Netherlands, July 2011
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| Koningssluis bridge, Amsterdam |
The Dutch are a remarkably confident and relaxed nation given that about a third of their country lies below sea level, especially with the new (improved) fear of Global Warming, to replace the now slightly less imminent threat of nuclear annihilation.
A country that is actually growing size — God may have created the world, but the Dutch created Holland (as the saying goes).
A civilised country too, with great cheese, great beer, a billiard table landscape to cycle between the beer and cheese outlets, and a cycle lane network that should be the envy of the world.
But, it seems that in most other places the bicycle is considered to be an inferior means of transport, and less important than the automobile, which must be pandered to, washed on Sundays, accidents cleared away quickly in case anyone gets upset by the sight of the mangled remains (not to mention the blood), and have TV programmes like Top Gear to throw more gasoline on the already inextinguishable fire of auto-love.
Not in Holland though: as my cycle lane joins a roundabout, a car driver miraculously gives way to me. This is not an isolated incident either; it’s just how it is. The cycle lanes are as well constructed as the highway, and are virtually free of pot-holes, drain covers and other booby traps for cyclists. There are bicycle path direction finders, frequent network maps, bicycle traffic lights (some giving a countdown to green), and plenty of provision for bikes on trains.
And one assumes, especially because it’s such a flat country, this is how it must have always been, cars and bicycles living together in harmony.
The fact is that 30-40 years ago Holland was in a similar position as Britain is today, with ever increasing dominance of the automobile, and ever more demand for new roads — the humble bicycle was way down on the list.
It was only by a huge and well organised public campaign, demonstrations and petitions to the Dutch prime minister that change was gradually brought about.
Dutch towns and cities weren’t built with the bicycle in mind any more than British town and cities, but they now serve as an example of what can be achieved.
And one assumes, especially because it’s such a flat country, this is how it must have always been, cars and bicycles living together in harmony.
The fact is that 30-40 years ago Holland was in a similar position as Britain is today, with ever increasing dominance of the automobile, and ever more demand for new roads — the humble bicycle was way down on the list.
It was only by a huge and well organised public campaign, demonstrations and petitions to the Dutch prime minister that change was gradually brought about.
Dutch towns and cities weren’t built with the bicycle in mind any more than British town and cities, but they now serve as an example of what can be achieved.
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| Cycle street where cars are 'guests.' Photo Rob Lee |
