In the Netherlands, the bicycle is not a trend, a hobby, or a fitness statement.
It is part of daily life. And in Amsterdam, it is almost a second heartbeat.
There are more bicycles than people in the country. Children learn to ride before they learn to write properly. Grandparents ride with groceries. Parents transport two or three kids at once. People go to work, to dates, to concerts, to funerals, to the opera — all by bike.
But this wasn’t always the case.
From invention to necessity
The bicycle arrived in the Netherlands in the late 19th century, when industrialization was changing Europe. At first, it was a luxury item for the wealthy. But the country’s flat landscape, compact cities, and already existing culture of roads and trade made it the perfect environment for cycling to spread quickly.
By the early 20th century, bicycles had become a practical tool for workers, students, and families.
Then history intervened.
WWII: when bicycles were taken
During World War II, Nazi soldiers confiscated thousands of Dutch bicycles. It became such a collective trauma that even today, older generations still mention it with a mix of pain and dark humor:
“They stole our bikes.”
It may sound simple, but for many families, losing their bicycle meant losing freedom, work access, food access, and dignity.
After the war, rebuilding the country also meant rebuilding mobility — and bicycles returned stronger than ever.
The turning point: choosing people over cars
In the 1950s and 60s, like many other countries, the Netherlands began to prioritize cars. Cities became more dangerous. Children were dying in traffic accidents. Pollution increased.
And then something remarkable happened.
People protested. Parents occupied streets. Citizens demanded safer cities.
The government listened.
From the 1970s onward, the Netherlands deliberately redesigned its cities around people, not cars:
Protected bike lanes
- Traffic-calmed neighborhoods
- Car-free zones
- Integrated public transport + cycling
- Urban planning focused on human scale
- Cycling was no longer just tolerated — it became the backbone of mobility.
Why it’s deeper than transportation
In many countries, driving is associated with adulthood, success, independence.
In the Netherlands, independence comes on two wheels.
Cycling changes how you experience life:
You are not isolated in a metal box.
- You feel the weather, the seasons, the wind on your face.
- You move at human speed.
- You are present.
- It creates a different relationship with time, with your body, and with the city.
It also changes quality of life:
No fuel costs
- No traffic jams
- Daily movement without “going to the gym”
- Lower stress
- Cleaner air
- More social interaction
- And yes — it’s incredibly safe, even if it looks chaotic at first.
So safe that most Dutch people refuse to wear helmets (to the horror of foreigners 😄). The infrastructure does most of the protecting.
One of my favorite things about living in Amsterdam
This is very personal for me.
Cycling is one of the things I love most about living in Amsterdam.
The freedom.
The independence.
Moving through the city for free.
No tickets, no fuel, no parking stress.
Being ecological without trying.
Doing exercise without scheduling it.
Feeling the breeze on your face.
Singing while riding.
Even dancing while riding is possible too.
It gives you back something modern life often steals: lightness.
A lesson for the world
Of course, not every country can become the Netherlands.
The US, for example, is vast and built around long distances.
But the philosophy still matters:
Cities can be designed around people instead of cars.
Cars can serve long distances.
Bikes can serve daily life.
This is what “smart cities” really mean — not more technology, but better human experience.
And if you visit Amsterdam…
Please don’t miss the chance to experience the city by bike.
It is the most authentic way to understand its rhythm, its scale, its soul.
Yes, it can feel intimidating at first — Amsterdam cyclists have a reputation 😅
And yes, it can be tricky if you don’t know where to go or how the rules work.
That’s exactly why I offer guided bike tours.
I organize bike experiences where:
I choose beautiful, safe, meaningful routes
- I teach you the simple local bike rules
- I help you feel confident in traffic
- And you can relax and enjoy the city instead of worrying
- A seamless experience — not stressful, but joyful.
If you’d like to explore Amsterdam the way locals truly do, I’ll be very happy to ride with you.
With love,
Constanza
Amsterdam with Constanza