Ah, Amsterdam
I’ve just returned from my first visit to Amsterdam. Of course, the first thing on my to-do list was to indulge in some… pannekoeken. No really, I love pancakes. Any type of cake really. Especially when buried in a certain chocolate-hazelnut spread.
But after I checked that off my list (three times) I went to see about a bike.
Now, Amsterdam is a known bicycle city. But more than that, it is a tiny city. Every thing is small and efficient. From their apartments:
To their tiny streets. But while you’d think I’d be most impressed with all the biking, I was actually more impressed by the driving.
But it was great to ride on safe infrastructure that doesn’t make me feel like I’m running with the elephants.
Instead, I found myself alongside a completely different species: my own. 
I think I prefer biking with people more than biking with cars. It makes it as easy as walking. Now can we get more of these cycle tracks back home please?
love the last two cartoons. They really summarize the reasons we need cycle tracks. (We’re fighting to get one along a major road in Minneapolis right now!)
… and losing…. (but it ain’t over until the cement cures)
I enjoy your perspective on biking.
I agree with Sheridan on London, but found the same thing in New York City.
Just had my first visit there too — how amazing. Older people riding, young people riding, parents and kids riding, people sharing one ride, business people riding, shirtless people riding. It. Was. The. Best.
My experience of Amsterdam was the same. Except that I am very tall at 203 cm so everyone assumed that I had to be Dutch!
The Dutch being the tallest people in the world, I had no problem renting a bike that fit just fine.
I love the cartoon showing the child being carried on the bike. There is a wonderful video just out showing this. See:
I love the ending!
In the Netherlands you will also find bicycle-parkinglots !