Going Dutch

With the current growth in popularity of bike commuting in the States I feel obliged to share a couple of videos. They aren't new videos nor are they videos I made but they are great videos showing how commuting happens and has been happening for years in the Netherlands. This video was filmed last winter and shows just one example of what is capable with a bicycle. It is also obvious from the video that mass transit is a very popular mode as well. Where the video was made is a town called Utrecht, a bustling city with a little over 300,000 residents near the center of the Netherlands.

I support the U.S. interest in bike commuting and I hope that with all the hard work that is taking place something works out. As we all know there is a lot of work and re-education that needs to take place before the bicycle is considered and accepted by the majority as a legitimate means of transportation. Not only are bicycles efficient, inexpensive, reliable and healthy they are small and mobile; creating parking areas for them within the big city parking garages wouldn't be that difficult.

Now, the reality of it is this, in the U.S. the majority do not consider the bicycle a legitimate means of transport. Children in the States are brought up thinking that a bicycle is a toy and cars are a rite of passage. Even in the large cities bicycles aren't highly regarded, they are seen as rude, obnoxious, in the way, slow. A few cities understand the benefit but not enough. Even in the cities that understand the benefit of a bicycle there is an underlying resistance to the counter culture of commuters. What can change this?

People tend to embrace the "Amsterdam bike culture" and that to me is a sign that some supporters of bicycle commuting don't get it, it isn't the "Amsterdam bike culture" it is in fact a Dutch way of life. All over the Netherlands people ride, in fact 27% of the trips taken, are done on a bike the remainder with mass transit or walking, the auto is typically not the first choice. With 15,000km of bike paths, bicycle parking garages and a dependence on the bicycle that goes back several years it is easy to see why. Children learn at an early age how to ride and ride safely they see their parents and grand parents riding and more than likely they have a bike path right out their front door. Beyond even the Dutch way of life, Denmark and Germany use the bike as a legitimate means as well.

I've heard many excuses as to why commuting by bike isn't possible. I've even used a couple myself. I've been humbled upon moving here to the Netherlands and have learned more about the Dutch people and their personality, while developing my own "Dutch Dependance" on the bike, than I could have from the seat of my car that is for sure. Here are four of the popular excuses that I've heard and even used, and their Dutch response.

"I get too hot and sweaty" - Dutch response, "slow down, don't ride like a crazy American"

"There are hills on the route and I only have one gear"- Dutch response, "so? leave earlier the route is beautiful"

"It is very windy"- Dutch response, "Get used to it, it will get windier. Leave earlier"

"It's raining"- Dutch response, "rain?! this isn't rain, it's drizzle. It'll get worse. Bring rain gear"

For the Dutch there is no problem that doesn't have a solution. This belief and attitude is precisely what the U.S. needs regarding bike commuting. Does the U.S. have a big enough

problem that bike commuting can be the solution? With the number of obese adults and children, heart attacks, stress related health issues, I say yes. A couple of things missing are $8 a gallon gas and an educated public.

In order for the U.S. to succeed in their push for more bike dependancy politicians need to be convinced, local governments need to be convinced. Bike advocacy groups can only do so much. If you care or if you've ever had the interest in commuting, do it. I am sure the majority of the readers of this blog are already convinced of the benefits of bike commuting..so maybe I am preaching to the choir a bit, but if we really want the benefits of bike lanes and respect, we need to go out and get it. There won't be success by telling other bike advocates about the benefit, we have to convince non-bike lovers of the benefits. Lobby for it, find ways to prove it is reliable for your city and state. Don't just fly to the Netherlands, see how it is done just to go home and tell people how it's done. I see a bright future in the U.S. for the bike and hopefully more people will soon. Support your advocacy group, get out and commute it is the best way to sell the idea. You are the best billboard and spokesperson for the cause.

In the meantime here are the videos. Enjoy.