I wouldn't say cycling is 'popular' in the Netherlands, that sounds like it could be a passing fad. But it's interwoven with our culture. It's as normal a way of transportation as walking is.
not to mention the long term economical implications of infrastructure netherlands is a watery place the more busy and bigger cities tend to have waterways running either through them, mostly that, or they have a harbor/port trade over the waterways is how these cities historically became prosperous, and most of these cities are split in half through a canal, that over time, has usually been artificially been dug out to be even wider to allow for bigger shipmets over the water, before cars were even invented, this was the 1600s and 1700s when the east indies company was thriving many bridges were built, most of them were built in old rennesaince style and are what they are, more needed to be built for car traffic, but it's extremely cost ineffective to expand bridges, compared to flat roads... bridges tend to be more of a one-off build with little to no means to expand them easily, especially those old ones for the bigger highways and inter city roads we use a ton of aquaducts where we have to beat the water , but they take long stretches of land to allow for a foundation solid enough to contain a canal with sloshing water stressing the foundations, you can't quite build any infrstructure for the next 20-50 meters around the spot dependign on how big the water is so those aquaducts are uaully built in a go-big-or-go-home way, if you're going to make the effort, right? add to that that many of these historic cities have buildings that are on monument lists introduced in the last couple of decades and can't just be bulldozed, they are part of the landscape pretty much forever, makes for this being near impossible in the older inner cities these days,.
two little corrections: - those triangles mean you have to yield to other traffic, so if you only have to slow down and let the traffic that has the right of way go first. you don't need to stop completely, and it's for all traffic. (it means the same as the upside down triangle signs that are white with a red line around their border, the international yield sign) - crossing the road: you don't have to walk with your bike in hand to cross the street. you don't even have to cross at the zebra/pedestrian crossing we don't have jaywalking laws in The Netherlands. you can cross wherever you need/want. but you only have priority at those zebra crossings when crossing by foot. so smart Dutchies that want to cross a busy road with a zebra crossing, dismount the bike get priority over the other traffic, cross the crossing and mount their bikes again and continue their way.
As soon as you set one foot on a zebra crossing cars must stop. When I was a kid, we did that for fun. Waiting at a zebra, and as soon as a car approached, you set your foot on the zebra. 😂 This is more than 60 years ago, I suppose kids nowadays have better things to do.
@@jannetteberends8730 That rule has changed years ago. When there's somebody at a zebra crossing and that person makes preparations to cross the road, you have to stop. i.e. somebody is watching you coming to the zebra and is facing that crossing, you stop. Somebody is talking with another person with the back to the crossing, you don't have to stop.
For an American audience, it's important to know that we are not a country of cyclists, as Americans think of the term. It's not that everyone has cycling as a hobby. Most people just use their bikes to get to work, go shopping, visit friends and make other practical trips. It's just a practical way of getting around.
You are right, I love biking to be in nature with beautiful weather but biking is my daily way of transportation, biking to the mall and the supermarket, to visit family and friends and I do miss my bike a lot during holidays. I am getting sick and tired from walking those long distances in big holiday parks, so boring.
Small correction: the largest bicycle parking lot is actually located in Utrecht (central city in the Netherlands) and is almost twice the size of the one you show at 2:20. The one you show can contain 7.000 bicycles, the one in Utrecht a whopping 12.500, located over 3 floors there is a bicycle path all the way through it, so you don't even have to walk until you park your bike somewhere. And it is not even the only place at the Utrecht Central Train station to park your bike, there are two more bicycle parking indoor parking locations closely located to it. The locations have 24/7 presence of employees and you can park your bike for free the first 24 hours.
I am a native Dutch and have been a tour guide on bike in Amsterdam. Indeed, biking is in the Dutch DNA, in every cell of our body. We interact with other bikers by minimal signals and eye contact. We simply KNOW how to go around with large groups of people in small areas. Mostly people do not follow rules, yet they follow their instincts. That is why it is so ‘dangerous’ for foreigners to ride a bike here. For they don’t have this seventh sense. Keep biking and practicing, I love your inquiring approach.
The Dutch cycling culture is fascinating to me. I can see that riding in your country could be dangerous for a foreigner, unless they know the rules. I rode with the flow and followed others. I did take several bike tours while I was there and some of this information in the video was from the guides. You live in a magical world. As an American I hope the magic comes here someday. 🪄🚴♂️ Thanks for your insight.
"You have to walk your bike across the street" Um, no. You're supposed to walk when you're on a zebra crossing, but other types of crossings have no such requirement.
I wonder where she got that info from, because it's clearly wrong. Only on zebra crossings, but that's because a zebra crossing is only meant for pedestrians. Bicycles can just cycle across a road anywhere else (and there are lots of special bike crossings, too, usually next to the zebra crossing).
@@DrErikEvrard There were other hilarious misconceptions such as the shark teeth, but the concept of yielding seems to be foreign to Americans, so they don't really know what a yeld sign means.
@@therealdutchidiot But what is strange is that exactly the same yield lines (in the form of shark's teeth) also exist in the USA. If you google "yield line usa" you will find plenty of photos to demonstrate this. So I found it strange that she pointed this out as something typically Dutch, while I've encountered these all over the world.
The owners of all these bikes would have been driving cars if this had been America. Just imagine, THOUSANDS of cars trying to get into the city and find parking space, something they manage to avoid in Dutch cities. This garage for bikes in Amsterdam is right in the heart of the city.
In many places in the US you would be lucky to survive a couple of hours as a cyclist even with a helmet. It's simply unsafe to cycle depending on the area. On a side note there's research from the UK if I'm not mistaken that shows drivers maintain a safer distance to cyclists without helmets, likely because they are seen as more vulnerable than cyclists with helmets.
That's so cool! Wow! Two trips in one year-lucky you. Cycling in the Netherlands is the best. There is no better way to see the beautiful landscapes and charming towns.
3:50, the triangles do don't mean stop, just that you have to give way. That could involve stopping, but if you're looking further ahead, just slowing down might be enough.
And I do think, as a Dutch guy, that getting your drivers license is still a useful thing. You get wayyy more insight into how traffic works and where you can be seen on a bicycle and where not. Also, if you have to drive in some emergency situation, you can. However, if you don't have a grandfather that pays your lessons for you, I understand that you won't when you don't have a decent job yet.
That is good information. Yes, I can see you would have a better understanding of how traffic works to make you a better rider. Hopefully, there are a lot of grandfathers out there to pay for the lessons. 😅Thanks for sharing.
I agree. Cars, and being able to drive them, are a useful thing to have in your arsenal of options to get around or get a job done. But they should not be the only or even the main option for most purposes.
Actually having your grammar school Bike Exam is even more usefull for your Driving Theory Exam. By bike you have to apply most of the traffic rules anyway ..
Outside of the Randstad it’s almost a must to have a driver’s licence, as public transportation is horrendous once you leave areas like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
As kid we not just learn how to ride a bike, but we also learn to fall. Maybe that's the most important aspect of it, the art of falling. I have fallen countless times as kid off my bike. Never broke a single bone never landed on my head.
You have some good points. Falling off a bike builds character and resilience, they say! Glad you're a pro at it now and defying the odds. You need to teach us!
Great video! I think the most important mind set shift you need to make as a foreigner about bike riding is ‘bike riding = walking, but faster’. Would you wear a helmet when walking? Would you walk on the same road that cars are driving on? Would you say you are a ‘walker’ or ‘walking enthousiast’ when you go grocery shopping by foot? Only exception here is that you would have lights mounted on a bike when cycling in the dark. Whereas you would not walk around with a flashlight when going for a walk. Although runners do often have lights and or a high visibility jacket.
A thing about the helmet is because of the low speed, the chance to get injured is extremely low. The main reason people on bikes get injured is because of cars. This is why bike lanes are so valuable. It also helps because so many people ride a bike in the Netherlands, the drivers also ride bikes. More than once have I stopped completely and forcing people behind me to stop because I could foresee an accident happen with a child. And this happens a lot, people look out for each other. Someone stopped for me when I was a child so I could safely cross the road. I'm not sure what you mean at 4:03. I think you're confused by people who use the zebra crossing. If you want to make use of the privilege of the zebra crossing (read: everyone has to yield for you), you have to behave like a pedestrian and walk. If you were to bike over the zebra crossing generally traffic does not have to yield for you because you are not a pedestrian. But if you're on your bike and want to cross a road like that lady, you're just part of traffic like everybody else. So no, to cross any road you do not have to stop and walk. I also love the last shot you got without the helmet! I mean, you're getting it right? It's safe without any cars!
That is a great insight. 'The drivers in the Netherlands are also bike riders, so they can foresee a biking accident.' I didn't even think of that. That is not true here in the USA. We have drivers that have no respect for the bicycle riders here. You always have to believe you are invisible to all as you ride your bike. It seems I should have distinguished the crossing the road part' in the video. Thank you for clarifying that part. And yes I felt quite safe riding without a helmet. I did feel a little naked, but it was certainly freeing.
@@RideandShineBicycling Riding "with attitude" is the distinct privilege of cyclists. Driving a car "with attitude" will get you in a world of trouble. I wish people would stop riding with their phones out though. It's against the law. Btw I ride a 2 wheel recumbent cruising at 32 km/h so I'll happily wear a helmet.
Speed and head injury are not as related as you assume. Gravity is the big killer. This explains why so many people get seriously injured falling in the bathroom. Just falling from standing height can kill you. While not even moving forward or at "speed." You're even higher on a bicycle. And human cyclists don't have a million years of evolution going around on two wheels, so mishaps are even more likely to happen. The speed only worsens an already dangerous situation. Everyone can benefit from wearing a helmet. Sure, Dutch transportation infrastructure and bicycle design attenuates the injury situation, but doesn't eliminate it. This explains why when you're out and about in The Netherlands, you see pretty much every kitted up road rider donning a helmet. They have the same gravity over there that cause the same head injuries, TBI and fatalities that everyone else has.
Fun fact: The largest parking facility for bikes is located in Utrecht, Southeast of Amsterdam. The largest amount of space to park in Amsterdam is indeed at Central Station, with 2 lots in the front and 2 in the back (near the ferries).
@@RideandShineBicycling It truly is a sight to behold. "Biggest one in the wooooooooorld", apparently. The smell in the stairways there suggests that it is also the biggest public toilet in the wooooooorld though.
The cost of obtaining a driving license can vary depending on individual circumstances. While it may be possible to obtain a license for as little as $2000, the reality is that the average cost is often much higher. In my personal experience, I spent over 5000 EURO due to multiple failed attempts and the need for additional courses.
That is unthinkable information for an American to hear. Thanks for sharing. I will appreciate our driving system a little better now. Glad you eventually passed.
What i really love about the dutch and their biking culture is their casual riding, no helmets or specific clothing, they just go about their rides, in Norway it's the opposite, so i'm an odd one as i have that dutch attitude when it comes to cycling, i might consider moving there one day.
I completely agree! The Dutch biking culture is so refreshing and laid-back. It's definitely a different experience compared to other countries. Maybe you are starting a trend in Norway and others will adopt the Dutch biking attitude. Keep being the odd one out and start that biking revolution! Thanks for the comment. Happy New Year.
@@RideandShineBicycling I think the primary challenge with changing our biking culture is that bicycles here are mostly for sports or seen as toys, there aren't many that commute or use them to get from one point to another, unfortunately Norway as a whole is very car centered, the Netherlands are lightyears ahead, i think it will take much time for Norway to catch up if ever.
I hate to agree with you, but I believe you are right. One of the main reasons for this channel is to help change the biking culture here in the States. We might be a small blip in this world to achieve this but we hope to exponentially inspire people. @@HansensUniverseT-A
@@RideandShineBicycling And there is another concern as well, not just regarding bikes but where the automotive industry is heading, i enjoy cycle touring and that means riding on the road, but in the last decade, cars have become heavier, faster and much bigger, sharing the road with these monsters isn't much fun, the wast majority of Norway's roads are built for European compact cars of the 60s and 70s, it might actually get so bad that i cannot ride on the road at all, which means i would have to move either to the Netherlands or potentially to Asia, the west is going backwards into the future, where the roads are becoming inaccessible to anyone that isn't a motorist.
