What a great way to get around! I don’t have a bike anymore….I wasn’t using it, so I sold it - which makes me feel sad now ☹️ I’m so happy to see that form of transformation is alive and well with you ~ enjoy 🤗
@@claudiavalentijn1457 Thank you, Claudia. ❤️ Cycling is one of life’s simple pleasures. I am so glad to have brought it back in my life. Thank you Netherlands! 🇳🇱
Uitstekend, bedankt! Een paar dingen die je niet noemde: het eerste is het gebruik van fietstassen. Bijna alle fietsen die ik zie, hebben fietstassen, waardoor de fiets als een "lastdier" kan worden gebruikt, bijvoorbeeld om boodschappen te doen. Het tweede is het grote aantal auto's dat is uitgerust met een fietsdrager. Wij hebben er een en daardoor kan ik overal in het land fietsen. Elke provincie waar ik heb gefietst (zeven van de twaalf) is prachtig, maar heerlijk anders. Het is echt een fietsparadijs!
@@micklumsden3956 Thank you, Mick, for noting these two additional aspects of cycling. It’s true that in the Netherlands, thanks to “fietstassen”, bikes become workhorses, suitable for transporting so many things. And, indeed, bike racks on cars allow people to take their beloved bikes to faraway locations for further enjoyment. 👍 The Netherlands is a cycling paradise, indeed. Bedankt voor je reactie. 😊 ❤️ 🚲
Hi Mike, thanks for the lovely video, I missed the video yesterday, because we are doing some renovations. I so long to be able to ride a bike here in Australia, but the infrastructure is just not the same as in the Netherlands, I would compare it to the US, and the roads are bad, potholes galore😂 I moved to Australia nearly 45 years ago, and nothing has changed much regarding the roads, the footpaths, and definitely not the cycle paths, besides most of the time it is just too hot to ride a bike, I honestly do not know where our money goes to? We pay well over $700.00 every quarter, but for what exactly? Have a great time with hubby when he gets home, so glad things are better with his mum...👋😊
@@Lilygirl283 Hi Lily.👋 No worries about missing the premiere. You’re here now. 😊 I hope the renovations are moving right along. I know that renovations can be both exciting and exhausting. 😩 One thing I will say about the relatively high taxes here: you see their benefits (infrastructure, health insurance, etc.). Thanks for your kind words about my hubby coming back and the improved health of his mum. Very sweet of you. ❤️
@ Oh, yeah, I know all about that! And the plaster dust is somehow sticky. It’s not so easy to vacuum up. Well, try to bear in mind that there’s light at the end of the plaster dust tunnel. 😊 One day all the noise and mess will be a distant memory, and you will be enjoying your freshly renovated space. 🏡
Hey Mike goeiemorgen, Most people I know have a car but all of them have a bicycle and use them more than their car. Us Dutchies do love to drive though, we have one of the, if not the highest, car ownership in Europe, but we're very fortunate to be able to choose to drive, cycle, walk, take public transport. I think most non-Dutchies think we always use our bikes and actually hate cars which is far from the truth. I personally don't own a car and cycle or walk everywhere(or public transport when going longer distances), I don't need a car it would really be a luxury but also a waste of money. I love cycling though, not so much in the rain but hey we're not made of sugar. 😉 And another upside to cycling is that it's good for your joints, stemina and just your general health Thanks for another good one Mike, geniet lekker van je weekend! (with your hubby? 😃) 😊🌷
@@BabzV Goeiemorgen Babs.👋 I suppose the highest bike concentration is in the big cities. In some parts of the Netherlands, I can imagine that a car is still desirable. And it’s true what you say. The workday traffic jams are evidence of the Dutch car culture. Like you, I don’t have a car. It would indeed be a waste of money (parking, insurance, maintenance, fuel, etc.). I feel so much freer without one. I also love cycling. ❤️ I feel so free on my bike. 🚲 Here’s hoping you have a lovely weekend, Babs. I’m sending you some sun from Haarlem. ☀️ Hubby arrives this evening! Woo hoo! 🙌
Really, so happy, I must have missed out on that information, I was wondering if your husband was back, but very reluctant to ask about it. I realised he was not with you at home to celebrate your 1000 subscribers...but I realised it much later. Good to hear that his mother is feeling better ❤
@ Thank you, Annemieke. 😊 It’s great to have him back, and I am relieved and happy that his mother is healthy. You all kept me such good company in his absence, and I am grateful for that. ❤️
Thanks, Mike, for this lovely report on Dutch bike culture! Where I live (the south of Limburg) an e-bike is no luxury, as there are lots of hills over here. Stay safe and stay healthy!
@@Bramfly That is so true! It's such an undeniable and almost ever present fact of living life in the low lands, that one may even consider it to be the best argument for buying an electrically assisted bicycle. Thanks for reminding me.
