versus 
After spending a significant amount of time in both the Netherlands and Denmark, there are many major differences in cycling culture and infrastructure. We both discussed these differences with professionals as well as experiencing them firsthand by spending two weeks in each country. In this post, I will discuss my insights and observations on cycling in each country and then explain which of the two countries I preferred cycling in.
The most noticeable difference in my opinion between the Netherlands and Denmark is just the overall way that cycling runs in each country. In Denmark, the cycling infrastructure and culture leads to a more strict and organized cycling experience. Cyclists listen to the rules and tend to acknowledge the roads and signs to know what to do. The infrastructure is made to be intuitive for cyclists and it does just that. In my opinion, cyclists in Denmark tended to mind their own business in a way. Each person follows the rules, and it leads to cycling roads which run smoothly all the time. The Netherlands on the other hand, has a very different approach. Cyclists follow the rules FAR less, in fact, they are mainly just suggestions. This bizarre way of mobility allows cyclists to basically ignore the rules as long as people are safe and comfortable. This means acknowledging all other cyclists, cars, and pedestrians, usually with eye contact. There is an understanding in the Dutch culture that rules can often be loosely followed if people are acknowledging each other and understanding others around them and that they are also cyclists. Though a lot of the major design and infrastructure pieces are very similar in both countries, the use of it is very different. Both countries emphasize designing infrastructure for the convenience of the people, but I feel like the Netherlands takes larger risks with their infrastructure and is willing to change it if it does not work for the people. For example, cycling and pedestrian bridges are extremely expensive to build, but the Netherlands has MANY notable ones. The Netherlands is not afraid to invest in these major infrastructure projects for the betterment of the people. Another example is at a busy intersection in Utrecht, the city added special lanes to make crossing the intersection easier for cyclists, as they became the main users of the intersection. Many cities in the Netherlands also continue to expand the width of their bicycle lanes as more and more people cycle.
Being a cyclist in both the Netherlands and Denmark was obviously amazing compared to what we were all used to in the United States. I would be extremely happy to be a daily user of either cycling lifestyle. However, if I had to choose the country that I felt the most safe and comfortable riding in, I think I would choose the Netherlands. Although at first it felt chaotic, and I did not know how to navigate the craziness, once I got the hang of riding on the Dutch roads, I loved it. I loved the freedom and ability to take virtually any road; If I was in a rush, I took the fastest route and if I wanted a relaxing ride, I could take all the smaller roads closer to the canals. I really loved the understanding between all people whether they were cyclists, drivers, or pedestrians, everyone is a cyclist and a person, and they treat each other that way!
Yours,
Macy