I have noticed here in the USA that the car size is shrinking. I feel bad for you. I do not ride on the roads at all, it is just too dangerous here. We are fortunate that we do have multiple bike trails to use. When we do our video bike tours we mainly guide people to take the trails. I hate to hear that it is going backward in Norway. I do feel that here we are making progress, but it is slow. I have read that many US cities have comprehensive plans that outline long-term community development goals and projects regarding bicycling. The cities have been altered for additional bike lanes and you can see the changes from 20 years ago. We ride in the Washington DC area frequently and have seen new bike trails being constructed. So there is hope. @@HansensUniverseT-A
Great video! Fun fact about the not-wearing-a-helmet policy: research shows that making a helmet mandatory, will reduce the percentage of trips taken by bike. In other words: people would start driving more. That would mean that the health benefits of an active lifestyle are overall reduced for the general population (e.g. cardiac diseases). The conclusion is that the benefits of prevented head injuries (by wearing a helmet) are much smaller than the benefits of the overall healthy lifestyle (by having more trips taken by bike). This is the main reason for the pragmatic no-helmet policy of the Dutch goverment.
These are specious conclusions at best. I bet if you eliminated the status quo of aggressive and entitled drivers on the road BUT required helmets, you'd see millions of happy, helmeted riders. Most people fear massive 5,000 cars and 20,000 trucks being operated by distracted, disorientated, impaired, aggressive, raging lunatics behind the wheel. Might want to address the elephant in the room. This statement is equivalent to saying, "If you require that drivers wear seat belts, they will be less likely to drive." Or in an airplane. Demonstrably false. Helmets aren't the solution for everything (look at American football), but they do a LOT to reduce TBI and avoidable injury, disability and death among many user groups. There's little reason to go to extremes.
We Dutch live in the spirit of the law, not so much by the letter. That's why we have respect for each other and our law enforcement and created a peaceful society. No bullies in uniform but officers you can trust to do good instead of acting as if they stand above the law and act accordingly. No one has to be afraid for our cops and that's a comforting feeling.
One of the main reasons why Dutch bicyclists don't have to wear helmets is actually quite interesting - it's because almost all car drivers in the Netherlands are also avid cyclists themselves! This means that Dutch drivers can truly understand and empathize with cyclists, knowing firsthand how vulnerable they can be on the roads and how they navigate through traffic. It's such a unique cultural aspect that sets the Dutch apart. In contrast, I've encountered foreign drivers who seemed to despise the presence of bicycles on the road, but here in the Netherlands, car drivers hardly even notice a problem. Just ask Jeremy Clarkson! ;)
This makes perfect sense. We have a lot of car drivers who despise bike riders. Anytime you go out for a ride you have to believe you are invisible to all. It is how you will survive in the USA. Thanks for your insight.
Gravity is the big killer of cyclists when it comes to head injury. This explains why falls in the bathroom can be deadly - gravity plus a hard surface are a bad combination. Same thing applies to riding a bike. So despite the great bike infrastructure and bicycle design, helmets are still a good idea. Most Dutch road riders wear helmets BTW.
Lovely video but reading through the comments our Dutch directness really shows. Without having the person in front of you it kinda comes off as rude online because you can't read the other person's emotions on their face. We don't want to be rude, we just waste zero time beating around the bush, even online apparently. :P
It's not that they love riding; it's the system. We had Dutch engineers come visit my company. to and from the airport everything is by car. They openly said that if they lived in the U.S., they wouldn't even own a bike.
Wow, thank you for sharing that insight from the Dutch engineers. It's always fascinating to hear different viewpoints. Unfortunately, I can understand their perspective about biking in the U.S. 😢
@flower_power yup, I am .You know why ? Because I grew up in a country where the sun shines for 290 days a year. I get sick easily. Not everyone is like the Dutch.
The main reason people ask you where you came from, is the helmet and the high visibility vest, especially the last one, combined with your age. You stand out as a foreigner/tourist. The only adults who wear helmets while commuting are elderly people and some people on ebikes. As a regular ebike rider I will wear a helmet on longer stretches where there is a higher risk of injuries combined with higher speeds. The high visibility vest is only an advantage when you ride in complete darkness without lights, but those people rarely have the selfawareness to realize that, unfortunately (I do not see much after dark....)
Haha, I guess I’m just trying to look like the coolest foreigner on the block! Who knew fashion choices could spark such curiosity? Thanks for sharing your perspective as an e-bike rider!
First of all, a lot of people ride a bike because it's safe, as long as cycling is not safe in the USA people won't do it. And in the USA most bicycles that are sold are sport cycles (race and mountain bike's), over here we have way more "normal" bikes, the workhorse of cycling holland. We made an infrastructure that has quick routes for bikes so on short routes it's faster to take the bike then a car. It took the Netherlands about 50 years to build it like it is so don't expect the USA to change overnight, but if you don't start somewhere, you'll never reach this point
Yes, wonderful points. You have to start somewhere. There seems to be a small wake up during the pandemic. We will see, but hopefully not in 50 years time from now. Thanks for your comment.
4:05 you're supposed to walk your bicycle over the sidewalk. Which makes sense, we have cycle lanes and the road for cycling. If you want priority on a pedestrian crossing with your bike, you also have to dismount. That latter bit if definitely something a lot of people don't realise.
4:00 she did follow the rules. You don’t have to stop. The points are called haaientanden or shark teeth in English. if there is nothing coming you can drive on, but if there is something coming and the shark teeth are pointed you way you must stop.
@1:26 First: Only small children that are prone to falling put on a helmet because kids need to learn to keep their balance on a bicycle, which takes time to learn, this is why most young kids wear a helmet, of course there are also some parents that feel the responsibility for their child to wear a helmet when they are on the bicycle with their parents in their little seats (@1:23), this is just to prevent them from hurting their heads if the parent falls off his or her bicycle, when the child learns how to properly ride their bicycle without falling, parents usually let them stop wearing a helmet (or when they outgrow the helmet). Secondly: The Dutch government doesn't want the appearance that cycling in the country is safe, because since the beginning of the bicycle, we have never worn helmets, they just didn't implement the rules for the cyclists because the infrastructure is of such safe quality that helmets aren't really needed, also it could be argued that the government feels that putting on a helmet means you have to take your helmet everywhere (otherwise it could be stolen off your bike if you leave it there, or getting it wet from the rain), making it very impractical if you want to make a quick ride to the store for instance. Thirdly: The only ones with a bicycle that wear a helmet are the sport cyclists on race bikes (this is by their own choice). The ones that drive the motorized scooters and motorbikes do have a mandatory helmet rule, because their speeds require it.
Thanks for this great information. This is an interesting perspective. So you are saying that the Dutch government DOESN'T want the appearance that cycling is safe?
Hey that's very nice video about cycling in the Netherlands. Thank you, i'll wish you all the best in America. Ok yes, i'm from Belgium. Greetings from Eddy
Nice to read that you enjoyed your stay and cycling in the Netherlands. In the city where I live, everything is also being redesigned to give cyclists and pedestrians more safety and space, with examples from the Netherlands and Denmark. I will soon make a new video about this, an update actually of the cycling infrastructure in Mechelen. I will definitely watch the other video of your stay in Antwerp. Greetings from Eddy
Fun fact. Cycling is less "popular" as a percent of trips today than it was in the 60s! We never recovered from getting rich. Used to be 80% of all trips in the cities. But the infrastructure has definitely enabled cycling today. Else it would be much lower.
1:30 i have never worn a helmet as a child. And the reason the government doesnt make it mandatory is because there would be riots, and nobody would adhere to that rule😅. Also most of the bike paths are seperated from the road so its way safer then other countries.
@@InfiniteCyclus😂 we generally really don’t like things being imposed on us though. Even if the arguments to wear one outweigh the cons. So you would probably see resistance for a while. When the majority would start to wear one, the rest will probably follow.
Riots :) Helmets provide individual safety. In some instances. But when dealing with cars that's debatable. They protect your head, but cars hit you lower. Also they make you feel safer (taking more risks yourself) and make you look less volnurable (others taking more risks around you). Helmets are a nuissance when you go somewhere (another item to carry or lock away to prevent theft). They also mess up your hair. And they send out a very strong message... cycling is dangerous ... deterring certain democraphics to ever take up cycling and move around in1 ton of steel and plastic instead :)
3:45 I understand why you say "It's always the car's fault". It is slightly different because strapped in a heavy metal box on wheels you are responsible for the safety of less protected road users. It can be the biker's fault, but the car driver is held liable.
I am sure there are exceptions. 'always' was too strong a word. While visiting, I saw a car swipe a bicyclist and a bicyclist swipe a pedestrian. There was no damage to either person or transport, but you have to think it must happen quite a bit. Thanks for your comment.
I’ve been riding my bike all season in the capital since my early teens, now I’m 45 and I’ve only had an accident once daydream-crashing into the bike riding towards me. Ride carefully mostly on bike lanes, never had an accident with a car or pedestrian, sometimes pedestrians block the bike path and I ring my extra-loud japanese bike Bell.
Glad to hear about your biking experiences and how you've stay safe all these years. We only do bike touring on bike trails, or bike lanes. Riding on the road seems way too dangerous. Daydream-crashing into another bike sounds like something straight out of a movie! Glad you're okay. Thanks for watching.
I don't know if you noticed but the parking facility at 2:00 is a 7000 unit > underwater < parking lot for bikes.😉 Way over 20 million bikes in the Netherlands on a population of 17.5 million, not 85% 🤓😊
@@RideandShineBicycling Yes, that parking garage actually opened last February, it's not even a year old yet. So a modern marvel indeed :) The largest bicycle parking garage in the world is underneath the Utrecht Centraal station. Opened in 2017 and has space for 12,500 bikes. It's absolutely massive.
The feeling of safety is actually confirmed by low accident rates. And yes, the special infrastructure for bikes helps a lot with that. It's based on decades of experience with what works and what doesn't.
@@RideandShineBicycling It also helps that our bikes are upright. If we fall, we mostly hurt our legs/hips and arms. Hardly ever our heads. With the type of bikes in the US, you have to lean forward. So if you fall, it's easier to hurt your head. That's why people on mountainbikes and other racing bikes do wear helmets here, because they lean forward and their speeds are also higher.
@@RideandShineBicycling It starts making more sense if you look at the history. Safe biking infrastructure emerged out of protests over children dying in traffic accidents. The interesting question is why the Netherlands became a safe biking country, while other countries basically started taking children off the road.
@@sanderdeboer6034sadly that is not exactly true. The advent of e-bikes, in particular with older riders, means they are having more accidents. Primarily due to increased speed. Oh, and those accidents resulted in more hospital visits too.
Great video! One thing you left out, was the joy of biking in the countryside. Everywhere seems to be crisscrossed with cycle paths. I’m from England where I tried to bike as much as I could. I survived that experience. By comparison biking in the Netherlands is an absolute delight. One other thing I observed in the winter, was the cycle tracks being cleared of snow, and gritted while the roads were left untreated. It’s a mystery to me, why countries such as England and the US seem unable to learn from the Dutch.
Thank you! You are right, I did leave out what a joy it is to ride there. I appreciate your insight. It's fascinating how different countries prioritize biking infrastructure.We(at least in my area) are still fighting for each bike path and bike lane one step at a time.
Thank you for your video! As a Dutch person it is very interesting to hear and see our bicycle culture through the eyes of an outsider. Makes me appreciate our great, safe infrastructure, which, until I discovered NotJustBikes, you and others, I took for granted. Small correction: hardly anyone puts a helmet on their kid's (let alone their own) head. It really, really, REALLY isn't necessary.
