In the Netherlands, cycling is not just a weekend activity, a mode of transport or a fitness regime. It’s all of those things and it’s a way of life. Since the 1970s, the Dutch cycling lifestyle has held on to its popularity and promoted a culture that is intrinsic to its identity. All the while, the Netherlands has earned a position at the forefront of sustainability, where innovators and entrepreneurs steer us towards a green future.
Rain or shine, it’s easy to see why cycling is a preferred mode of transport among those living in the Netherlands. Not only is cycling great for the environment, but it’s also great for your health. And with its vast cycling network, cycling in the Netherlands is a safe and easy way for riders of all ages to travel and see the sights.
The egalitarian nature of cycling is a keystone of the Dutch cycling culture. Whether you’re a visitor taking a leisurely cycle along a Van Gogh-themed route or you’re a working mother with a bakfiets dropping your children off at school before heading to the office, whatever your income, gender, or age, the Dutch prefer to reach most destinations by bicycle. Even the Dutch prime minister is regularly spotted riding his bike to work!
Did You Know Why Is Cycling Popular in the Netherlands?
Cycling has been synonymous with Dutch culture for decades. But how did this come to be so? Believe it or not, the current cycling lifestyle in the Netherlands did not begin to fully take shape until the 1970s. Though cycling was popular prior to WWII as a cheap and easy way to get around, the vast majority of bicycles were confiscated during the Nazi occupation – and though cycling returned to its previous popularity afterward, infrastructure favored the increasingly affordable automobile over the bicycle. And then, everything changed…
In the early 1970s, road fatalities were on the rise. And with a shocking number of children being struck down on Dutch roads, the people had had enough. The now famous campaign, Stop de Kindermoord (Stop the Child Killings) was born. After two years of peaceful but persistent demonstrations, the politicians took note and by 1980, the cycling infrastructure the Dutch are famous for took shape.
