As someone from England, I’m used to cars, buses, and the occasional brave cyclist weaving through traffic. But after a recent trip to the Netherlands, just a short flight away, I found myself in a completely different world. A world where bicycles dominate the road.
From the moment I landed, I noticed it: rows upon rows of bikes parked outside the airport, gliding silently through cities, and moving through traffic with effortless rhythm. Cycling isn’t just popular in the Netherlands; it’s a vital part of life. So naturally, I wanted to learn more.
Here’s what I discovered: it’s a beautiful mix of history, design, practicality, and a touch of Dutch stubbornness, in the best way.
A Little History: How the Dutch Fell in Love with Bicycles
It might seem like the Dutch have always cycled everywhere, but it wasn’t always like this.
In the early 1900s, cycling was already a popular form of transportation due to the country’s flat landscape and short distances between towns.
Post-WWII: Like many European countries, the Netherlands saw a rise in car ownership. But cars didn’t fit well in the narrow, historic city centres, and traffic deaths began rising quickly.
The Turning Point in the 1970s: A grassroots protest movement called “Stop de Kindermoord” (“Stop the Child Murder”) began after many children were killed in road accidents. Combined with the 1973 oil crisis, the government started rethinking urban transport. The result? Massive investments in safe cycling infrastructure.
From that point on, the country embraced the bike, not turned away from it.
Flying from England, where cycling is growing but still a niche, the contrast was clear the moment I stepped off the plane. Here’s why bikes are essential to Dutch life:
Over 35,000 km of cycle paths crisscross the country. These aren’t just painted lines; they are fully separate lanes with their own traffic lights and signs.
Cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen are designed for people, not cars. In fact, many areas limit car access, encouraging walking and cycling instead.
In the Netherlands, cycling isn’t a sport; it’s simply how people get around. Kids ride to school, professionals commute in suits, and parents carry groceries and toddlers in cargo bikes.
Bikes are inexpensive to buy, easy to maintain, and you don’t need special gear or even a helmet. Just hop on and go.
Cycling isn’t just good for individuals; it benefits society as a whole. Here’s how:
With everyone cycling daily, Dutch people enjoy lower obesity rates, better cardiovascular health, and more physical activity from daily routines.
Fewer cars lead to less pollution, less noise, and lower carbon emissions. It’s one of the most sustainable forms of transport.
Kids can safely cycle to school on their own, which feels nearly impossible in many other countries. It builds independence and confidence early.
Less traffic, quieter streets, and cleaner air contribute to the overall experience of urban life.
Here are a few moments that stuck with me during my visit:
At a busy intersection in Amsterdam, there were more bikes than cars, and everyone moved so smoothly it felt choreographed.
I saw a parent cycling with one child on the front, one on the back, and shopping bags hanging from both handlebars, all while smiling.
In Utrecht, I stumbled upon a massive underground bike parking garage that could hold thousands of bikes. It was spotless, efficient, and something I’ve never seen back home.
Back in England, cycling still feels risky in many places due to poor infrastructure, impatient drivers, and minimal support from cities. But we’re slowly improving.
The Netherlands shows us what’s possible.
With the right investment and mindset, cities can become healthier, safer, and more enjoyable places to live. And it doesn’t take a revolution; just a shift in priorities.
My trip to the Netherlands was short, just a flight away from the UK, but it opened my eyes significantly. Cycling isn’t just practical there; it’s joyful. It’s woven into the daily fabric of life, making everything feel more human and more connected.
Maybe we won’t all ride cargo bikes to the office tomorrow. But if we want cleaner cities, healthier communities, and more freedom in how we move, the Dutch have already shown us the path. And it’s on two wheels.