In the UK today it’s Cycle to Work Day. It’s the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event. The idea is to get people out of their cars and onto the saddle of a bike. You never know, it may just turn into a habit for some. It caught my eye because sometimes you don’t know how good you have it, until you see that others don’t have it.
Everybody Cycles in the Netherlands
Parents cycle with kids on their bikes. Kids cycle to school. School classes cycle together for school trips and lessons off site. Business people cycle in suits. Even the Dutch prime minister is snapped regularly on his bike on his way to one meeting or another.
‘Cycle to Work Day’ in the Netherlands?
For many Dutch workers it’s cycle to work day every day. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a huge rush hour traffic jam issues on Dutch roads. But it would be worse if not for the cycling culture here.
Why do so many make it a habit to cycle to work (and everywhere else) in the Netherlands?
Infrastructure.
Dutch Cycling Infrastructure
If you want people trade their cars in for bikes, then you need to make it safe and attractive to cycle. It’s as simple as that.
Cycle paths in the Netherlands extend the length and breadth of the country. There are secure bike parking facilities. There are bike shops (and bike repair shops) everywhere.
You want people to cycle? Make it easy for them to cycle! Invest in the infrastructure.
Further Reading About Cycling in the Netherlands
The Dutch Do It, You Should Too – Cycling in the Netherlands
I May Never Be a Fully Fledged Dutch Cyclist
Cycling Embassy of Great Britain – Dutch Cycle Infrastructure
Building the Cycling City – The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality: by Melissa Bruntlett & Chris Bruntlett
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