Biking in Denmark and the Netherlands feels so much more contrasting than I imagined it would be. I remember thinking biking in these countries would feel the same, but I could not have been more wrong. There are not only differences in biking infrastructure, but also in cycling culture. The cyclists in the Netherlands are ruthless. They don’t always wait for light changes, they go right past you without warning, and make abrupt turns. In Denmark, there is a specific set of rules and norms that cyclists follow, especially on streets with heavy motor traffic. Cars respect cyclists more in the Netherlands. Drivers and cyclists also make more intense eye contact here. Drivers know how to watch for cyclists because everyone who drives also bikes. In the Netherlands, people riding side-by-side, holding hands with their children while biking, and riding on the same bike with their friends. Cycling is a social activity here, which is why I prefer the Netherlands. Macy and I would often “social cycle,” by riding next to each other, or I would sit on the back of her bike while she peddled. However, I noticed more cargo bikes in Denmark. Bike parking is also different between each country. People park their bikes anywhere they want in the Netherlands, whereas there are specific bike parking areas in Copenhagen.
(Macy giving me a lift on her bike!).
The main infrastructure difference is that cycling feels separated from traffic in the Netherlands, but integrated with traffic in Denmark. Cyclists have specific spots in Denmark but can go anywhere they want in the Netherlands. Here, basically, any street is a designated biking street. This was a confusing switch and heightened my nerves during my first few days in Utrecht. Cycling lanes are often separated by levels and blue paint in Denmark, but red paint in the Netherlands. I also noticed more cycling bridges in Denmark, but more parks and other areas where cars are not permitted in the Netherlands. I absolutely loved the parks in Amsterdam because there are right in the middle of the busiest and most populated areas. Overall cycling feels like a more fun and leisure activity in the Netherlands, and like more of an efficient choice in Denmark.
(Photo from “What Does Red Asphalt Look Like After Many Years of Use?,” Bicycle Dutch).
Some of these ideas can be applied to the U.S. to increase bike safety and cycling respect. There should be more bike lanes, more bike and walking areas where cars aren’t permitted, and more cycling bridges. The social cycling aspect of the Netherlands reminds me of home because whenever I bike, it’s usually for fun rather than for convenience. In both Denmark and the Netherlands, bike safety is prioritized, which is a change that hopefully the U.S. can make one day.