Thursday, March 25, 2010
Bicycles
Bicycles are very prevalent in Amsterdam. In fact, the 750,000 people who live in Amsterdam own approximately 600,000 bicycles. As such, Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, with bike paths and bike racks around just about every corner. In the city center, driving a car is discouraged and difficult -- as we discovered. Parking fees are expensive, and many streets are closed to cars or are one-way.
Most of the bicycles are second-hand, older-model, heavy bikes with one gear and back-pedal coaster brakes. I suppose that makes sense considering the widespread theft of bikes: in 2005, about 54,000 bicycles were stolen in Amsterdam.
How’s this four-seater for our family? We didn’t see many multiple-person bicycles, but thought this one was very appropriate for us, although I’m sure it would be a bit difficult to keep it balanced while riding!Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Netherlands, Travel, Zachary
