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Transportation and Physical Fitness Go Together in Holland
One of the most striking things about the places we have
visited is the prevalence of bicycles. In Amsterdam and all of Holland the
Dutch have incorporated the bicycle into their daily lives.
What makes this all possible is the fact that there are bicycle trails
everywhere. They are in urban areas and along major highways and roads.
There are also significant public accommodations for storing and parking
bicycles in public places.
The transportation planners have made it safe for people to commute and
find their way to work, shopping and play. There are trails along both
sides of the about every street that are either incorporated into an
oversized sidewalk or are part of the roadway. In fact there are
some streets where they are reserved entirely for bicycles. The signage
and road markings provide regular cues for where bicycles are to be.
Bicycle racks at everywhere. At the train station, in front of every
business and public building. Motorists and bikes seem to live in harmony.
Motorists also pay close attention to cyclists and give them the
right of way at almost every point of contact.
People young and old alike can be seen riding. It is not uncommon to see a
mom with two youngsters in bicycle seats on a bike, one on a special seat
just behind the handle bars and one on a seat in back. Or an older
woman or man riding away from the market, their baskets loaded with
produce.
In order to turn the bicycle into what Americans use their cars for,
virtually all bikes have at least two baskets on the rear rack for
carrying things. They all have fenders for wet weather and a reliable
lighting system powered by a small generator for night travel.
As we have headed east through Germany automobiles have become more
prevalent, although bike trails are still part of the city landscapes in
Hamm and Hamburg.
Finally, the other interesting thing about people riding bicycles
everywhere is that they look healthy and physically fit. Traveling by
bicycle for transportation provides the added benefit of staying in shape.
It appears to pay off in Holland. -- David
Osterberg
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