Thanks Mike for the interesting statistics. When I visit my friends in Pittsford I have to drive to safely get to Wholefoods and I find that very annoying as it is less than a mile away. My mother who lived to be 92 rode her bicycle until the age of 85, my parents never owned a car like many Dutch people of their generation. At age 66 I see no point in getting an e-bike and ride my traditional Gazelle with drum brakes, a 3 speed rear hub and a Brooks saddle. Up to 2 miles each way I walk, up to 5 miles I ride my bike and for longer distances I drive, including my soon to be over commute to work of 11 miles each way 😊🚍
@@gertpittsfort That’s the spirit, Gert. A true Dutchman through and through. Walking and cycling are so good for our health and state of mind. It’s crazy that the U.S. is set up in such a way that you must drive even short distances. In most cases, it is not safe to walk or cycle in the U.S. Very unfortunate. I have always loved the thrill of riding my bike ever since I was a kid. And I still do. And I walk every day…to everything. As you know, I have no car. But there’s always the bus! 😉
Hi again. Great educational video. I do not have a drivers licence ( rijbewijs), so love my bikes I did use since I was in my fith year of my life. Live in the south of the Netherlands and an e-bike makes it a lot easier.
@@jancusters2450 Thank you, Jan. I appreciate your comment(s). 👍 The e-bike is a marvelous innovation. The first time I ever tried one was in Texel. It felt like I was flying! Loved it! ❤️ 🚲
hi Mike. Love your updates and now, knowing your bike, I will look out for you on the red tarmac :-) I am cycling/commuting daily in beautiful Haarlem. See you soon - Alex
@@theWurz Hi Alex. Thanks so much for watching my vid and taking the time to comment. I was just out and about, picking up some pasta, produce and tulips from the Haarlem market. If you see me on the red tarmac, give me a ‘ding’. 🛎️
Loved watching this with everyone and chatting along. Thank you for doing this format! 💜 One question - How easy is it to find a used bike in the Netherlands?
@@kristiina-f9h Thank you so much, Kristiina. The premieres are a lot of fun. I will have to do one with a longer video to give us all a chance to chat. Used bikes are super easy to get in the Netherlands. You can buy one from marktplaats.nl, and also in various bike shops. Easy to get. 🚲
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Thank you, Mike. I should have figured that since there are more bikes than people! 😄 Also, I look forward to another premiere in the future! I haven't seen that format previously. 🤩
I am well above average, I have four bikes 😃 A simple bike (I call it my 'stadsbrik') for short distances and not having to worry it being stolen (of course the lock is more expensive than the bike itself). A folding bike which I can put on the train for free. A sport bike for fun and long distances. And an e-bike, which I bought when I turned 42. I really love to cycle, but cycling home 15 km after a day working (running around in a factory for 8 hours), began to be a little too demanding on the legs. The e-bike was an absolute game changer in that respect, never looked back.
@@AbeIJnst Nice, Abe! 👍 It seems you have all bases covered with your extensive collection of bikes. I know just what you mean about the e-bike. I love cycling long distances, but my right knee started to protest. The e-bike gave me the assistance that I needed. ❤️ 🚲
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Yeah, for me it were mostly the muscles. Two things are key: Saddle height (just being able to stretch, but not over stretch your leg with the middle of your foot on the paddle) and not to cycle in a too high a gear, don't force it.
The reason for those elderly who cycled to their death, sadly, is connected directly to the increase of e-bikes. Simply put, the elderly and speed do not mix. And I should, and do, know what I'm talking about. The main reason is price related, the bicycles come in three flavours and the worst of them are the most sold: Those who have their motor in the front. Like the one my mother bought for herself. The sales person actually preferred that one because it was on sale. Never trust a sales person with a sales target at the end of a month. Mum continued to cycle, just not on the E-bike, that went to sis, who also was scared to death of that one, so she traded that one for one with the motor in the back wheel, the second worst position of the motor. Best alternative: middrive where the motor and the drivetrain are integrated... PS That all happened in 2009, both Mum and Sis continued to cycle, Sis on her e-bike till 2013, died in her sleep. Mum continued to cycle on normal bicycle until her death in 2015. I bought my middrive in mid 2018 sold the car 4 months later and only ride the three bikes, a fixie, a road bike, and the middrive e-bike... 😊
@@paulc8799 Thank you, Paul. You’re right about those front wheel motors. The torque on them is alarming. Maybe fun for a teenager. These days, the kids are crazy about those fat bikes. They make quite a ruckus! My e-bike has a mid-motor for a more balanced ride and even acceleration. It’s quite a comfortable bike and has served me well for many years. Cycling of any kind (traditional or e-bike) is such an efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation. Not to mention the pure joy of cycling. I always feel so free on my bike. Thank you for sharing the story of your mum and sis. ❤️
