Bike
The Almost-Bike
Theft can be as simple as someone with bolt-cutters on a deserted street, or more sophisticated. In one case, a woman had her bike stolen only a few hours after buying it second-hand. Though left secured with the bike's in-built lock, it's thought that an associate of the seller followed her home and used a copied key to unlock and steal the bike.
Theft can be as simple as someone with bolt-cutters on a deserted street, or more sophisticated. In one case, a woman had her bike stolen only a few hours after buying it second-hand. Though left secured with the bike's in-built lock, it's thought that an associate of the seller followed her home and used a copied key to unlock and steal the bike.
Theft can be as simple as someone with bolt-cutters on a deserted street, or more sophisticated. In one case, a woman had her bike stolen only a few hours after buying it second-hand. Though left secured with the bike's in-built lock, it's thought that an associate of the seller followed her home and used a copied key to unlock and steal the bike.
The Ex-Bike
The Ex-Bike
Theft can be as simple as someone with bolt-cutters on a deserted street, or more sophisticated. In one case, a woman had her bike stolen only a few hours after buying it second-hand. Though left secured with the bike's in-built lock, it's thought that an associate of the seller followed her home and used a copied key to unlock and steal the bike.
Theft can be as simple as someone with bolt-cutters on a deserted street, or more sophisticated. In one case, a woman had her bike stolen only a few hours after buying it second-hand. Though left secured with the bike's in-built lock, it's thought that an associate of the seller followed her home and used a copied key to unlock and steal the bike.
Theft can be as simple as someone with bolt-cutters on a deserted street, or more sophisticated. In one case, a woman had her bike stolen only a few hours after buying it second-hand. Though left secured with the bike's in-built lock, it's thought that an associate of the seller followed her home and used a copied key to unlock and steal the bike,
The Ex-Bike
The Ex-Bike
The Ex-Bike
Skateboards, scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades, Segways, and hoverboards, Though new modes of individual transport have appeared, it's unlikely that the bicycle's special place in Dutch life will diminish anytime soon.
Skateboards, scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades, Segways, and hoverboards, Though new modes of individual transport have appeared, it's unlikely that the bicycle's special place in Dutch life will diminish anytime soon.
The Not-Bike
The Not-Bike
Skateboards, scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades, Segways, and hoverboards, Though new modes of individual transport have appeared, it's unlikely that the bicycle's special place in Dutch life will diminish anytime soon.
Skateboards, scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades, Segways, and hoverboards, Though new modes of individual transport have appeared, it's unlikely that the bicycle's special place in Dutch life will diminish anytime soon.
Skateboards, scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades, Segways, and hoverboards, Though new modes of individual transport have appeared, it's unlikely that the bicycle's special place in Dutch life will diminish anytime soon.
The Not-Bike
The Not-Bike
The Not-Bike
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