Going Dutch
In this country, bikes rule the road

By Amber Procaccini

Before I ever set foot in the Netherlands, I’d heard about all the bikes there. But nothing could have prepared me for the reality! When I stepped out the front door of Amsterdam’s train station on my first trip there, I walked right into the biggest bike parking lot I’ve ever seen. Thousands of bikes were lined up one right after the other other. The rows extended the entire length of the station and out into the streets.

I had to walk through that sea of bicycles in order to reach the city. As I did, my eyes were drawn to the repetitive shapes of round wheel after round wheel and linear spoke after linear spoke. I was mesmerized and started snapping pictures almost immediately.

I’ve been to the Netherlands four times and each time I take more pictures of bikes. I never tire of them. My friends and family always look forward to seeing my photographs. They wonder where a bike will pop up next. It’s like a game of Where’s Waldo, except with bikes.

My many trips to the Netherlands have taught me to keep my eyes open for bikes, but I’ve learned to keep my ears open, too. Pedestrians have to watch the street lights so they don’t get run over by a car, but bikers always let you know if they are close behind. Practically every bike has a bell, and bikers use them! I know I have to move quickly whenever I hear that distinct, “diiiingg—diiiingg.”