Thank you! Being such a bike enthusiasts and seeing the way you live, makes me envious. It just amazes me but it is understandable when you say it is not necessary for children to wear helmets.
It is VERY necessary and Netherlands is one of the few countries where people are too stubborn to wear helmets. Which is actually dangerous and stupid, because once you fall on your head you’ll likely be even more stupid and stubborn than you were before.
I almost completely agree with you, except for the helmet. All electric bike drivers should wear an helmet and if you drive extremely fast on an ordinary bike, you really should consider it. I guess we have less serious injuries from accidents than car dependent countries, but we can prevent a lot of serieus brain injuries.
@@RideandShineBicycling In the last few years some parents put helmets on their kids, but it is mostly expats who do so. Dutch children start to learn to bike when they are just 2 years old, and untill like 5 years ago I had never seen a child wearing a helmet.
I suppose you don't need a drivers licence in larger cities, but I live on the countryside. The bus rides every half hour and only goes to the trainstation. For every other destination you need your bike or your car. Distances are bigger and cycling is often not your best choice. My 18 y.o has his drivers licence and enjoys his freedom and the roof over his head in the pouring autumn rain.
Great points. That makes sense. I love the personal insight. I did visit many small villages in the Netherlands, and noticed they did have bike lanes, but saw more cars driving around. Thank you for sharing.
Welcome to the Netherlands. Let this small country surprise you. It's a great place where you are located because you'll be able to get a nice image of the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. And of course, the rest of Europe. Enjoy your time here, ask around to anybody, you will learn the differences between the country's and people. This is true free living. 👍
Awesome! Thanks for your reply. The Netherlands is an extraordinary destination. The biking culture is truly inspirational for us (Ride and Shine) and hopefully for the people in the United States.
Yes we do. Public transport isn't an option everywhere. It is fun but also a bit dangerous, especially for the elderly A helmet wouldn't be a bad thing then.
Yes, except maybe older people. They will use public transport then (if that drives, because if it snows, that stops as well until the roads have been cleared).
That bicycle parking garage is not the biggest. The biggest one is in Utrecht, a city southeast of Amsterdam. The garage is Amsterdam has a capacity of 7,000 places. However, the garage in Utrecht has a capacity of 12,500 places.
I do think it's the biggest in Amsterdam, so I just choose to interpret the comment as such. But it's a pity so many foreigners seem to equate (cycling in) The Netherlands with Amsterdam. I think it's hardly the best example of what it means to have good cycling infrastructure.
I said it was one of the biggest. It is pretty big though. We have nothing here like that. I will have to visit Utrecht's one. It is probably in the Guinness world record book. Thanks for the comment.
@@RideandShineBicycling It is safe. I've only fallen a few times when it snowed and the road was slippery.. I hurt my legs and arms a bit, but I just got up on my bicycle again. It's probably been over 20 years since i've fallen off my bicycle.
I've seen a lot of people being helpful with misconceptions. A small note on the parking permits: that's primarily in and around city centers. The price hugely depends on the location. Here in Alkmaar (around 92,000 people), my permit costs about 74 euro's a year, which I think is very decent. Amsterdam on the other hand...
These were our observations of the Netherlands and gathered information from the locals. That is interesting information about the parking permits. It seems like an efficient way to solve parking issues. Thanks for the comment.
@@RideandShineBicycling I am aware you relied on limited experiences of a limited amount of people. Still some odd observations though. I've been around Europe and I never experienced lack of water pressure, and I cannot imagine that any house above the warm south lacks heating. I expect the vast majority in the warmest areas have heating too. And I feel that the idea of there being many appartments is quite exaggerated. As for AC's, yeah those are pretty rare. From what I've seen the average European home is (much) better insulated, particularly the newer ones. And most of Europe's climate isn't really warm anyway.
OH my gosh!! I think you are commenting about someone else's video. Ours was only about the biking culture. I said nothing about heat or water pressure. I have accidentally commented on the wrong video before too. Although your comment is pretty interesting about the insulation of homes. We did not talk about that. @@MrMezmerized
@@RideandShineBicycling Haha, yeah oops you're right, I didn't properly check which page this comment was on. Nice of you to respond anyway. Visit again and enjoy our biking infra and culture and who knows, I might run into the video about that trip too
People who have a bicycle can also drive cars its a choise. Its healthy, easy and quicker in most cities to come somewhere. We enjoy riding a bike. Its not that we are driven to it because of the costs of a car. We like bikes for several reasons.
Hope you had a nice time visiting the Netherlands, biking is our main way of transport. But i think you got that. Hope next time you will not only visit Amsterdam, there is formidable biking infrastructure in the countryside too, and there many more beautiful cities, towns, just as Amsterdam that are not so busy and packed with tourist.
The triangel is called "Shark teeth" . It's a street marker that say you don't have priority to the street you want to cross even coming from the right.
Hmmm, you forgot to mention that you are not allowed to use your mobile phone when cycling and it is mandatory to have and use working lights when cycling after sundown. Otherwise, you risk the chance of being fined. By the way, bright Florissant safety vests whilst cycling are not the norm.
Oh, my gosh. 😅 I saw so many people on their cell phones while riding their bikes. I also saw someone drinking a beer, and eating a sandwich. The lighting rules are important information. I probably should do a follow-up on this video. Thanks for this valuable information. I did stick out like a sore thumb with the vest and the helmet. Hey, what can I say I am a crazy American.
I bike at least 14.000 km per year. In my experience a helmet is recommended for: novice, under 6 years, over 70 years and/or speeding over 27 km/h. (E-bike or racing bike)
@@RideandShineBicycling Not to worry. That's why you need to make a second and third visit :-) Also visit some other places than just Amsterdam, which isn't very representative for the country imho. It's like Europeans visiting NYC and thinking that the rest of the USA is the same.
So funny right now tiny swampy below-sea-level delta mini Holland got the best race cyclist (Matthieu van der Poel) and car racer (Max Verstappen) in the world.
@@RideandShineBicycling Besides our cycle network, we also have the best infrastructure for cars and driving here is mostly awesome! I do wish we would expand our train network more.. We have a pretty dense train network, but it's getting expensive to travel by train, so more people take their cars again. Since they usually already have a car it's cheaper to buy some gas than it is to buy train tickets.
Lovely video, and happy to see that you filmed in Eindhoven, Maastricht and other places. Many of these videos are all in Amsterdam on the same few streets. The white triangles are called haaientanden (shark teeth) but they are a sign to make a full stop for cars too, not just bicycles. Unless it's on a bike lane of course. Dutch cycling involves taking rules as guidelines rather than strict rules ;-) If the street is empty, nobody is going to walk their bike across the street. And stop signs are nice, but yeah... we make up our mind first haha.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am with you there. The rules become fuzzy if no one is around. I am looking forward to ride in more towns and cities in The Netherlands.
Absolutely stunning scenery and an engaging storyline! Recently, I've started making videos showcasing the beauty of cycling in the Netherlands 🇳🇱. If you enjoy breathtaking views and captivating narratives, my channel is the place for you. Join me on my cycling adventures and experience the wonders of the Netherlands firsthand! Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore these stunning landscapes from the comfort of your screen. 🚴♂️🌷🎥
Thanks a ton for the shoutout! Your enthusiasm is contagious, and I'm grateful for your support. We will definitely check out your channel. It will bring back wonderful memories we had when visiting the Netherlands. Cheers!
Yeah. Typical Dutch. That is Amsterdam though. In the countryside it is not that hectic. The school was 18 kilometres away (one way) and as a boy I used to cycle there every day. Together with all the other kids from the village. Now at age 54 the bike is still the main means of transport and I go to work and cycle 34 kilometers a day even through wind and rain. When it is busy on the road there are probably 2 or 3 tractors on the dike. We wave at each other. Cycling makes me feel energetic and it brings a good mood. Commuting through the countryside is bliss. There is a car parked at the house that I can use but in general I choose the bike. Even for holidays.
I do admire your lifestyle. I was able to get out into to the beautiful countryside and ride a bike. I did notice that there were more cars on the road. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the video. It was just my personal observation. I am not saying that this is true. But I still love the sentiment.
It's not that hard. Just acknowledge that there are three streams of traffic; slow(pedestrians), fast (cars, trucks and buses) and medium. The medium will be predominantly bikes, but also things like electric scooters or even skateboards. When you build a safe network for these, people will start to use them.
You see more and more cyclists wear helmets or at least the part of the Netherlands were I'm from (south east) especially the older cyclists on e-bikes. The haaientanden (the triangles on the road) tells you if you have or give the right of way. You don't have to stop, when there no one the give way. And you don't have to walk when you want to cross the street, only on pedestrian crossings.
That is very interesting. Through some of the various comments from this video, I am hearing that about more cyclist who own e-bikes are wearing helmets. Thanks for your insight.
When an accident happens between a bike and a car it is NOT always the cars (drivers) fault! However the burden of proof lies more with the car driver than with the bike rider. If for example the bike went through a red traffic light and the car could not stop in time, the bike rider is at fault. Or if the bike rider is intoxicated in any way, this could also influence the legal proceedings. So NO, the car driver doesn’t need to fear the legal system. I know of a relative who was hit by a car on an intersection who died. The car driver wasn’t charged because in this case it was very obvious the car driver wasn’t at fault.
@@RideandShineBicycling It depends on the judge, because the judge could also argue that a driver can expect cyclists to not always follow the rules (especially children/teens), so that they should still look out and react to that... We don't have a culture of sueing eachother, so at most the car driver would have to pay more for his /her car insurrance after an accident. As a car driver you build up a discount when you've not been in an accident.
@@RideandShineBicycling There are a lot of such stories that even the Dutch seem to believe, but it is indeed not true. Ultimately it is a traffic judge who decides who is at fault, and cyclists can also be liable.
@@RideandShineBicycling Indeed and our last one was 80 km, through the dunes from The Hague to Zandvoort and back. Fun fact is that this now bike path was constructed during WWII by the occupying Nazis as a road to get to their North Sea bunkers.
@@RideandShineBicycling yeah well before you can go for truckers license you need to have a normal drivers license so i guess you can double that. And even more for bus, bc of the responsibility. This is why in the past a lot of men got their drivers license ( and truckers license) while they were doing compulsory military service. It was way cheaper and easier than outside of the military, and also a way to make use of a time ppl thought was kind of wasted years and learn something useful. ‘Dienstplicht’ has been ‘abolished’ now.
Very Interesting. I also heard that the trucking companies pay the fees for the workers, but workers are committed to driving for the company for several years.@@Peacefrogg
Those triangles on the road surface aren't just for cyclists, they apply to ALL traffic. If the triangles point to you, you must yield. At all times. Also, when a pedestrian is in the process of crossing a pedestrian crossing, all traffic must halt. Cyclists too! Many people tend to forget that.
Familiarity breeds competence. If you spend time cycling in close quarters with other riders, you tend to develop wonderful skills. I tandemed in and around Utrecht for 10 days a few years ago. I was impressed. It was like riding among category 1, 2 and pro riders in the peloton: everyone knew what they were doing. No shaky, unpredictable riders. No overlapping wheels. In 10 days of riding in, among and around thousands of people on bicycles, I didn't see a SINGLE crash. It was wonderful. I also noticed that EVERY kited up road rider wore a helmet. They have the same gravity in The Netherlands that everyone else does. Sure, their transportation infrastructure and bicycle designs promote easy, safe cycling. But falling and smashing your head on the pavement produces the same results there as everywhere else. Helmets are inexpensive insurance. Why not wear one? (Falls in the shower and auto collisions produce this conclusion: helmets would save a LOT of lives. Just because it's not "in style" to wear a helmet in the car or shower, doesn't mean it wouldn't be a good idea. What's more important to you? Style or your life? Something to at least think about.)
