Amsterdam--Yikes!! Bikes!!!

A tiny grouping

I read beforehand that bikes are king in Amsterdam, but nothing could possibly have prepared me for the number of bicycles in that city.  They far outnumber cars and tourists, and that's saying something, believe me.

I was also not prepared for the fact that bike lanes frame both sides of the street and that those bike lanes go both ways--I nearly was mowed down on more than one occasion because I am unaccustomed to looking both ways before stepping off into the street and again stepping back on to the sidewalk. Fortunately, i was pulled to safety, (and did my own share of pulling) before causing an accident.

Parking is always at a premium

They're parked everywhere--and sometimes even piggybacked onto one another.  Near the port, by the train station, there is a three level parking garage--for bikes.  Theft is a problem--ask Andrew about his favorite water bottle--so chains thread through tires, around frames and whatever stationary pole, stair railing or post is available.   

Three level bike parking garage

Aside from the occasional tandem bike, I didn't see fancy ones with multiple gears.  In fact, many have the old coaster brakes like those of the first bikes of my childhood learning days.  Multiple gears aren't really needed in such a flat, urban setting.  Here bikes are a true means of transport, not a recreational past time. Old milk crates serve as baskets.  I loved hearing the tinkle of the bells warning me of an approaching cycle, but how I wish more had been equipped with lights for night time riding.

A peek inside the bike parking garage

Bikes on one of the canal bridges

Andrew and Lauren rented theirs for the day....Larry and Shelley got theirs for just long enough to get back home after the Anne Frank museum visit.  I don't think Shelley is very eager to repeat the experience.  I knew better from the get-go and feel like I need more practice before daring the streets of Amsterdam.  Maybe a ride to the tulip fields in spring?

White wall tires and a milk crate basket