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| Cyclist on a bike path. |
No, not me. My Dutch friends did find a bicycle for me. It was
too big though for my short legs and I decided not to risk it. It has been
several decades since I did cycle touring in Tasmania and New Zealand and rode
a bike to work in Queensland. Since then I have seldom been on one.
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| Bike riders are all ages. |
Nearly everyone cycles here, as you may know. People of all ages,
often with their shopping. People going to work. Parents with children for and aft in all sorts of
carriers. Women in dresses and even high heels. Family groups, one that
appeared to be parents, children and grandparents.
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| Clear markings on bike lanes. |
With a strict “yield to the right” rule, cyclists turn onto
main roads immediately in front of cars and even big trucks. The ultimate
traffic rule here is “cyclists rule”. Pedestrians get some respect – from
motorists.
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Motorists turning right are warned to watch for cyclists in
the bike lane.
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In a month in the city of Enschede I have seen only three
riders with helmets. Two were racers in
spandex and the other, a little girl learning to ride her two wheeler. I have
observed several young people texting while biking. For discussion on bicycle safety in the Netherlands see these blogs.
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| Child carrier and bike in bicycle shop window. |
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