The triangles are yield signs and are for every vehicle coming from that street. It's not a rule to walk your bike across the street but pedestrians have the right of way on a crosswalk. So if you walk your bike you have the ride of way, if you ride the bike you don't.
It seems I should have distinguished 'crossing the road part' in the video. 'Do not ride across a zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your bicycle across the street.'
@@RideandShineBicyclingit's all good really, people are too precise about a review of a country and expect a whole essay with every word thought out. you got to the point and that's what matters :)
It's important to note that Dutch people do not wear helmets specifically while bicycling in the Netherlands. This is because of the proper bike infrastructure that separates bicyclists from other traffic. If I were to go biking in a country where there is no proper bike infrastructure, I would 100% wear a helmet while bicycling (even if it wasn't mandatory). Another thing to note, is that most people do wear helmets when on their e-bike.
Yes, we live in a place with unsatisfying biking infrastructure and longing to adopt the Dutch ways of biking. That is interesting information about the e-bikes. Thanks for the comment.
Hope you enjoyed your stay in The Netherlands. Some things you mention are not correct, but love your enthousiasm. Also many commenters pointed out your mistakes already. We can cycle before we can walk 😉. At a young age I drove my bike to elementary school. I lived in a small village. When I went to high school at the age of 12 I cycled 20 km per day. Only in extreme weather conditions I took the bus. We are not made of sugar my mom told me 😆. I only take the bike when it’s the fastest way to get to my destination or to go to the pub or my footballclub to have a beer or two (so I tell my wife)… P.S. Good for you to lose the helmet and the vest. You got some funny looks I guess. Please be welcome again to enjoy the freedom to go anywhere without a starting up a stinking exhaust…
Yes, my stay was amazing getting to know the Dutch people and their culture. How could I not be inspired by this foreign concept of a bicycling city? I am very envious. I enjoyed learning about your cycling life and your mother's funny comment. The Dutch biking culture is so fascinating to me. I will travel back and do more videos. I can't say I will get everything perfect. 😆 I love your ending. Thanks for your personal insight.
So many mistakes in this video 🤣😂🤣😂 but good effort.. 😉 And to be clear.. It's not a stop sign.. We don't take another ones bike( that must have been a joke).. And we do wear helmets when speed cycling or off road cycling. A helmet does not protect against a car, safe infrastructure does. And sitting upright on a bike.. Because you've got a easier view of the road around you. 😉
We don't do it in the USA either. 😅 It seems I should have distinguished 'crossing the road part' in the video. There is a rule in the Netherlands that I was told about that says: 'Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your bicycle across the street.'
Would you wear a helmet when you walk or drive a car? Especially in the USA where there are 10-15 times more road fatalities PER CAPITA! It is much safer to ride without a helmet on a bike in the Netherlands than to walk in the USA! I would understand if Americans would wear a helmet everywhere! However I am pro helmet usage for electric bikes, especially for the elderly. I myself have recently bought a helmet (with backlight) that I wear during night bike trips. But during the day time I will not wear a helmet, except maybe if I buy an electric bike in the future.
Good points! That is interesting about using a helmet only for the electric bike. In my American eyes, I don't see a difference between an e-bike and a regular bike. Thanks for the comment.
@@RideandShineBicycling The speeds are higher on an electric bike and eldery react slower in traffic.. So a lot of the bicycle accidents are caused by elderly falling off their electrical bicycles. We also have bicycles that can go really fast for a bike (28 mph), so it would be safer if those people wear a helmet. The average speed with a regular bicycle is around 9-10 mph.
@@RideandShineBicycling The e-bike is much more unsafe, given its much higher speeds and weight. Speed pedelec riders for example are required to wear a helmet in Europe. Because it can go 45 km/h. The recent rise in bicycle accidents and death can mostly be attributed to e-bikes driven by the elderly.
We also don’t wear helmets because cyclists are legally the most protected member in all of the transport system. So when you hit a cyclist in your car, even when it is not your fault, you are stll legally at fault!
Nice video. You're so enthousiastic! @christiaan made some good corrections. I use my electric bike to get to work: 2 days a week 2x 18 km and 2 days week 2x 2,5 km and for other short distances like shopping. I do not own a car, so I depend on my bike and public transport. I one transported a silicon sitting bath on my bike... and other crazy stuff 😂😂😂 I think it is wise to wear an helmet when you drive on an electric bike, so I always wear an helmet. By the way, at this moment I own 4 bikes 😅. One ordenary 'granny' bike, one bike for cycling holidays (for instance cycling over 1.000 km to middle France, most people in The Netherland do not ride for fun, but for practical uses... I use this special bike for making a tour just for fun), my old electric bike wich can do 16 km at maximum support (is for sale) and my new one that can ride 45 km at maximum support on one charge.
You made a whole film about why cycling here is so popular, without actually finding out why cycling is so popular here!! I’ll give you two free hints: 1. Holland is flat, so cycling is relatively easy. 2. Holland’s a small country with a large population so things are usually quite close by. (Compared to the US or Canada) Oh and if someone corrects you and says you have to call it the Netherlands instead of Holland, just ignore them!!
I am Dutch too and I definitly hate it if people call our country Holland. I live in the Netherlands, not in Holland. Noord-Brabant isn't Holland, it's in the Netherlands.
@@mariadebake5483 aannemen dat ik Nederlands ben is precies dat: een aanname. Ik kom uit Schotland maar woon al meer dan 30 in NL. En al sinds ik hier ben, hoor ik dat Schotland bij Engeland hoort en als ik daar iets over zeg wordt er gegiecheld en hoor ik “ja daar worden ze boos over haha”. Dus zo lang ik in NL hoor dat Schotland bij Engeland hoort, blijf ik Nederland “Holland” noemen!!
@@McNessie101 Persoonlijk noem ik Schotland altijd Schotland. Schotland hoort bij Groot-Brittannië, maar niet bij Engeland. Er zijn genoeg Nederlanders die dat weten (niet allemaal jammer genoeg).
Love your video! As an addition I want to say that almost all the car drivers are cyclists too at another moment. So they know how it’s like. 😀 🚲 That increases safety too.
Thank you! It was fun to put together, and I am humble from all the good response that the video has gotten. If I could only say what you said 'most car drivers are cyclist'. Unfortunately, that is not true here in the USA.
![Round the clock cycling in the Netherlands [112]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hb0QjASuuqI/mqdefault.jpg)
I wouldn't say cycling is 'popular' in the Netherlands, that sounds like it could be a passing fad. But it's interwoven with our culture. It's as normal a way of transportation as walking is.
You are a very lucky person to have been brought up in the cycling dutch culture. 😍
Ohh dear. In the US walking isn’t a normal way of transport either….. They use cars 😢
Exactly, in other countries it's a lifestyle with rules, very specific features and protocols, in the Netherlands it's called Monday.
🤣That's a great comment! Thanks.@@rotwang2000
not to mention the long term economical implications of infrastructure
netherlands is a watery place
the more busy and bigger cities tend to have waterways running either through them, mostly that, or they have a harbor/port
trade over the waterways is how these cities historically became prosperous, and most of these cities are split in half through a canal,
that over time, has usually been artificially been dug out to be even wider to allow for bigger shipmets over the water, before cars were even invented,
this was the 1600s and 1700s when the east indies company was thriving
many bridges were built, most of them were built in old rennesaince style and are what they are, more needed to be built for car traffic, but it's extremely cost ineffective to expand bridges, compared to flat roads... bridges tend to be more of a one-off build with little to no means to expand them easily, especially those old ones
for the bigger highways and inter city roads we use a ton of aquaducts where we have to beat the water , but they take long stretches of land to allow for a foundation solid enough to contain a canal with sloshing water stressing the foundations, you can't quite build any infrstructure for the next 20-50 meters around the spot dependign on how big the water is
so those aquaducts are uaully built in a go-big-or-go-home way, if you're going to make the effort, right?
add to that that many of these historic cities have buildings that are on monument lists introduced in the last couple of decades and can't just be bulldozed, they are part of the landscape pretty much forever, makes for this being near impossible in the older inner cities these days,.
two little corrections:
- those triangles mean you have to yield to other traffic, so if you only have to slow down and let the traffic that has the right of way go first.
you don't need to stop completely, and it's for all traffic. (it means the same as the upside down triangle signs that are white with a red line around their border, the international yield sign)
- crossing the road: you don't have to walk with your bike in hand to cross the street. you don't even have to cross at the zebra/pedestrian crossing we don't have jaywalking laws in The Netherlands. you can cross wherever you need/want.
but you only have priority at those zebra crossings when crossing by foot.
so smart Dutchies that want to cross a busy road with a zebra crossing, dismount the bike get priority over the other traffic, cross the crossing and mount their bikes again and continue their way.
As soon as you set one foot on a zebra crossing cars must stop. When I was a kid, we did that for fun. Waiting at a zebra, and as soon as a car approached, you set your foot on the zebra. 😂
This is more than 60 years ago, I suppose kids nowadays have better things to do.
That's so great. I love hearing that information.
@@jannetteberends8730 That rule has changed years ago. When there's somebody at a zebra crossing and that person makes preparations to cross the road, you have to stop.
i.e. somebody is watching you coming to the zebra and is facing that crossing, you stop. Somebody is talking with another person with the back to the crossing, you don't have to stop.
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For an American audience, it's important to know that we are not a country of cyclists, as Americans think of the term.
It's not that everyone has cycling as a hobby. Most people just use their bikes to get to work, go shopping, visit friends and make other practical trips. It's just a practical way of getting around.
Yes, good point. Of course we see it that way. But I am glad you distinguished between the two cultures. Thank you.
You are right, I love biking to be in nature with beautiful weather but biking is my daily way of transportation, biking to the mall and the supermarket, to visit family and friends and I do miss my bike a lot during holidays. I am getting sick and tired from walking those long distances in big holiday parks, so boring.
Practical and pleasant!
@@RideandShineBicycling It is a serious mode of transportation.
Small correction: the largest bicycle parking lot is actually located in Utrecht (central city in the Netherlands) and is almost twice the size of the one you show at 2:20. The one you show can contain 7.000 bicycles, the one in Utrecht a whopping 12.500, located over 3 floors there is a bicycle path all the way through it, so you don't even have to walk until you park your bike somewhere. And it is not even the only place at the Utrecht Central Train station to park your bike, there are two more bicycle parking indoor parking locations closely located to it. The locations have 24/7 presence of employees and you can park your bike for free the first 24 hours.
That is quite amazing. I would love to visit someday. I do know that Amsterdam's bike garage is one of the largest.
And I just happened to visit it shortly after completion. Very impressive.
I am a native Dutch and have been a tour guide on bike in Amsterdam. Indeed, biking is in the Dutch DNA, in every cell of our body. We interact with other bikers by minimal signals and eye contact. We simply KNOW how to go around with large groups of people in small areas. Mostly people do not follow rules, yet they follow their instincts. That is why it is so ‘dangerous’ for foreigners to ride a bike here. For they don’t have this seventh sense. Keep biking and practicing, I love your inquiring approach.
The Dutch cycling culture is fascinating to me. I can see that riding in your country could be dangerous for a foreigner, unless they know the rules. I rode with the flow and followed others. I did take several bike tours while I was there and some of this information in the video was from the guides. You live in a magical world. As an American I hope the magic comes here someday. 🪄🚴♂️ Thanks for your insight.
"You have to walk your bike across the street"
Um, no. You're supposed to walk when you're on a zebra crossing, but other types of crossings have no such requirement.
Glad you cleared that up. Thank you.
I wonder where she got that info from, because it's clearly wrong. Only on zebra crossings, but that's because a zebra crossing is only meant for pedestrians. Bicycles can just cycle across a road anywhere else (and there are lots of special bike crossings, too, usually next to the zebra crossing).
