Anyone for moving to the Netherlands?

[bikerz]

Lessee... some of the coolest (and most stunningly multilingual) people I know, gay marriage, universal health care, excellent beer and cheese, and you can bike everywhere across the whole country?

...And I seem to recall that it's pretty darn flat there too!

[anaphase]

My best friend and I took a trip to Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris in April, travelling by rail. One of my favorite mental images was coming into The Netherlands from Germany, passing through the countryside where there were miles of bike paths, and benches - people were stopping to eat lunch, have a sit and watch the bikes go by before moving on.

I had just decided on my bike before that trip, and was all amped about cycling, so that helped add to the excitement.

Then, when we got closer in to A'dam, each train station we saw was packed full of bike racks, jammed with bikes. I loved seeing that.

[Roadie N Belgie]

I live in Belgium about 20 minutes from the border of the Netherlands. Biking IS a way of life here. Everyone rides. I had someone tell me it was funny to see 70 year old women riding bikes and I asked him how many 70 year old women in the states could even think about getting on a bike. That is not to say that there aren't amazing cyclists in the states who are older, because I know there are, but here it is the norm. You will see entire families riding together, Grandparents on down to the little ones. Teens get a "nice" bike somewhat similar to a 16 year old in the states getting their first car (must be 18 to drive here).

I like when I see couples riding alongside each other and each one will have their inside hand holding the other person's handle bar. Women ride together and do all of their gossiping, just like you'd see women walking around a track yacking away. When large businesses close for the day all of the employees will form a bike gang, with designated road guards, and everyone will convoy home together...breaking off when they are near their residence. The one thing that stands out to me, being an American, is the dress of people riding. Belgians dress up for everything, unlike Americans. You will see women riding their bikes in dresses, high heel boots, etc. Casual wear would be a pair of capris, a nice shirt and a nice pair of shoes whereas to me casual is a pair of Adidas shorts and tennies. Roadies are always fully kitted out.

I never worry about traffic, even though I am riding along-side it most of the time. Cyclists have the right-of-way and all of the drivers also ride bikes and have since they were children. When my family of 3 arrived here we had 1 bike, my daughters. We've been here one year and now we have 6! I didn't take up cycling until I got here and going back to the states will be a real reality check for me, dealing with drivers and not having the routes I do here. I live in Limburg which is considered Biking Paradise and I have to say I concur. I have maps for the bike paths and it is amazing how easy it is to travel all over using the trails. It is just like driving around with a road map and taking certain exits, the routes are completely marked. I have ridden along the canal many times and I don't think I've ever gone there or returned the same way twice.

Another thing is we can trade our bikes in when buying a new one, much like purchasing a car. Theft isn't rampant here, but it is a consideration. Most of the newer, what I call "cruiser" bikes (non racing, non mtb), have built in locks with a key. Some towns have a free bike system. They have tons of bikes painted, say bright yellow, and if you see one you can pick it up and take off on it. Once you leave it somewhere though, someone else can come along and take it. Park and Rides here are bicycle lots with a bus stop. I have a picture of one in Eindhoven, but it's on my other computer, so I can't post it here.

It does snow here, but usually not more than 1 - 1 1/2 inches and it doesn't sit on the ground long. Even with the snow, you will see bicycle tire tracks on every sidewalk you drive by. I haven't mentioned the best part...the cafe's. There is nothing liking riding all over and then stopping and sitting in a cafe for a while, watching life cycle by.

I didn't mean to ramble on so much, sorry. Moving here has given me a passion for cycling, something I had no interest in before and I love it here.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=Roadie N Belgie]I live in Belgium about 20 minutes from the border of the Netherlands. Biking IS a way of life here.

Thanks for giving us an insiders view of biking in Belgium. I love the part about the city bikes that you can just pick up and ride off and then leave for another passerby.

Great to hear about life and biking in different places so keep us up to date with all your latest life/biking adventures. [QUOTE=Roadie N Belgie]I live in Belgium about 20 minutes from the border of the Netherlands. Biking IS a way of life

[gretassister]

I'd go in a heartbeat.....if there weren't all these strings attached here....ie....job, hubby, family, friends, church............hope to visit someday. I have a cycling friend in Germany. She has sent pictures of the Netherlands.

[betagirl]

*raises hand*

[VenusdeVelo]

What a great thread, I am a US expat who moved to the Netherlands a little over a year ago. People don't even think about NOT biking here, it surprises me to meet someone who does not bike to the store, to run their errands, etc. And the collection of bikes is fantastic. The train station looks like the start of a huge charity ride in the US ... a sea bikes all over -- but here it's everyday. There are bikes of all colors, many handpainted (not all that pretty but it's the thought that counts ) I've seen bikes with little flower vases with fresh flowers attached to the handlebars (NL is the land of flowers too). And one bike, was just great, completely covered in zebra stripe pile carpet material.

And then there are the people -- carrying a cell phone, AND an umbrella. I've had teleconferences at work where 1 person is on their bike! Bikes with boxes in front ("boxfiets" -- a fiets is a bike) where the kids go, usu 1 or 2. Or sometimes their dog. And then there is what we call the "dutch tandem" -- a cyclist riding and their partner is sitting in the rack in back, side saddle. There's even a technique, they push off the bike and hop on! And people who are 15 years old or 80 years old...everyone rides.

A way of life indeed.

And yes, few hills (though you can find them) but killer wind. I am learning to conquer the fight of wind on my cycling performance! Of course I prefer green to polka dots so I don't mind...

If anyone ever visits NL, give me a shout, would love to take you riding!