Good morning Mike! I am wondering about men getting into more deadly bike accidents...do not understand why this is. Do you know by any chance? Cars we know: speeding or being 'silly' (trying to say this nicely😁). I saw a very interesting video about city councils looking at changing infrastructure because of the mortality and accident-rate in the Netherlands among seniors. Very easily it is said that it is because of the e-bike. But there is a very important other reason. Something I, as a scootmobilist, can relate to. Often not enough room to stop, but very big one: corners were you come from a straight lane, you want to turn right and there is a speedbump that is not round but parallel to the road you are leaving. For elderly people that is the main reason they fall or have a car to close behind them. If you do not mind (and if I can find the video, is it okay to leave a link here to the video? Cycling is the thing I miss the most. No idea why, but someone described it as liberating, your body working, wind (hopefully not to strong 😂)blowing through your hair (or cap)...it destresses in such an easy way. And it is even usefull: it gets you around. You are right by the way: I have the tendency to think of people on an e-bike as lazy. But to be honest, if I had had an e-bike, I would have been able to cycle around far longer...(Also knee's) Anyway, hope to see you in a next video on your bike, cycling through Haarlem and perhaps a bit further when the weather permits? Have a great weekend 😊
@@annemieke186 Good morning dear Annemieke.👋 I suspect that men get in more deadly bike accidents for the same reasons that they get in more deadly car accidents, i.e. speeding and aggressive behavior. In terms of seniors, yes, I agree with the reasons you have outlined. I would be interested to see the video you mention. It is perfectly fine to provide a link. 👍 I can imagine that you miss cycling; it is such an exhilarating and efficient form of transportation. I feel most free on a bike. It always boosts my mood (endorphins, I suppose). 😃 Thank you for tuning in to this (and my other) videos, Annemieke. I wish you a good weekend. See you again soon. 🌷
When I visited friends in KY I bought myself a bike to get around. I was in THE bicycle capitol of KY, but I never saw a bike in town 😂 Even the police didn't know the cycle rules as they pulled me over and told me to bike on the sidewalk. I specifically read up on the cycle rules online before I hit the road because I, of course, didn't know them . Apparently the police didn't know them either😂 I had to bite my Dutch tongue coz in no way I was gonna get myself in a discussion with USA police. My friends warned me not to do so even before I went there, they were worried I was gonna end up in jail if I would encounter police
@@justmandy6572 Haha. Well, you certainly did your homework, Mandy. About bikes and police! 👮 Cycling in the USA is definitely at your own risk…as are interactions with the police. Very brave of you to try to bike in the so-called bicycle capital of KY. 🚲 I’m impressed. 👍
Thanks Mike for your video about "Fietsen". I bought an E-bike in 2019 and I still use that bike. It's an Amslod and they recently went bankrupt so I'm looking for a new "fietsenmaker". I have biked 12.500 km. I suppose you have made more km's on your beautiful Quick🚴👍. Ik ga even over naar het Nederlands. Wat mij behoorlijk irriteerd aan fietsers is dat nog maar weinig fietsers richting aangeven. Even de hand uitsteken is een belangrijke vorm van communicatie in het verkeer. Kleine moeite, groot plezier. Bijna niemand doet dat nog, vreselijk irritant dus. Ik hoop dat jij dat dus wel doet, Mike 🙏. Valt jou dat ook niet op? Veel fietsers doen maar wat en rijden als een kip zonder kop door het verkeer 🐔🤔. Vroeger hoorde dat bij de opvoeding. Je hand uitsteken etc.... Onverschilligheid lijkt wel de norm. Je bent niet alleen in het verkeer, geef dus aan wat je gaat doen. Geldt niet alleen voor fietsers trouwens. Zo, even een "college" over verkeersregels 😆. Morgen weer op de fiets naar het werk 👍🚴
@@HALLO63 Hi Alef! 👋 I, too, am looking for a new “fietsenmaker”. My Qwic may need to be retired. I saw that one of the Pegasus e-bikes was ranked #1 by the Consumentenbond for 2024, but it is very expensive. I have also noticed that one has to cycle defensively nowadays, especially with all the fat bikes zooming about! It’s survival of the fittest out there. People seem to be becoming increasingly asocial. Is that because everybody is in his own social media bubble? 🫧 I don’t know. Thanks for your comment, Alef. Enjoy your ride to and from work. Be careful! 😊 🚴♂️
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1The Brand is Qwic, oké 👍. That Pegasus costs 3900 euros, but De Consumentenbond has also a bunch of "aanraders" and these are cheaper. Don't know if you're a member of De CB, but I have looked it up and here are a few: Pegasus Solero EVO 9 750Wh Heren, Haibike Trekking 5 2023, Pegasus Ravenna E8F NL 400Wh Heren, Trek District+ 6 400Wh Heren, Cube Touring Hybrid One 500 Heren. Good luck with it 🚴🚲🍀. These are all male models 😆, that sounds a little strange to me 🤔😅. Your Qwic is also a "herenmodel". My Amslod too. Don't want a "damesmodel", at least not for now. Perhaps when it's necessary because of physical problems. ❤️