@@DrErikEvrard There were other hilarious misconceptions such as the shark teeth, but the concept of yielding seems to be foreign to Americans, so they don't really know what a yeld sign means.
@@therealdutchidiot But what is strange is that exactly the same yield lines (in the form of shark's teeth) also exist in the USA. If you google "yield line usa" you will find plenty of photos to demonstrate this. So I found it strange that she pointed this out as something typically Dutch, while I've encountered these all over the world.
@@DrErikEvrard Which is true, but you'll only typically find them on roundabouts, them being imported from Europe.
The triangles indicate to all traffic to give right of way (3:59).
Thank you for pointing out the significance of the triangles indicating the right of way.
The owners of all these bikes would have been driving cars if this had been America. Just imagine, THOUSANDS of cars trying to get into the city and find parking space, something they manage to avoid in Dutch cities. This garage for bikes in Amsterdam is right in the heart of the city.
I recently heard that they were going to ban big buses from coming into the city. That is amazing.
As a certified driving instructor i can tell you that the cost of getting a license in The Netherlands is almost 3000 dollar.
Wow!! My information was from a Dutch tour guide. Apparently, she wasn't up to date on the cost. Thanks for the clarification.
2:18 the largest bicycle shed is not in Amsterdam but in Utrecht (12500)
Good to know! I would love to visit that someday.
please do! There is a whole bike route going through that one that you can ride on, really great!@@RideandShineBicycling
Lovely dutch experience! We all should learn)
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback! Still learning from the Dutch - one wooden shoe at a time!
A helmet isn't a bad idea if you are an American and have only a couple of hours experience. It's also good for us to spot the tourists.
Haha! Helmets: the universal tourist identifier! Thanks for the tip.
In many places in the US you would be lucky to survive a couple of hours as a cyclist even with a helmet. It's simply unsafe to cycle depending on the area. On a side note there's research from the UK if I'm not mistaken that shows drivers maintain a safer distance to cyclists without helmets, likely because they are seen as more vulnerable than cyclists with helmets.
I’m a Brit and love cycling in NL. Been there twice in 2024. Long distance cycling is the way to explore the country. 🇳🇱❤️🚴🏻♂️
That's so cool! Wow! Two trips in one year-lucky you. Cycling in the Netherlands is the best. There is no better way to see the beautiful landscapes and charming towns.
3:50, the triangles do don't mean stop, just that you have to give way. That could involve stopping, but if you're looking further ahead, just slowing down might be enough.
It seems I should have distinguished the 'crossing the road part' in the video. Thank you for the clarification.
These triangles ('shark's teeth') are pretty universal around the world, also for cars btw. Yes, you will find them also in the USA.
And I do think, as a Dutch guy, that getting your drivers license is still a useful thing. You get wayyy more insight into how traffic works and where you can be seen on a bicycle and where not. Also, if you have to drive in some emergency situation, you can. However, if you don't have a grandfather that pays your lessons for you, I understand that you won't when you don't have a decent job yet.
That is good information. Yes, I can see you would have a better understanding of how traffic works to make you a better rider. Hopefully, there are a lot of grandfathers out there to pay for the lessons. 😅Thanks for sharing.
I agree. Cars, and being able to drive them, are a useful thing to have in your arsenal of options to get around or get a job done. But they should not be the only or even the main option for most purposes.
Actually having your grammar school Bike Exam is even more usefull for your Driving Theory Exam. By bike you have to apply most of the traffic rules anyway ..
Outside of the Randstad it’s almost a must to have a driver’s licence, as public transportation is horrendous once you leave areas like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
It makes little sense to spend €3000+ just to know how the traffic works.
As kid we not just learn how to ride a bike, but we also learn to fall.
Maybe that's the most important aspect of it, the art of falling.
I have fallen countless times as kid off my bike. Never broke a single bone never landed on my head.
You have some good points. Falling off a bike builds character and resilience, they say! Glad you're a pro at it now and defying the odds. You need to teach us!
@@RideandShineBicycling muscle memory is a large part of it. Only one way to learn and that is the painful way
Great video! I think the most important mind set shift you need to make as a foreigner about bike riding is ‘bike riding = walking, but faster’. Would you wear a helmet when walking? Would you walk on the same road that cars are driving on? Would you say you are a ‘walker’ or ‘walking enthousiast’ when you go grocery shopping by foot?
Only exception here is that you would have lights mounted on a bike when cycling in the dark. Whereas you would not walk around with a flashlight when going for a walk. Although runners do often have lights and or a high visibility jacket.
Glad you liked the video! This is such interesting insight. Thank you.
A thing about the helmet is because of the low speed, the chance to get injured is extremely low. The main reason people on bikes get injured is because of cars. This is why bike lanes are so valuable.
It also helps because so many people ride a bike in the Netherlands, the drivers also ride bikes. More than once have I stopped completely and forcing people behind me to stop because I could foresee an accident happen with a child. And this happens a lot, people look out for each other. Someone stopped for me when I was a child so I could safely cross the road.
I'm not sure what you mean at 4:03. I think you're confused by people who use the zebra crossing. If you want to make use of the privilege of the zebra crossing (read: everyone has to yield for you), you have to behave like a pedestrian and walk. If you were to bike over the zebra crossing generally traffic does not have to yield for you because you are not a pedestrian. But if you're on your bike and want to cross a road like that lady, you're just part of traffic like everybody else. So no, to cross any road you do not have to stop and walk.
I also love the last shot you got without the helmet! I mean, you're getting it right? It's safe without any cars!
That is a great insight. 'The drivers in the Netherlands are also bike riders, so they can foresee a biking accident.' I didn't even think of that. That is not true here in the USA. We have drivers that have no respect for the bicycle riders here. You always have to believe you are invisible to all as you ride your bike. It seems I should have distinguished the crossing the road part' in the video. Thank you for clarifying that part. And yes I felt quite safe riding without a helmet. I did feel a little naked, but it was certainly freeing.
@@RideandShineBicycling Riding "with attitude" is the distinct privilege of cyclists. Driving a car "with attitude" will get you in a world of trouble. I wish people would stop riding with their phones out though. It's against the law. Btw I ride a 2 wheel recumbent cruising at 32 km/h so I'll happily wear a helmet.
What a comfortable ride you must have. I I am still looking for that perfect saddle. Thanks for the comment. @@cebruthius
Speed and head injury are not as related as you assume.
Gravity is the big killer. This explains why so many people get seriously injured falling in the bathroom. Just falling from standing height can kill you. While not even moving forward or at "speed." You're even higher on a bicycle. And human cyclists don't have a million years of evolution going around on two wheels, so mishaps are even more likely to happen. The speed only worsens an already dangerous situation.
Everyone can benefit from wearing a helmet. Sure, Dutch transportation infrastructure and bicycle design attenuates the injury situation, but doesn't eliminate it.
This explains why when you're out and about in The Netherlands, you see pretty much every kitted up road rider donning a helmet. They have the same gravity over there that cause the same head injuries, TBI and fatalities that everyone else has.
Even if you go fast, it doesn't make much difference. Freedom.
Fun fact: The largest parking facility for bikes is located in Utrecht, Southeast of Amsterdam.
The largest amount of space to park in Amsterdam is indeed at Central Station, with 2 lots in the front and 2 in the back (near the ferries).
Love to visit that some day. Thanks.
@@RideandShineBicycling It truly is a sight to behold. "Biggest one in the wooooooooorld", apparently. The smell in the stairways there suggests that it is also the biggest public toilet in the wooooooorld though.
Haha, it really is a unique experience! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
@@arjenlaan4103 Oh, you mean the stairs from the square above to the levels below? Yeah, it's a bit suspicious to me as well, haha
The cost of obtaining a driving license can vary depending on individual circumstances. While it may be possible to obtain a license for as little as $2000, the reality is that the average cost is often much higher. In my personal experience, I spent over 5000 EURO due to multiple failed attempts and the need for additional courses.
That is unthinkable information for an American to hear. Thanks for sharing. I will appreciate our driving system a little better now. Glad you eventually passed.
What i really love about the dutch and their biking culture is their casual riding, no helmets or specific clothing, they just go about their rides, in Norway it's the opposite, so i'm an odd one as i have that dutch attitude when it comes to cycling, i might consider moving there one day.
I completely agree! The Dutch biking culture is so refreshing and laid-back. It's definitely a different experience compared to other countries. Maybe you are starting a trend in Norway and others will adopt the Dutch biking attitude. Keep being the odd one out and start that biking revolution! Thanks for the comment. Happy New Year.
@@RideandShineBicycling I think the primary challenge with changing our biking culture is that bicycles here are mostly for sports or seen as toys, there aren't many that commute or use them to get from one point to another, unfortunately Norway as a whole is very car centered, the Netherlands are lightyears ahead, i think it will take much time for Norway to catch up if ever.
I hate to agree with you, but I believe you are right. One of the main reasons for this channel is to help change the biking culture here in the States. We might be a small blip in this world to achieve this but we hope to exponentially inspire people. @@HansensUniverseT-A
@@RideandShineBicycling And there is another concern as well, not just regarding bikes but where the automotive industry is heading, i enjoy cycle touring and that means riding on the road, but in the last decade, cars have become heavier, faster and much bigger, sharing the road with these monsters isn't much fun, the wast majority of Norway's roads are built for European compact cars of the 60s and 70s, it might actually get so bad that i cannot ride on the road at all, which means i would have to move either to the Netherlands or potentially to Asia, the west is going backwards into the future, where the roads are becoming inaccessible to anyone that isn't a motorist.
I have noticed here in the USA that the car size is shrinking. I feel bad for you. I do not ride on the roads at all, it is just too dangerous here. We are fortunate that we do have multiple bike trails to use. When we do our video bike tours we mainly guide people to take the trails. I hate to hear that it is going backward in Norway. I do feel that here we are making progress, but it is slow. I have read that many US cities have comprehensive plans that outline long-term community development goals and projects regarding bicycling. The cities have been altered for additional bike lanes and you can see the changes from 20 years ago. We ride in the Washington DC area frequently and have seen new bike trails being constructed. So there is hope. @@HansensUniverseT-A
I like your enthusiasm! Even tho I am from the Netherlands, it makes me excited to go outside and ride my bike ;)
That is awesome! Thanks for the cheerful comment. Have fun riding!
Great video!
Fun fact about the not-wearing-a-helmet policy: research shows that making a helmet mandatory, will reduce the percentage of trips taken by bike. In other words: people would start driving more. That would mean that the health benefits of an active lifestyle are overall reduced for the general population (e.g. cardiac diseases). The conclusion is that the benefits of prevented head injuries (by wearing a helmet) are much smaller than the benefits of the overall healthy lifestyle (by having more trips taken by bike). This is the main reason for the pragmatic no-helmet policy of the Dutch goverment.
That is so interesting. I never thought of it that way.Thank you your insight.
These are specious conclusions at best.
I bet if you eliminated the status quo of aggressive and entitled drivers on the road BUT required helmets, you'd see millions of happy, helmeted riders. Most people fear massive 5,000 cars and 20,000 trucks being operated by distracted, disorientated, impaired, aggressive, raging lunatics behind the wheel. Might want to address the elephant in the room.
This statement is equivalent to saying, "If you require that drivers wear seat belts, they will be less likely to drive." Or in an airplane. Demonstrably false.
Helmets aren't the solution for everything (look at American football), but they do a LOT to reduce TBI and avoidable injury, disability and death among many user groups.
There's little reason to go to extremes.
We Dutch live in the spirit of the law, not so much by the letter. That's why we have respect for each other and our law enforcement and created a peaceful society.
No bullies in uniform but officers you can trust to do good instead of acting as if they stand above the law and act accordingly.
No one has to be afraid for our cops and that's a comforting feeling.
Sounds nice!
