Biking Dutch Style

I am LOVING at least one Dutch custom. Biking. As I mentioned in one of my first blog posts, the Dutch do everything on/with their bikes. The whole city and most of the countryside is all connected with an elaborate bike path system. Every road in the compact 5km city centre has dedicated bike lanes - and in most cases, these lanes are separate from the road.

I never did as much biking in Toronto as I wanted to. There were a few summers that James and I biked to CBC when we lived at Yonge & Lawrence. There were a few problems with this:

Toronto Problem - As an inexperienced biker, I felt insecure about sharing a lane with TTC buses, cabs and cars and I was paranoid about drivers opening their car doors on me.
Dutch Solution - Dedicated bike lanes. Bike signals at all crossroads.

Toronto Problem - On our route from Yonge & Lawrence, there were a few bike lanes but no consistency. You'd be cruising along a stretch and then your lane would just end!
Dutch Solution - A integrated, maintained, extensive bike trails that run within the city and connecting all the suburbs, countryside, and even along highways to other cities in Holland.

Toronto Problem - If you were going to bike to work as a commuter (not talking about living at Queen & Bathurst and working at Queen & University) you'd have to pack a change of clothes in your backpack and in most cases, try to catch a shower at work. It's killer in the summer with the humidity and smog. Also, with hills, you can get quite a work out.
Dutch Solution - Almost everyone goes to work on their bike. And like the rest of Europe, the Dutch aren't as keen on showers as North Americans. What's their secret? Well, flat land for one thing. When you're metres below sea-level, you don't exactly break a sweat travelling around. And also, biking isn't like the Tour De France... must make it to work in record speed mentality - you just cycle along, talking on yer mobile, or eating your cheese sandwich. It's just a part of life.

Toronto Problem - You have to have a half decent bike. You'd need something with gears. You need a nice seat. You need something that makes you look like you know what you're doing or that you're an off-road weekend warrior.
Dutch Solution - The Dutch are really not about the appearances. I couldn't believe how shitty their bikes were. For the most part, everyone rides 'city bikes' translated as rusty, old, granny bikes. The only gear that you need is a working light and reflector. If you don't the cops WILL bust you and fine you some Euro. But there are no helmets, wrist protectors, bike shorts, bike shoes etc. (I will admit that there are several Torontonians that I knew at CBC that were die hard bikers and they didn't require much bling to get to work. (Think Joe Lawlor or Paddi-Anne Crossin))

Toronto Problem - The weather.
Dutch Solution - Well, it hardly snows here but it rains and mists a hell of a lot. But that doesn't stop the Dutchies. It's biznass as usual even in a downpour.

Toronto Problem - How do you move the kids around? Alot of people in our Hood on Milverton had bike seats but they were usually only used for weekend jaunts down to the beach and only for toddlers. Plus - how do you carry all their gear AND them on your bike?
Dutch Solution - Kids ride on their parents' bikes at all ages - even tweens. There is a music school behind our place and you always see kids showing up for class on the back of their parent's bike with their violins and cellos. In addition to this, the Dutch have invented these box bikes that parents use to transport kids, groceries, dogs, etc. As you can see in the pic... this guy had 6 kids in his bucket and the cruising was easy.

Final Analysis

The Dutch have got it right with their use of bikes. It cuts down on pollution, it does not require gas, and it's the fastest way to get around - bar none. It's also good for you. I think the government and city of Toronto need to adopt a more bike friendly policy and put some money behind a proper bike lane infrastructure.

If you build it - they will come.... and bike.