Within minutes of arriving in Amsterdam, you realize something is very different from other cities: bicycles are everywhere! If hundreds of bicycles are not parked along sidewalks and streets, then even more are mounted by daring souls tempting fate with every pedal.
Amsterdam is the bicycle capital of the world. Bikes out-number people (approximately 1 million to 700,000 people). When I asked a local why so many people ride bikes, he said they wanted to stay skinny. I think that was a sarcastic jab at fat Americans. Although I think the bicycle choice has more to do with a social movement, I have to admit, I rarely saw an overweight rider!
There is a unique understanding on the road for cyclists. They have their own lanes. Should you happen to stray into the bike lane, you will get a little warning bell. If you don't pay attention to the warning, you will be run down! It's obvious more priority is placed on bike lanes than walking paths--sidewalks are broken, and sometimes non-existent. While cyclists obey the rules of the road, they seem to have the right of way over cars and pedestrians.
Bicycle riders in Amsterdam are like none other. They possess expert riding skills allowing them to ride centimeters apart at remarkable speeds. They are seen talking on phones, texting, eating lunch, carrying large shopping bags, all the while balancing atop the two-wheeled machines. Moms tote children in large boxes attached to the front; dads cart kids to school before heading off to work; and deliveries are made to residences and businesses.
Biking is a serious means of transportation in Amsterdam. After careful consideration of renting a bike for a day, I decided to stay on foot. I just didn't feel like working that hard to keep up! :)
