This is how Netherlands became a bicycle country. As a result of climate change, countries around the world are being forced to reduce their carbon footprint. In recent months, we’ve witnessed lots of floods wreaking havoc in Germany and in many parts of Europe.
In addition, we have also witnessed heatwaves and fires in Oregon, and California in the United States of America.
Numerous climate experts are recommending the use of bicycles as a quick way to cut carbon emissions.
However, countries are not the same. They are facing a myriad of different challenges which require seeking different solutions to solve.
The Netherlands, a bicycle country, has many lessons to offer other countries such as Kenya who may consider embracing bicycle use as a main form of transportation.
In 2019, Statista estimates that there were approximately 23 million bicycles in the Netherlands. The country has a bicycle-friendly culture.
- Cycle lanes
One of the reasons why people from the Netherlands love riding bicycles is because there are cycle lanes everywhere. For instance, it is estimated that there are 770 kilometers of cycle lanes in Amsterdam alone. In total, there is an excess of 35,000 km of dedicated cycle lanes across the Netherlands.
2. Love for cycling
The Dutch love cycling. That is why they are known as bicycle country It is part of their daily lives. According to Boat Bike Tours, an average adult cycles 1,000 km per year while teenagers cycle up to 2,000 km per year. It’s interesting that even old men and women ride their bicycles every single day.
3. Traffic rules are bike-friendly in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, you give way to bicycles while on the road. That is so encouraging.
4. Employers provide cycling facilities and mileage allowance
In the Netherlands, employees who cycle to work are paid the same mileage allowance just as those who use motorcars. There are also simpler rules for use of company bicycles for private errands.
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