Amsterdam is a busy city, bursting with life, and the main transportation vehicle is - the bicycle. They are everywhere.
E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E.
Near the central railway station we even saw a huge bicycle garage, three levels, and it was full. Where I used to live before we moved to California there were many bikes, and I biked a lot, but nothing compares to this. It was simply amazing.
The bicycles in Amsterdam are not modern, stylish bikes. Most of them are older, what we used to call in Germany the "Holland Rad" (Holland bike). Some of them are painted. All of them are locked safely when left on the street.
We even saw a bicycle made from wood!
Many bicycles carried baskets or boxes, and some of them were lovingly decorated.
This one was a true Netherlands fan or a good patriot - someone who loves her or his country.
Wherever you go, there are bicycles parked on the side. I think we only saw one bridge without any bicycles. Do you have an idea how many bridges there are in Amsterdam? M-A-N-Y.
You can't even take a picture of flowers without some part of a bicycle in the image.
We also discovered some bicycle art - it seems to be only natural that someone would start to make art using old bicycle parts.
Almost no one wears a helmet, not even the children. I saw parents with little children in a bike seat - no helmet. Wearing helmets while riding a bike is not popular at all. There are bike lanes everywhere in this country which makes riding a bike a pure joy and very comfortable. Everybody seems to bike to work - in a full suit; wearing high heels. I thought it was wonderful. I wish it was that easy here in the US, but riding a bike is scary here. It is so wide spread and popular not only in Amsterdam, but generally in Europe. It's a lively part of a different way of life. I love it.
