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!