Cycling For Change: Bike Culture In Amsterdam Supports Sustainable Values
Photo by Kayla Ihrig
In my last article, I introduced the idea of how culture plays an integral part in how we respond to a changing world and in particular a warming planet. I recently had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam, Netherlands, and saw first-hand the functionality and culture of cycling. Upon further research, I discovered that the Netherlands hadn't always been bike-friendly and that there was a moment in time when Dutch cities were so close to making cars the main mode of transportation. However, mounting traffic, car accidents, and the loss of historic infrastructure to make room for car lanes and parking lots motivated Dutch citizens to demonstrate against the use of cars in the city which led to widespread political support and policies that today make Amsterdam and other Dutch cities independent from cars and progressive cyclist cities. My trip to Amsterdam concluded with me wondering how did the Dutch collectively reject car culture and make their cities the most bike-friendly places in the world?
Automobiles In Amsterdam
After World War II, the economy in the Netherlands skyrocketed. More people were adopting American standards of living and cars became more popular to purchase. This led city lawmakers to pursue developing plans to expand streets to make room for an anticipated automotive boom in what they expected to be the future of transportation. Not everyone was in support of the transition, however, and when the death toll of traffic casualties reached more than 3,000 in 1971, including the death of many children, protestors took to the streets to demand safe bike lanes and pedestrian zones.
An Economy Not Keen On Cars
The demonstrations and protests from bicycle activists put pressure on the development plans for cars in Amsterdam, but it was the oil crisis of 1973 that influenced Dutch lawmakers to rethink energy use for transportation. Soon car-free Sundays were a thing in Amsterdam and people were reminded of how life used to be without the constant noise, air, and physical pollution from moving metal in the streets. Gradually, the idea that cars were the future of transportation in Amsterdam began to dwindle and public officials started experimenting with more bike lanes and non-motorized modes of transportation that were focused on the pedestrian experience rather than driving.
The implementation of safer bike routes led to an increase in cyclists, but this wasn’t enough. In addition to knowing that Amsterdam did not want its economy dependent on oil, the Dutch viewed cars as less valuable than safe streets, clean air, and diverse forms of mobility. Their passion to protect their children’s right to cycle to school was greater than the prospect of owning a car. Unknowing to some Amsterdammers, the prioritization of bicycles directly empowered sustainability efforts in the city, that over time led to a union between transportation and sustainability concepts, which created a unique culture of movement that is not like anywhere else in the world.
Safety and Accessibility
Amsterdam is working hard to make cycling a safe experience for both locals and visitors alike. There are over 767 kilometers of cycling paths across the city that are indicated and protected by a barrier or the color red. Where there is no path, riders use the road and follow traffic signs the same as cars. In the city center, cars are almost restricted to access or can only drive one way. Last year the municipality introduced 30 miles per hour speed limits in heavier traffic areas to increase cycling safety and further discourage cars from entering packed pedestrian zones. What’s more, police are on bikes to reinforce bike safety and make sure rules are followed; Just like driving a car, texting while cycling is prohibited.
Still, an estimated 229 cyclists died in 2020, an increase from the previous year, which gave residents more than enough reason to feel apprehensive about cycling. City officials have pressed on, however, and are constantly experimenting with innovative ways to increase bike safety. Most recently, the city launched the Amsterdam Bike Competition, an initiative to combat cyclist casualties and make the cycling experience safer and more efficient for all types of riders.
Cyclists of all shapes and sizes; adults, children, elderly, and pets (seen in trailers and baskets) make use of the bike lanes and paths. From an early age, children are taught in school how to ride a bike, follow traffic rules, and cycling etiquette. Over 90% of schools in Amsterdam provide theoretical cycling education to their students. Cycling is more accessible than owning a car and cheaper than using a tram or other public transport. Most neighborhoods in Amsterdam are mixed with both residential and commercial zones that make trips to grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops a relatively short-pedaled distance.
Bike Culture and Sustainability
It was my first time in Amsterdam, and I was quite surprised at the number of cyclists that were virtually everywhere. As a tourist unfamiliar with the city, I had to use my phone for navigation and this is not the safest place to be walking and looking down at your mobile. When crossing the street I constantly felt a rush of adrenaline as I had to dodge cyclists left and right. I walked pleasantly through the city, however, at times I felt like I had to be on guard watching for cyclists. I interpreted cyclists as one big living organism moving in harmony throughout the city, and the city as its host that is constantly accommodating to its lifestyle.
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There are an estimated 800,000 bikes in Amsterdam with 63% of Amsterdammers riding daily. From a tourist perspective, cyclists appear confident and sure of themselves, and they also ride with style. I saw men in suits and women in long dresses and heels pedaling through busy streets. Their sense of direction seemed effortless and they moved like a character in a flipbook animation. When the Dutch are not on their bike, they lock their bikes to one of the 250,000 racks that are placed in and around the city center. An impressive view from the central train station is the three-story bicycle garage that is stacked to the brim with bicycles-it simply cannot be overlooked!
BIke culture is meeting the requirements of a sustainable model of transportation in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. The cost to ride beats owning and maintaining a vehicle, and saves cities millions of dollars in car infrastructure. Compared to cars, bikes are quieter, emit fewer carbon emissions, and advocate for off-road paths which can promote green spaces in urban areas. According to the European Cyclists Federation, switching to a bicycle significantly reduces a traveler’s carbon footprint. Although emissions are used to make bicycles, it’s only about one-tenth compared to producing a car. Sense bikes run off of human fuel, ECF points to diet being the primary factor of how big or small ones cycling carbon footprint can be. That said, if more cyclists adopted sustainable eating habits, the cycling carbon footprint could reduce even more!
I can imagine it being relatively easy for someone living in Amsterdam to feel persuaded to start cycling. The city is dominated by bicycles that have created attitudes and behaviors that consistently promote a bike culture that is guided by sustainable values. The Netherlands has set cycling standards that are being experimented with in other countries, including the U.S., and from an individual's standpoint, cycling is a cheap, fun, and environmentally friendly way to get around. That said, ensuring bike safety is the top priority for Dutch policymakers as safety, or lack thereof is the biggest deterrent to riding. Remember, if cycling is not safe, then it is not sustainable.
Seeing the many cyclists in Amsterdam reminded me of when I was a child and biked fearlessly through my neighborhood. The level of security, the kind felt by a child who is guided by the wheels of their parent’s bike, is the feeling I’m sure all cyclists want to have and city officials are constantly pursuing. Luckily, as this mode of transportation becomes more advantageous and safe for urban lifestyles, hopefully, everyone can feel like a child again when biking around their city.