@@HALLO63 Thanks, Alef. I’ll check out those “aanraders”. 🚲 I like the look of a “herenfiets”. No surprise, I suppose. 😂 But the “damesfiets” does seem more practical. In some respects, I’m surprised that manufacturers still differentiate between the two models. By now, I would expect a universal model. But, as they say, old habits die hard. 😊
Guilty.....i have 3 bicycles. Electric for distance. Mountainbike for sports. And one old barrel for going to public transport or the pub,downtown, groceries etc. One which i will not care (a lot) about when it's stolen or vandalised
You ride an E-bike son? Hmmm, I still have a legs powered plus willpowered bike especially biking along the Afsluitdijk haha ugh. I have traveled the socalled Round Ijsselmeer route (280 km) 6 times now and once the Zuiderzee route (410 km in one day) all bikes. Ps, do you hide something under your caps? Sorry for asking ;-)
@@RickLane-x4j Hello, Mr. Mark. 👋 Long time, no hear! 👂 Alas, I do ride an e-bike because of a bum knee. 😔 I hide a big, seething brain under my cap, what else? 🧢 Besides, my caps generate such an inordinate amount of interest, I figure it’s good for engagement. 🤠
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Besides being a bit reserved cq sceptical I am a curious type. I can't help it lol. But anyway, the caps/hats soothe you fine. Reacting some days ago is long? 🙂 Well, I have many other things in my agenda but the guy always comes back yeah man *
This is a link to a short video about seniors riding bikes in a group, to encounter what problems they experience. Since the number of seniors are rising in the Netherlands, there needs to be a new view on how to change the infrastructure. This video is 7 years old and does not provide a complete picture, but is already interesting to watch. Seniors often step of and on their bikes in a slower manor. With the uncoming popularity of faster e-bikes and fat-bikes and higher expectations of traffic in general, seniors often stop using their bikes. Not because the can no longer cycle, but they get insecure. There are, no doubt, better videos, but this is a nice start for those who are interested. ua-cam.com/video/vrrzFnzYUXI/v-deo.htmlsi=w1WLLEi9YutkHA4-
@@annemieke186 Thank you, Annemieke, for sharing this informative video. Changes will need to be made, indeed. In the meantime, I hope that we can all be more mindful of others, especially seniors, when we’re out and about on our bikes. It is unfortunate that some seniors stop cycling because of insecurity. 😞
@@CrusterfunkShenanigans I’ve heard about this. I have seen a harrowing notice from the era that was posted by the Germans, demanding that people turn over their bikes by 9 October 1944; otherwise, they would be executed. This is actually printed on a notice that was posted in Heiloo during the occupation.😮
Oh and I would like to add that kids these days who are cycling on e-bikes are just lazy and they don't need an electric bike. Their young legs work just fine and should just have a regular bike like every Dutch kid always used to have. Dang now I feel old saying this 😂😂 but I don't care, kids are too spoiled these days. 😉
@@BabzV I’m with you there, Babs. Kids today are plugged in and tuned out. If they’re not immersed in an iPhone, they’re zooming around on a fat bike. When did we become the old, wise ones, Babs? 🤔 Seems like yesterday that the geezers were frowning about us. Where did the time go? ⏰
What a great way to get around! I don’t have a bike anymore….I wasn’t using it, so I sold it - which makes me feel sad now ☹️ I’m so happy to see that form of transformation is alive and well with you ~ enjoy 🤗
@@dianesgardeninspiration Thanks again, Diane. 😊 Maybe you could get yourself a spiffy e-bike for some California cruising. You’d love it. 🚲
@ thinking about it…. 🤔💛👍
so nice to hear about you rediscovering cycling!!!
@@claudiavalentijn1457 Thank you, Claudia. ❤️ Cycling is one of life’s simple pleasures. I am so glad to have brought it back in my life. Thank you Netherlands! 🇳🇱
Uitstekend, bedankt!
Een paar dingen die je niet noemde: het eerste is het gebruik van fietstassen. Bijna alle fietsen die ik zie, hebben fietstassen, waardoor de fiets als een "lastdier" kan worden gebruikt, bijvoorbeeld om boodschappen te doen.
Het tweede is het grote aantal auto's dat is uitgerust met een fietsdrager. Wij hebben er een en daardoor kan ik overal in het land fietsen. Elke provincie waar ik heb gefietst (zeven van de twaalf) is prachtig, maar heerlijk anders.
Het is echt een fietsparadijs!
@@micklumsden3956 Thank you, Mick, for noting these two additional aspects of cycling. It’s true that in the Netherlands, thanks to “fietstassen”, bikes become workhorses, suitable for transporting so many things. And, indeed, bike racks on cars allow people to take their beloved bikes to faraway locations for further enjoyment. 👍
The Netherlands is a cycling paradise, indeed. Bedankt voor je reactie. 😊 ❤️ 🚲
I just missed the premiere, because I'm packing to move abroad tomorrow lol. Will watch the replay now!
@@BruceHamilton Thank you, Bruce. I am so excited for you and your family! Everybody, check out Bruce’s channel. He has some exciting news! 😊
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 thanks for the shout out! BTW, I liked the video! It makes me want to go to the NL and grab a bike!!