One of the main reasons why Dutch bicyclists don't have to wear helmets is actually quite interesting - it's because almost all car drivers in the Netherlands are also avid cyclists themselves! This means that Dutch drivers can truly understand and empathize with cyclists, knowing firsthand how vulnerable they can be on the roads and how they navigate through traffic. It's such a unique cultural aspect that sets the Dutch apart. In contrast, I've encountered foreign drivers who seemed to despise the presence of bicycles on the road, but here in the Netherlands, car drivers hardly even notice a problem. Just ask Jeremy Clarkson! ;)
This makes perfect sense. We have a lot of car drivers who despise bike riders. Anytime you go out for a ride you have to believe you are invisible to all. It is how you will survive in the USA. Thanks for your insight.
' almost all ' is a grave exaggeration. A huge percentage of Dutch never, ever ride a bike. And yes, there is a lot of hate against cyclists.
Gravity is the big killer of cyclists when it comes to head injury. This explains why falls in the bathroom can be deadly - gravity plus a hard surface are a bad combination. Same thing applies to riding a bike. So despite the great bike infrastructure and bicycle design, helmets are still a good idea. Most Dutch road riders wear helmets BTW.
Lovely video but reading through the comments our Dutch directness really shows. Without having the person in front of you it kinda comes off as rude online because you can't read the other person's emotions on their face. We don't want to be rude, we just waste zero time beating around the bush, even online apparently. :P
It is fascinating to me to hear the comments from the Dutch people about this video. I so admire them. Thanks for your comment.
It's not that they love riding; it's the system. We had Dutch engineers come visit my company. to and from the airport everything is by car. They openly said that if they lived in the U.S., they wouldn't even own a bike.
Wow, thank you for sharing that insight from the Dutch engineers. It's always fascinating to hear different viewpoints. Unfortunately, I can understand their perspective about biking in the U.S. 😢
I live in the Netherlands for 10 years now , but it's still amazes me that Dutch people use bicycles even in rainy and snowy days .
Yes, those are the days I avoid riding too, so it is pretty amazing. Thanks for the comment.
We call you a 'watje'. You are not made of sugar.
Yes, you are so right. I am always checking the weather to see if it is good biking day.@@flower_power
@flower_power yup, I am .You know why ? Because I grew up in a country where the sun shines for 290 days a year.
I get sick easily. Not everyone is like the Dutch.
@@ErisstheGoddessofmanhwas If it aint Dutch it aint much haha no im kidding we are not that arrogant ;p
The main reason people ask you where you came from, is the helmet and the high visibility vest, especially the last one, combined with your age. You stand out as a foreigner/tourist. The only adults who wear helmets while commuting are elderly people and some people on ebikes.
As a regular ebike rider I will wear a helmet on longer stretches where there is a higher risk of injuries combined with higher speeds. The high visibility vest is only an advantage when you ride in complete darkness without lights, but those people rarely have the selfawareness to realize that, unfortunately (I do not see much after dark....)
Haha, I guess I’m just trying to look like the coolest foreigner on the block! Who knew fashion choices could spark such curiosity? Thanks for sharing your perspective as an e-bike rider!
First of all, a lot of people ride a bike because it's safe, as long as cycling is not safe in the USA people won't do it. And in the USA most bicycles that are sold are sport cycles (race and mountain bike's), over here we have way more "normal" bikes, the workhorse of cycling holland. We made an infrastructure that has quick routes for bikes so on short routes it's faster to take the bike then a car. It took the Netherlands about 50 years to build it like it is so don't expect the USA to change overnight, but if you don't start somewhere, you'll never reach this point
Yes, wonderful points. You have to start somewhere. There seems to be a small wake up during the pandemic. We will see, but hopefully not in 50 years time from now. Thanks for your comment.
4:05 you're supposed to walk your bicycle over the sidewalk. Which makes sense, we have cycle lanes and the road for cycling. If you want priority on a pedestrian crossing with your bike, you also have to dismount.
That latter bit if definitely something a lot of people don't realise.
It is the same for United States. People are a little fuzzy about the rules sometimes...even me.
4:00 she did follow the rules. You don’t have to stop. The points are called haaientanden or shark teeth in English. if there is nothing coming you can drive on, but if there is something coming and the shark teeth are pointed you way you must stop.
Thank you for pointing this out.
@1:26
First: Only small children that are prone to falling put on a helmet because kids need to learn to keep their balance on a bicycle, which takes time to learn, this is why most young kids wear a helmet, of course there are also some parents that feel the responsibility for their child to wear a helmet when they are on the bicycle with their parents in their little seats (@1:23), this is just to prevent them from hurting their heads if the parent falls off his or her bicycle, when the child learns how to properly ride their bicycle without falling, parents usually let them stop wearing a helmet (or when they outgrow the helmet).
Secondly: The Dutch government doesn't want the appearance that cycling in the country is safe, because since the beginning of the bicycle, we have never worn helmets, they just didn't implement the rules for the cyclists because the infrastructure is of such safe quality that helmets aren't really needed, also it could be argued that the government feels that putting on a helmet means you have to take your helmet everywhere (otherwise it could be stolen off your bike if you leave it there, or getting it wet from the rain), making it very impractical if you want to make a quick ride to the store for instance.
Thirdly: The only ones with a bicycle that wear a helmet are the sport cyclists on race bikes (this is by their own choice). The ones that drive the motorized scooters and motorbikes do have a mandatory helmet rule, because their speeds require it.
Thanks for this great information. This is an interesting perspective. So you are saying that the Dutch government DOESN'T want the appearance that cycling is safe?
Hey that's very nice video about cycling in the Netherlands. Thank you, i'll wish you all the best in America. Ok yes, i'm from Belgium. Greetings from Eddy
Greetings Eddy! Thank you. We also had a fantastic time in Antwerp...ua-cam.com/video/v-_OseDaqic/v-deo.html
Nice to read that you enjoyed your stay and cycling in the Netherlands. In the city where I live, everything is also being redesigned to give cyclists and pedestrians more safety and space, with examples from the Netherlands and Denmark. I will soon make a new video about this, an update actually of the cycling infrastructure in Mechelen. I will definitely watch the other video of your stay in Antwerp. Greetings from Eddy
Fun fact. Cycling is less "popular" as a percent of trips today than it was in the 60s! We never recovered from getting rich. Used to be 80% of all trips in the cities.
But the infrastructure has definitely enabled cycling today. Else it would be much lower.
Great Fun Fact! Thanks for sharing.
1:30 i have never worn a helmet as a child. And the reason the government doesnt make it mandatory is because there would be riots, and nobody would adhere to that rule😅. Also most of the bike paths are seperated from the road so its way safer then other countries.
I so admire your way of life.
Riots 😂
Helmets are nowhere mandatory in the world, except, I believe, in Australia.
@@InfiniteCyclus😂 we generally really don’t like things being imposed on us though. Even if the arguments to wear one outweigh the cons. So you would probably see resistance for a while. When the majority would start to wear one, the rest will probably follow.
Riots :) Helmets provide individual safety. In some instances. But when dealing with cars that's debatable. They protect your head, but cars hit you lower. Also they make you feel safer (taking more risks yourself) and make you look less volnurable (others taking more risks around you). Helmets are a nuissance when you go somewhere (another item to carry or lock away to prevent theft). They also mess up your hair. And they send out a very strong message... cycling is dangerous ... deterring certain democraphics to ever take up cycling and move around in1 ton of steel and plastic instead :)
0:37 25 years ago i was one of those kids crossing that crossroad every day to school ! Its in a place called Hoorn in North Holland.
How cool is that!
3:45 I understand why you say "It's always the car's fault". It is slightly different because strapped in a heavy metal box on wheels you are responsible for the safety of less protected road users. It can be the biker's fault, but the car driver is held liable.
I am sure there are exceptions. 'always' was too strong a word. While visiting, I saw a car swipe a bicyclist and a bicyclist swipe a pedestrian. There was no damage to either person or transport, but you have to think it must happen quite a bit. Thanks for your comment.
I’ve been riding my bike all season in the capital since my early teens, now I’m 45 and I’ve only had an accident once daydream-crashing into the bike riding towards me.
Ride carefully mostly on bike lanes, never had an accident with a car or pedestrian, sometimes pedestrians block the bike path and I ring my extra-loud japanese bike Bell.
Glad to hear about your biking experiences and how you've stay safe all these years. We only do bike touring on bike trails, or bike lanes. Riding on the road seems way too dangerous. Daydream-crashing into another bike sounds like something straight out of a movie! Glad you're okay. Thanks for watching.
I don't know if you noticed but the parking facility at 2:00 is a 7000 unit > underwater < parking lot for bikes.😉
Way over 20 million bikes in the Netherlands on a population of 17.5 million, not 85% 🤓😊
She said 85% owns at least one bike. That isn't at odds with having more bikes than people ;)
@@jiriwichern
Correct, my bad 😉🧐
Yes, I should have mentioned more about the underwater bike parking garage- a modern marvel in my eyes.
@@RideandShineBicycling Yes, that parking garage actually opened last February, it's not even a year old yet. So a modern marvel indeed :)
The largest bicycle parking garage in the world is underneath the Utrecht Centraal station. Opened in 2017 and has space for 12,500 bikes. It's absolutely massive.
About 10-15% of Dutch don't own a bike. Others have 4 or 6.
The feeling of safety is actually confirmed by low accident rates. And yes, the special infrastructure for bikes helps a lot with that. It's based on decades of experience with what works and what doesn't.
Thanks to the ‘sustainable safety’ program…
It is all quite amazing to me. Thanks for the comment.
@@RideandShineBicycling It also helps that our bikes are upright. If we fall, we mostly hurt our legs/hips and arms. Hardly ever our heads. With the type of bikes in the US, you have to lean forward. So if you fall, it's easier to hurt your head. That's why people on mountainbikes and other racing bikes do wear helmets here, because they lean forward and their speeds are also higher.
@@RideandShineBicycling It starts making more sense if you look at the history. Safe biking infrastructure emerged out of protests over children dying in traffic accidents. The interesting question is why the Netherlands became a safe biking country, while other countries basically started taking children off the road.
@@sanderdeboer6034sadly that is not exactly true. The advent of e-bikes, in particular with older riders, means they are having more accidents. Primarily due to increased speed. Oh, and those accidents resulted in more hospital visits too.
Great video!
One thing you left out, was the joy of biking in the countryside. Everywhere seems to be crisscrossed with cycle paths.
I’m from England where I tried to bike as much as I could. I survived that experience. By comparison biking in the Netherlands is an absolute delight.
One other thing I observed in the winter, was the cycle tracks being cleared of snow, and gritted while the roads were left untreated.
It’s a mystery to me, why countries such as England and the US seem unable to learn from the Dutch.
Thank you! You are right, I did leave out what a joy it is to ride there. I appreciate your insight. It's fascinating how different countries prioritize biking infrastructure.We(at least in my area) are still fighting for each bike path and bike lane one step at a time.
Hope you enjoyed your time here in the netherlands :) I liked your video!
Did I ever! I loved the bike-friendliness and the bike-friendly infrastructure. Thanks for enjoying the video.
Thank you for your video! As a Dutch person it is very interesting to hear and see our bicycle culture through the eyes of an outsider. Makes me appreciate our great, safe infrastructure, which, until I discovered NotJustBikes, you and others, I took for granted.
Small correction: hardly anyone puts a helmet on their kid's (let alone their own) head. It really, really, REALLY isn't necessary.
Thank you! Being such a bike enthusiasts and seeing the way you live, makes me envious. It just amazes me but it is understandable when you say it is not necessary for children to wear helmets.
ARTSEN VOOR VEILIG FIETSEN disagrees with you. They estimate 15-20,000 head injuries to Dutch cyclists annually.
It is VERY necessary and Netherlands is one of the few countries where people are too stubborn to wear helmets. Which is actually dangerous and stupid, because once you fall on your head you’ll likely be even more stupid and stubborn than you were before.
