Bike Culture

One of the most distinctive symbols that is associated with Amsterdam - besides the canals, weed, and tulips - are its bikes. What they say is true: there are more bikes than there are people. 

Anywhere I look, I see bikes everywhere. EVERYWHERE. 

I see them everyday and I've only now just realized while writing this post, that 9 out of 10 photos I take features at least one bike. 

a random street I thought looked cool

The intangible biking culture in Amsterdam is the most organized and socially accepted culture I've noticed since I've been here. There is a traffic hierarchy. In the States, pedestrians typically have the right of way before cars. Here, the bikers have top priority, then people, then cars. Everyone stops if a biker is coming. They always have a right of way. Sometimes, there is such a large crowd of bikers that people driving have to wait a long time before they can continue on their way. That's why people say it's a pain to drive in Amsterdam. 

a lady biking in the middle of the road

There are literal highways just for bikes snaking under and around major highways. Bike lanes are always accessible wherever you are and are on every single paved area. They are located between the road and the sidewalk, so I always look both ways to make sure I'm not going to get run over. Additionally, the bikes get their own traffic lights and signage. You also have to follow the bike etiquette. The unofficial and unspoken bike etiquette includes ringing the bike bell to let someone know you are coming up behind them to pass them or to make them move out of the way. When making turns, it is best to signal with either your left or right hand, which way you are turning. It is also illegal to text and bike, but not illegal to drink and bike. 

I took this picture because of the cat, but a bike managed to sneak its way in 

If there are thousands of bikes, there has to be a place to put them. Like parking garages, bikes, too, have their own designated areas. My apartment complex has a double layer bike parking garage with spots corresponding to room numbers. Additionally, there are plenty of bike racks throughout the city for people to lock their bikes to, but honestly, any place where you can wrap your bike lock around works perfectly as a bike rack. Always lock your bikes because people are known to steal them. 

the double-layer bike garage in my apartment complex 

my friend retrieving her bike from the top rack

There are several bike companies that allow you to rent or buy a bike. The most popular and distinct company would have to be Swapfiets. Every Swapfiets bike is recognizable with its blue front tire. With Swapfiets, you are able to subscribe to a year-long plan, or a flexible plan, where you pay a monthly fee and can cancel any month. When you order a bike, you pick it up at one of the stores where they adjust the height of the seat for you. Any damages you find, they are able to fix it. They provide you with a bike lock and key. The bikes are really nice. They come with a bell and a light that gets its energy from pedaling. 

this is from one of the first times we attempted to bike to our university campus - many hills during a very hot heat wave

when I first picked up my bike

I think other countries should adopt this kind of bike culture. It's part of the infrastructure of society and the Dutch execute this culture almost perfectly. Even little kids bike better than some adults. Not only is is better for the environment, it's an easy way to stay active and enjoy the scenery - and it's cheaper than public transportation. My Dutch friend, Cindy, rides her bike to school everyday regardless of the weather. I doubt this intangible culture will ever cease. It's part of the Dutch identity. 

Rows of bikes like these are common sights around the city

a decorated bike