@ You’re welcome, Bruce. I wish you and your family every success with your new adventure! 😊
Oehh how exciting! :)
I wish you well on your journey Bruce, Spain is beautiful, great choice. 😊
@BabzV thank you! At the airport now 😲 ! Can't wait to be in Spain in 15 hours after a layover in Paris
Hi Mike, thanks for the lovely video, I missed the video yesterday, because we are doing some renovations.
I so long to be able to ride a bike here in Australia, but the infrastructure is just not the same as in the Netherlands, I would compare it to the US, and the roads are bad, potholes galore😂
I moved to Australia nearly 45 years ago, and nothing has changed much regarding the roads, the footpaths, and definitely not the cycle paths, besides most of the time it is just too hot to ride a bike, I honestly do not know where our money goes to? We pay well over $700.00 every quarter, but for what exactly?
Have a great time with hubby when he gets home, so glad things are better with his mum...👋😊
@@Lilygirl283 Hi Lily.👋 No worries about missing the premiere. You’re here now. 😊
I hope the renovations are moving right along. I know that renovations can be both exciting and exhausting. 😩
One thing I will say about the relatively high taxes here: you see their benefits (infrastructure, health insurance, etc.).
Thanks for your kind words about my hubby coming back and the improved health of his mum. Very sweet of you. ❤️
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1you are welcome, and regarding the renovation, my biggest hate is plasterdust, (drywall), it goes everywhere ...
@ Oh, yeah, I know all about that! And the plaster dust is somehow sticky. It’s not so easy to vacuum up. Well, try to bear in mind that there’s light at the end of the plaster dust tunnel. 😊 One day all the noise and mess will be a distant memory, and you will be enjoying your freshly renovated space. 🏡
Hey Mike goeiemorgen,
Most people I know have a car but all of them have a bicycle and use them more than their car.
Us Dutchies do love to drive though, we have one of the, if not the highest, car ownership in Europe, but we're very fortunate to be able to choose to drive, cycle, walk, take public transport.
I think most non-Dutchies think we always use our bikes and actually hate cars which is far from the truth.
I personally don't own a car and cycle or walk everywhere(or public transport when going longer distances), I don't need a car it would really be a luxury but also a waste of money.
I love cycling though, not so much in the rain but hey we're not made of sugar. 😉
And another upside to cycling is that it's good for your joints, stemina and just your general health
Thanks for another good one Mike, geniet lekker van je weekend! (with your hubby? 😃)
😊🌷
@@BabzV Goeiemorgen Babs.👋
I suppose the highest bike concentration is in the big cities. In some parts of the Netherlands, I can imagine that a car is still desirable. And it’s true what you say. The workday traffic jams are evidence of the Dutch car culture.
Like you, I don’t have a car. It would indeed be a waste of money (parking, insurance, maintenance, fuel, etc.). I feel so much freer without one.
I also love cycling. ❤️ I feel so free on my bike. 🚲
Here’s hoping you have a lovely weekend, Babs. I’m sending you some sun from Haarlem. ☀️
Hubby arrives this evening! Woo hoo! 🙌
Aww yay he'll be home tonight :)
And hopefully his mom will stay in good health. 🙏
@ Yes! His mom is much better. I spoke with her a couple times on FT, and she looks and sounds great! Thank you for remembering. ❤️
Really, so happy, I must have missed out on that information, I was wondering if your husband was back, but very reluctant to ask about it.
I realised he was not with you at home to celebrate your 1000 subscribers...but I realised it much later.
Good to hear that his mother is feeling better ❤
@ Thank you, Annemieke. 😊 It’s great to have him back, and I am relieved and happy that his mother is healthy.
You all kept me such good company in his absence, and I am grateful for that. ❤️
Thanks, Mike, for this lovely report on Dutch bike culture! Where I live (the south of Limburg) an e-bike is no luxury, as there are lots of hills over here. Stay safe and stay healthy!
@@musicfromtheheart100 Ah, the lovely hills of Limburg! I do love them so. ❤️ 🚲
And, as you surely experienced too we have the ,not to be underestimated, w i n d (always headwind). 😊
@@Bramfly You got that right! 👍
@@Bramfly That is so true! It's such an undeniable and almost ever present fact of living life in the low lands, that one may even consider it to be the best argument for buying an electrically assisted bicycle. Thanks for reminding me.
Thanks Mike for the interesting statistics. When I visit my friends in Pittsford I have to drive to safely get to Wholefoods and I find that very annoying as it is less than a mile away. My mother who lived to be 92 rode her bicycle until the age of 85, my parents never owned a car like many Dutch people of their generation. At age 66 I see no point in getting an e-bike and ride my traditional Gazelle with drum brakes, a 3 speed rear hub and a Brooks saddle. Up to 2 miles each way I walk, up to 5 miles I ride my bike and for longer distances I drive, including my soon to be over commute to work of 11 miles each way 😊🚍
@@gertpittsfort That’s the spirit, Gert. A true Dutchman through and through. Walking and cycling are so good for our health and state of mind. It’s crazy that the U.S. is set up in such a way that you must drive even short distances. In most cases, it is not safe to walk or cycle in the U.S. Very unfortunate.