I almost completely agree with you, except for the helmet. All electric bike drivers should wear an helmet and if you drive extremely fast on an ordinary bike, you really should consider it. I guess we have less serious injuries from accidents than car dependent countries, but we can prevent a lot of serieus brain injuries.
@@RideandShineBicycling In the last few years some parents put helmets on their kids, but it is mostly expats who do so. Dutch children start to learn to bike when they are just 2 years old, and untill like 5 years ago I had never seen a child wearing a helmet.
I suppose you don't need a drivers licence in larger cities, but I live on the countryside. The bus rides every half hour and only goes to the trainstation. For every other destination you need your bike or your car.
Distances are bigger and cycling is often not your best choice. My 18 y.o has his drivers licence and enjoys his freedom and the roof over his head in the pouring autumn rain.
Great points. That makes sense. I love the personal insight. I did visit many small villages in the Netherlands, and noticed they did have bike lanes, but saw more cars driving around. Thank you for sharing.
Welcome to the Netherlands.
Let this small country surprise you. It's a great place where you are located because you'll be able to get a nice image of the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. And of course, the rest of Europe. Enjoy your time here, ask around to anybody, you will learn the differences between the country's and people.
This is true free living. 👍
Awesome! Thanks for your reply. The Netherlands is an extraordinary destination.
The biking culture is truly inspirational for us (Ride and Shine) and hopefully for the people in the United States.
Wonderful video. I also hope to see the US adopt this infrastructure
Thanks! So do we!
Fascinating! Do they ride in the thick of winter too?
Thanks! I believe so. They do have the tram as public transportation.
Yes we do.
Public transport isn't an option everywhere.
It is fun but also a bit dangerous, especially for the elderly
A helmet wouldn't be a bad thing then.
Why not? We've been using clothes for centuries and it's safer than riding a car on a slippery road.
Yes, except maybe older people. They will use public transport then (if that drives, because if it snows, that stops as well until the roads have been cleared).
Winters are often mild, maybe a few days of snow. Ice, wind and rain are usually more of a problem at times.
That bicycle parking garage is not the biggest. The biggest one is in Utrecht, a city southeast of Amsterdam. The garage is Amsterdam has a capacity of 7,000 places. However, the garage in Utrecht has a capacity of 12,500 places.
I do think it's the biggest in Amsterdam, so I just choose to interpret the comment as such. But it's a pity so many foreigners seem to equate (cycling in) The Netherlands with Amsterdam. I think it's hardly the best example of what it means to have good cycling infrastructure.
I said it was one of the biggest. It is pretty big though. We have nothing here like that. I will have to visit Utrecht's one. It is probably in the Guinness world record book. Thanks for the comment.
"They want the APPEARANCE that bike riding is safe"? What a condesending tone! Bike riding IS safe!
Not my intention at all. I am in awe of the biking system.
@@RideandShineBicycling It is safe. I've only fallen a few times when it snowed and the road was slippery.. I hurt my legs and arms a bit, but I just got up on my bicycle again. It's probably been over 20 years since i've fallen off my bicycle.
Wait around min 3.55 you are in hoorn right? Thats my home city!
Well town lol
Yes, fantastic place. Maybe I passed you on the bike lane.
@@RideandShineBicycling The reason i recognized it in 2 secs is that i live down the street near the church.😊
Thanks for the great analogy!
I've seen a lot of people being helpful with misconceptions. A small note on the parking permits: that's primarily in and around city centers. The price hugely depends on the location. Here in Alkmaar (around 92,000 people), my permit costs about 74 euro's a year, which I think is very decent. Amsterdam on the other hand...
These were our observations of the Netherlands and gathered information from the locals. That is interesting information about the parking permits. It seems like an efficient way to solve parking issues. Thanks for the comment.
@@RideandShineBicycling I am aware you relied on limited experiences of a limited amount of people. Still some odd observations though. I've been around Europe and I never experienced lack of water pressure, and I cannot imagine that any house above the warm south lacks heating. I expect the vast majority in the warmest areas have heating too. And I feel that the idea of there being many appartments is quite exaggerated.
As for AC's, yeah those are pretty rare. From what I've seen the average European home is (much) better insulated, particularly the newer ones. And most of Europe's climate isn't really warm anyway.
OH my gosh!! I think you are commenting about someone else's video. Ours was only about the biking culture. I said nothing about heat or water pressure. I have accidentally commented on the wrong video before too. Although your comment is pretty interesting about the insulation of homes. We did not talk about that. @@MrMezmerized
@@RideandShineBicycling Haha, yeah oops you're right, I didn't properly check which page this comment was on. Nice of you to respond anyway. Visit again and enjoy our biking infra and culture and who knows, I might run into the video about that trip too
I pay 84€ per 3 months in Utrecht now, next year 95€
People who have a bicycle can also drive cars its a choise. Its healthy, easy and quicker in most cities to come somewhere. We enjoy riding a bike. Its not that we are driven to it because of the costs of a car. We like bikes for several reasons.
I wish in the US we had more people who did both. It could change their perspective on how to respect bicycle riders. Thanks for your comment.
Hope you had a nice time visiting the Netherlands, biking is our main way of transport. But i think you got that.
Hope next time you will not only visit Amsterdam, there is formidable biking infrastructure in the countryside too, and there many more beautiful cities, towns, just as Amsterdam that are not so busy and packed with tourist.
Yes, I did! I do love the Netherlands. I did travel a bit into the countryside. I just haven't posted that video yet. Thanks for the comment.
The triangel is called "Shark teeth" . It's a street marker that say you don't have priority to the street you want to cross even coming from the right.
I love that term. Thanks for the addition.
Hmmm, you forgot to mention that you are not allowed to use your mobile phone when cycling and it is mandatory to have and use working lights when cycling after sundown.
Otherwise, you risk the chance of being fined.
By the way, bright Florissant safety vests whilst cycling are not the norm.
Oh, my gosh. 😅 I saw so many people on their cell phones while riding their bikes. I also saw someone drinking a beer, and eating a sandwich. The lighting rules are important information. I probably should do a follow-up on this video. Thanks for this valuable information. I did stick out like a sore thumb with the vest and the helmet. Hey, what can I say I am a crazy American.
@@RideandShineBicyclingit’s phones, eating drinking is not really a problem. Sometimes public drinking alcohol is not allowed in city centers.
I bike at least 14.000 km per year. In my experience a helmet is recommended for: novice, under 6 years, over 70 years and/or speeding over 27 km/h. (E-bike or racing bike)
As an American I agree!
As a Pole I don't agree. However I don't agree with madatory helmet as well.
When a cyclist wears a helmet and a hi-viz vest in the Netherlands, the Dutch will usually assume it's a German tourist :-)
Ha! Ha! the crazy American tourist. It could be the same here. When I see people with no helmets at least I think that person is from Europe.
@@RideandShineBicycling LOL - true. I saw that in later videos you ditched the helmet in NL though.
Well, I had to try to immerse myself in the culture. It probably didn't work, because I had a camera on me most of the time.😀🎥 🚲@@DrErikEvrard
@@RideandShineBicycling Not to worry. That's why you need to make a second and third visit :-) Also visit some other places than just Amsterdam, which isn't very representative for the country imho. It's like Europeans visiting NYC and thinking that the rest of the USA is the same.
Yes, good analogy @@DrErikEvrard
So funny right now tiny swampy below-sea-level delta mini Holland got the best race cyclist (Matthieu van der Poel) and car racer (Max Verstappen) in the world.
...and my favorite -Team Jumbo-Visma!
@@RideandShineBicycling Besides our cycle network, we also have the best infrastructure for cars and driving here is mostly awesome! I do wish we would expand our train network more.. We have a pretty dense train network, but it's getting expensive to travel by train, so more people take their cars again. Since they usually already have a car it's cheaper to buy some gas than it is to buy train tickets.
Nice, kinda like Steve Irwin commenting on foreign infrastructure instead of wildlife
That is a super creative comment. Love it, Thank you!!
Lovely video, and happy to see that you filmed in Eindhoven, Maastricht and other places. Many of these videos are all in Amsterdam on the same few streets.
The white triangles are called haaientanden (shark teeth) but they are a sign to make a full stop for cars too, not just bicycles. Unless it's on a bike lane of course.
Dutch cycling involves taking rules as guidelines rather than strict rules ;-) If the street is empty, nobody is going to walk their bike across the street. And stop signs are nice, but yeah... we make up our mind first haha.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am with you there. The rules become fuzzy if no one is around. I am looking forward to ride in more towns and cities in The Netherlands.
Absolutely stunning scenery and an engaging storyline!
Recently, I've started making videos showcasing the beauty of cycling in the Netherlands 🇳🇱. If you enjoy breathtaking views and captivating narratives, my channel is the place for you. Join me on my cycling adventures and experience the wonders of the Netherlands firsthand! Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore these stunning landscapes from the comfort of your screen. 🚴♂️🌷🎥
Thanks a ton for the shoutout! Your enthusiasm is contagious, and I'm grateful for your support. We will definitely check out your channel. It will bring back wonderful memories we had when visiting the Netherlands. Cheers!
Yeah. Typical Dutch. That is Amsterdam though. In the countryside it is not that hectic.
The school was 18 kilometres away (one way) and as a boy I used to cycle there every day. Together with all the other kids from the village.
Now at age 54 the bike is still the main means of transport and I go to work and cycle 34 kilometers a day even through wind and rain. When it is busy on the road there are probably 2 or 3 tractors on the dike. We wave at each other. Cycling makes me feel energetic and it brings a good mood. Commuting through the countryside is bliss.
There is a car parked at the house that I can use but in general I choose the bike. Even for holidays.
I do admire your lifestyle. I was able to get out into to the beautiful countryside and ride a bike. I did notice that there were more cars on the road. Thanks for sharing your story.
Its a Great
Thank you for your kind words!
Even in the underground bike parking area you are wearing sunglasses. Why ?
You are right! Why? Just a habit, I guess.
@@RideandShineBicycling okay 😊
If your bike is gone you just grab a different bike? No locks?
It was a joke that I repeated from a Dutch person. Locks? good question.
What an amazing place ❤!
It really is! I was deeply impressed with so much about the Netherlands.
1:47 it is a safe mode of transportation. It doesn't only appear that way. You chose those words a little manipulative.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the video. It was just my personal observation. I am not saying that this is true. But I still love the sentiment.
It's not that hard. Just acknowledge that there are three streams of traffic; slow(pedestrians), fast (cars, trucks and buses) and medium.
The medium will be predominantly bikes, but also things like electric scooters or even skateboards.
When you build a safe network for these, people will start to use them.
Yes, that is true!
This video goes from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, back to Amsterdam and then Rotterdam again in 5 seconds ;)
You have a perceptive eye!
An accident between a bike and a car ISN’T always the car’s fault, it’s always the car’s responsibility. And yes, there’s a difference.
Thanks for the clarification.
A drivers license is not up to $2000, it can often be up to €4000
Wow! That is a lot! It's better to cycle places then.🤗
:D "I heard that if you can't find your bike, you take somebody elses bike." No, that is called theft in the Netherlands.
Sorry that is just my dry humor, that's definitely not the right approach to bike hunting in the Netherlands!
This woman is utterly deranged. She is american after all... Signed: a dutchie
You see more and more cyclists wear helmets or at least the part of the Netherlands were I'm from (south east) especially the older cyclists on e-bikes. The haaientanden (the triangles on the road) tells you if you have or give the right of way. You don't have to stop, when there no one the give way.
And you don't have to walk when you want to cross the street, only on pedestrian crossings.
That is very interesting. Through some of the various comments from this video, I am hearing that about more cyclist who own e-bikes are wearing helmets. Thanks for your insight.
In america you need a helmet and a bulletproof vest 🤣
Funny, I did wish I had a bulletproof vest when I fell off my bike and broke my collarbone though.
