CYCLING IN THE NETHERLANDS

Cycling is not just an activity in the Netherlands, it’s both a form of transportation and a lifestyle.

People will bike regardless of the weather and you’ll see many biking with an umbrella in one hand, heading to a party in suits or high heels, or dressed in raincoats and rain-pants to get to the office.

The Dutch cycle an average distance of 3.1 km per day and use bicycles for more than a quarter of all trips, compared to just 13.1% percent per month in the UK. There are even more bicycles than people in the Netherlands! And why not, with such obvious benefits: no traffic jams, no hunting for a parking spot and no guilt about CO2 emissions!

Being a country with limited elevation makes the Netherlands the perfect place to explore by bike. The infrastructure is adapted to cyclists: Throughout the country you will find many cycle paths, in total covering about 35.000 km. Most are dedicated for exclusive use by cyclists, with their own crossings and traffic lights. Cycling in the city can be hectic, but outside the city scenic and peaceful, offering lots to see and do along the way. Special to the Netherlands are also the huge bicycle parkings found in major cities, the sight of which have amazed quite a few newcomers to the country.

If you wish to be part of this cycling culture, then the following links may help you find a great cycling route, or even to make your own:

https://www.fietsnetwerk.nl/en/cycle-routes-in-the-netherlands/
http://www.holland-cycling.com/
https://www.bikemap.net/

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