I have always loved the thrill of riding my bike ever since I was a kid. And I still do. And I walk every day…to everything. As you know, I have no car. But there’s always the bus! 😉
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 At your service, your favorite busdriver 🫡🚍
Hi again. Great educational video. I do not have a drivers licence ( rijbewijs), so love my bikes I did use since I was in my fith year of my life. Live in the south of the Netherlands and an e-bike makes it a lot easier.
@@jancusters2450 Thank you, Jan. I appreciate your comment(s). 👍
The e-bike is a marvelous innovation. The first time I ever tried one was in Texel. It felt like I was flying! Loved it! ❤️ 🚲
hi Mike. Love your updates and now, knowing your bike, I will look out for you on the red tarmac :-) I am cycling/commuting daily in beautiful Haarlem. See you soon - Alex
@@theWurz Hi Alex. Thanks so much for watching my vid and taking the time to comment. I was just out and about, picking up some pasta, produce and tulips from the Haarlem market. If you see me on the red tarmac, give me a ‘ding’. 🛎️
Enjoy your bike, Mike! I enjoyed your video.
@@Annemie43 Hi Annemie. 👋 Thank you for watching. 😊
Loved watching this with everyone and chatting along. Thank you for doing this format! 💜 One question - How easy is it to find a used bike in the Netherlands?
@@kristiina-f9h Thank you so much, Kristiina. The premieres are a lot of fun. I will have to do one with a longer video to give us all a chance to chat. Used bikes are super easy to get in the Netherlands. You can buy one from marktplaats.nl, and also in various bike shops. Easy to get. 🚲
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Thank you, Mike. I should have figured that since there are more bikes than people! 😄 Also, I look forward to another premiere in the future! I haven't seen that format previously. 🤩
@ There will be more to come, for sure. Thanks for tuning in, Kristiina. 😊
Come visit the Netherlands Kristina, rent a bike and you'll feel like a kid again. 😃
Warm greetings from the Netherlands. 😊🌷
@BabzV thank you so much 😃 I very much hope to come to the Netherlands soon. 🤩🥰💗
Ahhh something to look forward to 🎉😊
I am well above average, I have four bikes 😃 A simple bike (I call it my 'stadsbrik') for short distances and not having to worry it being stolen (of course the lock is more expensive than the bike itself). A folding bike which I can put on the train for free. A sport bike for fun and long distances. And an e-bike, which I bought when I turned 42. I really love to cycle, but cycling home 15 km after a day working (running around in a factory for 8 hours), began to be a little too demanding on the legs. The e-bike was an absolute game changer in that respect, never looked back.
@@AbeIJnst Nice, Abe! 👍 It seems you have all bases covered with your extensive collection of bikes. I know just what you mean about the e-bike. I love cycling long distances, but my right knee started to protest. The e-bike gave me the assistance that I needed. ❤️ 🚲
Take care with that lock, I once returned to my bike to find it still there but the lock was missing.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Yeah, for me it were mostly the muscles. Two things are key: Saddle height (just being able to stretch, but not over stretch your leg with the middle of your foot on the paddle) and not to cycle in a too high a gear, don't force it.
@@apveening It's a thick chain with a tight fitting padlock, so it's unusable when cut or broken.
@ That must have been a mighty fine lock! 🔐 😮
The reason for those elderly who cycled to their death, sadly, is connected directly to the increase of e-bikes. Simply put, the elderly and speed do not mix. And I should, and do, know what I'm talking about. The main reason is price related, the bicycles come in three flavours and the worst of them are the most sold: Those who have their motor in the front. Like the one my mother bought for herself. The sales person actually preferred that one because it was on sale. Never trust a sales person with a sales target at the end of a month. Mum continued to cycle, just not on the E-bike, that went to sis, who also was scared to death of that one, so she traded that one for one with the motor in the back wheel, the second worst position of the motor. Best alternative: middrive where the motor and the drivetrain are integrated...
PS
That all happened in 2009, both Mum and Sis continued to cycle, Sis on her e-bike till 2013, died in her sleep. Mum continued to cycle on normal bicycle until her death in 2015. I bought my middrive in mid 2018 sold the car 4 months later and only ride the three bikes, a fixie, a road bike, and the middrive e-bike... 😊
@@paulc8799 Thank you, Paul. You’re right about those front wheel motors. The torque on them is alarming. Maybe fun for a teenager. These days, the kids are crazy about those fat bikes. They make quite a ruckus!
My e-bike has a mid-motor for a more balanced ride and even acceleration. It’s quite a comfortable bike and has served me well for many years.
Cycling of any kind (traditional or e-bike) is such an efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation. Not to mention the pure joy of cycling. I always feel so free on my bike.
Thank you for sharing the story of your mum and sis. ❤️
Good morning Mike!
I am wondering about men getting into more deadly bike accidents...do not understand why this is. Do you know by any chance?
Cars we know: speeding or being 'silly' (trying to say this nicely😁).