About the bicycle helmet; data shows there are way less head injuries in the Netherlands then in countries where helmets ar mandatory..
Just amazing. I love the Dutch cycling culture. I wish it would spill over into the US. Thanks for the comment.
0:15 drivers licenses start at €2000 euros but it isnt uncommon for someone to need more tutoring and spend upwards of 3 or 4 thousand euros
Wow! That is a lot of money-that's why it's better to bike!
When an accident happens between a bike and a car it is NOT always the cars (drivers) fault! However the burden of proof lies more with the car driver than with the bike rider. If for example the bike went through a red traffic light and the car could not stop in time, the bike rider is at fault.
Or if the bike rider is intoxicated in any way, this could also influence the legal proceedings. So NO, the car driver doesn’t need to fear the legal system. I know of a relative who was hit by a car on an intersection who died. The car driver wasn’t charged because in this case it was very obvious the car driver wasn’t at fault.
Very interesting. That was what I learned when visiting. You make a good point. Thanks.
@@RideandShineBicycling It depends on the judge, because the judge could also argue that a driver can expect cyclists to not always follow the rules (especially children/teens), so that they should still look out and react to that... We don't have a culture of sueing eachother, so at most the car driver would have to pay more for his /her car insurrance after an accident. As a car driver you build up a discount when you've not been in an accident.
@@RideandShineBicycling There are a lot of such stories that even the Dutch seem to believe, but it is indeed not true. Ultimately it is a traffic judge who decides who is at fault, and cyclists can also be liable.
We don't like biking, we like it as much as Americans like driving their cars, sometimes its nice, most of the time it's just another chore of life.
I love the analogy.
This is kind of funny to me coz my husband and I make bikerides of 50 km and more wearing our usual daily outfits and of course without a helmet on.
...in the Netherlands?
@@RideandShineBicycling Indeed and our last one was 80 km, through the dunes from The Hague to Zandvoort and back.
Fun fact is that this now bike path was constructed during WWII by the occupying Nazis as a road to get to their North Sea bunkers.
I would love to ride that trail. Thanks for expanding our horizons. @@MaartjeTosca
Up to 2000 for a driver’s license? If you’re very lucky! For most it’s twice that much!
Wow! That is so interesting. I heard it was $10,000 if you wanted a truck driver's license. Thanks for sharing.
@@RideandShineBicycling yeah well before you can go for truckers license you need to have a normal drivers license so i guess you can double that. And even more for bus, bc of the responsibility. This is why in the past a lot of men got their drivers license ( and truckers license) while they were doing compulsory military service. It was way cheaper and easier than outside of the military, and also a way to make use of a time ppl thought was kind of wasted years and learn something useful. ‘Dienstplicht’ has been ‘abolished’ now.
Very Interesting. I also heard that the trucking companies pay the fees for the workers, but workers are committed to driving for the company for several years.@@Peacefrogg
Those triangles on the road surface aren't just for cyclists, they apply to ALL traffic. If the triangles point to you, you must yield. At all times. Also, when a pedestrian is in the process of crossing a pedestrian crossing, all traffic must halt. Cyclists too! Many people tend to forget that.
Thanks for pointing out these important reminders for road safety!
Triangle don't mean stop! There is the big white line for!
Thanks for the clarification
Familiarity breeds competence. If you spend time cycling in close quarters with other riders, you tend to develop wonderful skills. I tandemed in and around Utrecht for 10 days a few years ago. I was impressed. It was like riding among category 1, 2 and pro riders in the peloton: everyone knew what they were doing. No shaky, unpredictable riders. No overlapping wheels. In 10 days of riding in, among and around thousands of people on bicycles, I didn't see a SINGLE crash. It was wonderful.
I also noticed that EVERY kited up road rider wore a helmet. They have the same gravity in The Netherlands that everyone else does. Sure, their transportation infrastructure and bicycle designs promote easy, safe cycling. But falling and smashing your head on the pavement produces the same results there as everywhere else.
Helmets are inexpensive insurance. Why not wear one?
(Falls in the shower and auto collisions produce this conclusion: helmets would save a LOT of lives. Just because it's not "in style" to wear a helmet in the car or shower, doesn't mean it wouldn't be a good idea. What's more important to you? Style or your life? Something to at least think about.)
Very well said! Thanks for sharing your experience and highlighting the importance of wearing helmets!
The triangles are yield signs and are for every vehicle coming from that street. It's not a rule to walk your bike across the street but pedestrians have the right of way on a crosswalk. So if you walk your bike you have the ride of way, if you ride the bike you don't.
I really appreciate your input! Understanding these rules helps everyone navigate the streets more safely.
"Walk your bike across the street".....?......that doesn't sound accurate....
she means across the pedestrian crossing.
It seems I should have distinguished 'crossing the road part' in the video. 'Do not ride across a zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your bicycle across the street.'
@@RideandShineBicyclingit's all good really, people are too precise about a review of a country and expect a whole essay with every word thought out. you got to the point and that's what matters :)
It's important to note that Dutch people do not wear helmets specifically while bicycling in the Netherlands. This is because of the proper bike infrastructure that separates bicyclists from other traffic. If I were to go biking in a country where there is no proper bike infrastructure, I would 100% wear a helmet while bicycling (even if it wasn't mandatory). Another thing to note, is that most people do wear helmets when on their e-bike.
Yes, we live in a place with unsatisfying biking infrastructure and longing to adopt the Dutch ways of biking. That is interesting information about the e-bikes. Thanks for the comment.
Hope you enjoyed your stay in The Netherlands. Some things you mention are not correct, but love your enthousiasm. Also many commenters pointed out your mistakes already. We can cycle before we can walk 😉. At a young age I drove my bike to elementary school. I lived in a small village. When I went to high school at the age of 12 I cycled 20 km per day. Only in extreme weather conditions I took the bus. We are not made of sugar my mom told me 😆. I only take the bike when it’s the fastest way to get to my destination or to go to the pub or my footballclub to have a beer or two (so I tell my wife)… P.S. Good for you to lose the helmet and the vest. You got some funny looks I guess. Please be welcome again to enjoy the freedom to go anywhere without a starting up a stinking exhaust…
Yes, my stay was amazing getting to know the Dutch people and their culture. How could I not be inspired by this foreign concept of a bicycling city? I am very envious. I enjoyed learning about your cycling life and your mother's funny comment. The Dutch biking culture is so fascinating to me. I will travel back and do more videos. I can't say I will get everything perfect. 😆 I love your ending. Thanks for your personal insight.
The largest parking garage for bikes is in Utrecht (12.500 places) Not in Amsterdam!
Thanks... I did say 'one of the largest'... It was an incredible garage in my eyes that I have ever seen. I hope to visit Utrecht's garage one day.
@@RideandShineBicycling Sorry. I thought you said "the largest". Maybe my ears become old!🤔😄
@Mdgd63 I do talk fast.😁
So many mistakes in this video 🤣😂🤣😂 but good effort.. 😉 And to be clear.. It's not a stop sign.. We don't take another ones bike( that must have been a joke).. And we do wear helmets when speed cycling or off road cycling. A helmet does not protect against a car, safe infrastructure does. And sitting upright on a bike.. Because you've got a easier view of the road around you. 😉
Some good points. Thanks for watching.
Walk your bike across the road? Never heard of that, and never seen anyone do it.
We don't do it in the USA either. 😅 It seems I should have distinguished 'crossing the road part' in the video. There is a rule in the Netherlands that I was told about that says: 'Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your bicycle across the street.'
Would you wear a helmet when you walk or drive a car? Especially in the USA where there are 10-15 times more road fatalities PER CAPITA! It is much safer to ride without a helmet on a bike in the Netherlands than to walk in the USA!
I would understand if Americans would wear a helmet everywhere! However I am pro helmet usage for electric bikes, especially for the elderly. I myself have recently bought a helmet (with backlight) that I wear during night bike trips. But during the day time I will not wear a helmet, except maybe if I buy an electric bike in the future.
Good points! That is interesting about using a helmet only for the electric bike. In my American eyes, I don't see a difference between an e-bike and a regular bike. Thanks for the comment.
@@RideandShineBicycling The speeds are higher on an electric bike and eldery react slower in traffic.. So a lot of the bicycle accidents are caused by elderly falling off their electrical bicycles. We also have bicycles that can go really fast for a bike (28 mph), so it would be safer if those people wear a helmet. The average speed with a regular bicycle is around 9-10 mph.
@@RideandShineBicycling The e-bike is much more unsafe, given its much higher speeds and weight. Speed pedelec riders for example are required to wear a helmet in Europe. Because it can go 45 km/h.
The recent rise in bicycle accidents and death can mostly be attributed to e-bikes driven by the elderly.
please compare and contrast Netherlands 🇳🇱 Denmark 🇩🇰 Germany 🇩🇪 Canada 🇨🇦 Australia 🇦🇺 bike culture
We haven't biked in Australia or Denmark yet, but would love to bike in those countries!
Not wearing a helmet .... this is changing rapidly. In 10 years or so ... everybody will wear one.
That is interesting.
i am going to netherland❤
Awesome! I wish I could say that. Have a fabulous time!
We also don’t wear helmets because cyclists are legally the most protected member in all of the transport system. So when you hit a cyclist in your car, even when it is not your fault, you are stll legally at fault!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It is an amazing culture that I wish Americans would share. The Dutch are cycling royalty.👑
Nice video. You're so enthousiastic! @christiaan made some good corrections.
I use my electric bike to get to work: 2 days a week 2x 18 km and 2 days week 2x 2,5 km and for other short distances like shopping. I do not own a car, so I depend on my bike and public transport. I one transported a silicon sitting bath on my bike... and other crazy stuff 😂😂😂
I think it is wise to wear an helmet when you drive on an electric bike, so I always wear an helmet.
By the way, at this moment I own 4 bikes 😅. One ordenary 'granny' bike, one bike for cycling holidays (for instance cycling over 1.000 km to middle France, most people in The Netherland do not ride for fun, but for practical uses... I use this special bike for making a tour just for fun), my old electric bike wich can do 16 km at maximum support (is for sale) and my new one that can ride 45 km at maximum support on one charge.
That is so commendable in my eyes. I bow down to you and hope that one day here in the US we adapt to the Dutch cycling culture thinking.
You made a whole film about why cycling here is so popular, without actually finding out why cycling is so popular here!! I’ll give you two free hints: 1. Holland is flat, so cycling is relatively easy. 2. Holland’s a small country with a large population so things are usually quite close by. (Compared to the US or Canada) Oh and if someone corrects you and says you have to call it the Netherlands instead of Holland, just ignore them!!
OMG! you have some great points. Yes, I am inclined to bike ride more if the terrain is flat.
I am Dutch too and I definitly hate it if people call our country Holland. I live in the Netherlands, not in Holland. Noord-Brabant isn't Holland, it's in the Netherlands.
@@mariadebake5483 aannemen dat ik Nederlands ben is precies dat: een aanname. Ik kom uit Schotland maar woon al meer dan 30 in NL. En al sinds ik hier ben, hoor ik dat Schotland bij Engeland hoort en als ik daar iets over zeg wordt er gegiecheld en hoor ik “ja daar worden ze boos over haha”. Dus zo lang ik in NL hoor dat Schotland bij Engeland hoort, blijf ik Nederland “Holland” noemen!!
@@McNessie101 Persoonlijk noem ik Schotland altijd Schotland.
Schotland hoort bij Groot-Brittannië, maar niet bij Engeland. Er zijn genoeg Nederlanders die dat weten (niet allemaal jammer genoeg).
Love your video! As an addition I want to say that almost all the car drivers are cyclists too at another moment. So they know how it’s like. 😀 🚲 That increases safety too.
Thank you! It was fun to put together, and I am humble from all the good response that the video has gotten. If I could only say what you said 'most car drivers are cyclist'. Unfortunately, that is not true here in the USA.