I saw a very interesting video about city councils looking at changing infrastructure because of the mortality and accident-rate in the Netherlands among seniors.
Very easily it is said that it is because of the e-bike.
But there is a very important other reason.
Something I, as a scootmobilist, can relate to.
Often not enough room to stop, but very big one: corners were you come from a straight lane, you want to turn right and there is a speedbump that is not round but parallel to the road you are leaving. For elderly people that is the main reason they fall or have a car to close behind them.
If you do not mind (and if I can find the video, is it okay to leave a link here to the video?
Cycling is the thing I miss the most. No idea why, but someone described it as liberating, your body working, wind (hopefully not to strong 😂)blowing through your hair (or cap)...it destresses in such an easy way.
And it is even usefull: it gets you around.
You are right by the way: I have the tendency to think of people on an e-bike as lazy. But to be honest, if I had had an e-bike, I would have been able to cycle around far longer...(Also knee's)
Anyway, hope to see you in a next video on your bike, cycling through Haarlem and perhaps a bit further when the weather permits?
Have a great weekend 😊
@@annemieke186 Good morning dear Annemieke.👋
I suspect that men get in more deadly bike accidents for the same reasons that they get in more deadly car accidents, i.e. speeding and aggressive behavior.
In terms of seniors, yes, I agree with the reasons you have outlined. I would be interested to see the video you mention. It is perfectly fine to provide a link. 👍
I can imagine that you miss cycling; it is such an exhilarating and efficient form of transportation. I feel most free on a bike. It always boosts my mood (endorphins, I suppose). 😃
Thank you for tuning in to this (and my other) videos, Annemieke. I wish you a good weekend. See you again soon. 🌷
When I visited friends in KY I bought myself a bike to get around. I was in THE bicycle capitol of KY, but I never saw a bike in town 😂
Even the police didn't know the cycle rules as they pulled me over and told me to bike on the sidewalk. I specifically read up on the cycle rules online before I hit the road because I, of course, didn't know them . Apparently the police didn't know them either😂
I had to bite my Dutch tongue coz in no way I was gonna get myself in a discussion with USA police.
My friends warned me not to do so even before I went there, they were worried I was gonna end up in jail if I would encounter police
@@justmandy6572 Haha. Well, you certainly did your homework, Mandy. About bikes and police! 👮
Cycling in the USA is definitely at your own risk…as are interactions with the police.
Very brave of you to try to bike in the so-called bicycle capital of KY. 🚲 I’m impressed. 👍
Thanks Mike for your video about "Fietsen". I bought an E-bike in 2019 and I still use that bike. It's an Amslod and they recently went bankrupt so I'm looking for a new "fietsenmaker". I have biked 12.500 km. I suppose you have made more km's on your beautiful Quick🚴👍. Ik ga even over naar het Nederlands. Wat mij behoorlijk irriteerd aan fietsers is dat nog maar weinig fietsers richting aangeven. Even de hand uitsteken is een belangrijke vorm van communicatie in het verkeer. Kleine moeite, groot plezier. Bijna niemand doet dat nog, vreselijk irritant dus. Ik hoop dat jij dat dus wel doet, Mike 🙏. Valt jou dat ook niet op? Veel fietsers doen maar wat en rijden als een kip zonder kop door het verkeer 🐔🤔. Vroeger hoorde dat bij de opvoeding. Je hand uitsteken etc.... Onverschilligheid lijkt wel de norm. Je bent niet alleen in het verkeer, geef dus aan wat je gaat doen. Geldt niet alleen voor fietsers trouwens. Zo, even een "college" over verkeersregels 😆. Morgen weer op de fiets naar het werk 👍🚴
@@HALLO63 Hi Alef! 👋 I, too, am looking for a new “fietsenmaker”. My Qwic may need to be retired. I saw that one of the Pegasus e-bikes was ranked #1 by the Consumentenbond for 2024, but it is very expensive.
I have also noticed that one has to cycle defensively nowadays, especially with all the fat bikes zooming about! It’s survival of the fittest out there. People seem to be becoming increasingly asocial. Is that because everybody is in his own social media bubble? 🫧 I don’t know.
Thanks for your comment, Alef. Enjoy your ride to and from work. Be careful! 😊 🚴♂️
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1The Brand is Qwic, oké 👍. That Pegasus costs 3900 euros, but De Consumentenbond has also a bunch of "aanraders" and these are cheaper. Don't know if you're a member of De CB, but I have looked it up and here are a few: Pegasus
Solero EVO 9 750Wh Heren, Haibike Trekking 5 2023, Pegasus
Ravenna E8F NL 400Wh Heren, Trek
District+ 6 400Wh Heren, Cube
Touring Hybrid One 500 Heren.
Good luck with it 🚴🚲🍀. These are all male models 😆, that sounds a little strange to me 🤔😅. Your Qwic is also a "herenmodel". My Amslod too. Don't want a "damesmodel", at least not for now. Perhaps when it's necessary because of physical problems. ❤️
@@HALLO63 Thanks, Alef. I’ll check out those “aanraders”. 🚲
I like the look of a “herenfiets”. No surprise, I suppose. 😂 But the “damesfiets” does seem more practical. In some respects, I’m surprised that manufacturers still differentiate between the two models. By now, I would expect a universal model. But, as they say, old habits die hard. 😊
Sorry I said some stupid things but your house is beautiful!
@@daphnelovesL Thank you, Daphne. That is very sweet of you to say. 🙏 By the way, I don’t recall you saying anything stupid. 😊
@ Next try maybe
Guilty.....i have 3 bicycles. Electric for distance. Mountainbike for sports. And one old barrel for going to public transport or the pub,downtown, groceries etc. One which i will not care (a lot) about when it's stolen or vandalised
@@kakadorez11 Sounds like you have all the possibilities covered. 👍 Nice! 🚲🚲🚲
You ride an E-bike son? Hmmm, I still have a legs powered plus willpowered bike especially biking along the Afsluitdijk haha ugh. I have traveled the socalled Round Ijsselmeer route (280 km) 6 times now and once the Zuiderzee route (410 km in one day) all bikes. Ps, do you hide something under your caps? Sorry for asking ;-)
@@RickLane-x4j Hello, Mr. Mark. 👋 Long time, no hear! 👂 Alas, I do ride an e-bike because of a bum knee. 😔
I hide a big, seething brain under my cap, what else? 🧢
Besides, my caps generate such an inordinate amount of interest, I figure it’s good for engagement. 🤠
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Besides being a bit reserved cq sceptical I am a curious type. I can't help it lol. But anyway, the caps/hats soothe you fine. Reacting some days ago is long? 🙂 Well, I have many other things in my agenda but the guy always comes back yeah man *
@ Naw, not so long, indeed. Just joshing. I was spoiled by our frequent exchanges. But there IS more to life than UA-cam. 😊
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Joshing is a kind of joking? Or is it slang 🙂 I am very talkative but also silent at times.
@ Joshing is to tease in a playful way. 😊 I’m also talkative/silent and extroverted/introverted according to my mood.
This is a link to a short video about seniors riding bikes in a group, to encounter what problems they experience.
Since the number of seniors are rising in the Netherlands, there needs to be a new view on how to change the infrastructure.
This video is 7 years old and does not provide a complete picture, but is already interesting to watch. Seniors often step of and on their bikes in a slower manor.
With the uncoming popularity of faster e-bikes and fat-bikes and higher expectations of traffic in general, seniors often stop using their bikes. Not because the can no longer cycle, but they get insecure.
There are, no doubt, better videos, but this is a nice start for those who are interested.
ua-cam.com/video/vrrzFnzYUXI/v-deo.htmlsi=w1WLLEi9YutkHA4-
@@annemieke186 Thank you, Annemieke, for sharing this informative video. Changes will need to be made, indeed. In the meantime, I hope that we can all be more mindful of others, especially seniors, when we’re out and about on our bikes.
It is unfortunate that some seniors stop cycling because of insecurity. 😞
Germany shouldn't be third place, loads of their bikes are from our grandparents! Groetjes uit Brabant!
@@CrusterfunkShenanigans I’ve heard about this. I have seen a harrowing notice from the era that was posted by the Germans, demanding that people turn over their bikes by 9 October 1944; otherwise, they would be executed. This is actually printed on a notice that was posted in Heiloo during the occupation.😮
Oh and I would like to add that kids these days who are cycling on e-bikes are just lazy and they don't need an electric bike.
Their young legs work just fine and should just have a regular bike like every Dutch kid always used to have.
Dang now I feel old saying this 😂😂 but I don't care, kids are too spoiled these days. 😉
@@BabzV I’m with you there, Babs. Kids today are plugged in and tuned out. If they’re not immersed in an iPhone, they’re zooming around on a fat bike.
When did we become the old, wise ones, Babs? 🤔 Seems like yesterday that the geezers were frowning about us. Where did the time go? ⏰
Haha I hear ya my friend.
So let's enjoy our time here on this earth to the absolute fullest! 🌞😊🌷
@@BabzV Super sound advice, Babs. 👍 ❤️ 🌞 🚲
Hoi
@@Heartburn1220 Thank you again, Heartburn, for the coffee ☕️ contribution. Such an unexpected surprise. 😮 You made my day! ❤️
So you've got an antique e-bike 🤣
@@Omaivo2904 Haha. Yes, I really do, Inge! A few more years, and it will start going UP in value. 😂
Expensive bike get good insurance and good looks and don't leave the battery in you bike when parking.
@@daphnelovesL Thank you, Daphne. Good advice. 👍
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Looks ore locks dys leti dyslectia what ever
@ Oh, no need to fuss over that. 😊 My brain auto-corrected it. Not to worry. Frankly, I was flattered by the “good looks” remark. 😂
E-bike riding whitout paddling is fobidden by law in Nederland
@@albertkassenaar7735 I bet it is. 😂 Verboden! 🛑