28/04/2021
Cycling has a number of benefits, whether youโre doing it for pleasure or as a means of transport. Firstly, it helps you to get from point A to point B, itโs also great for the environment, plus itโs good for your physical and mental health and most of all it can be a lot of fun. Thatโs why there are some nations that have wholeheartedly embraced cycling culture more than others.
Talking about Cycling Culture, there must be a country that we cannot leave out.
That country is.....
The NETHERLANDS
This country is even considered as the country of cyclists, because almost everyone there is riding bicycle for transportation.
With population around 16.6 million people, there are about 16.5 million bicycles in the country. It shows literally almost everyone in the country owns and uses a bike. As the number of population keeps on growing, so does the number of bicycle.
27% trips in the country, both recreational trips and trips to work, are made by bike every day. Averagely, people in Holland ride their bike 2.5 kilometers per day. While annually, bicycle business is worth 1 billion Euros in the country.
Cycling in the Netherlands is well accepted. If you go for groceries, pick up your kids from kindergarten or even if you want to go out partying, the Dutch will not frown their eyebrows when they see you fully loaded with supermarket bags, carrying a kid in the back of bike and a toddler in the front or even if youโre biking with heels on. The Dutch have assimilated this, it is truly part of their culture. The respect and discipline of everyone really made a huge impact on the success of having a strong Cycling Culture in the country..
Amsterdam, Haarlem, Hoge Veluwe National Park, Delft: both the cities and the countryside of The Netherlands are havens for cyclists. The land is flat and even, the weather generally mild and traffic laws are heavily in favor of cyclists, with special bike lanes and even traffic lights just for bicycles. However, this doesnโt mean that cyclists can disregard the law. Heavy fines are doled out to those who donโt respect traffic safety rules: although helmets are optional, lights, bells and observation of traffic laws are mandatory. Discipline is the key! ๐
Let's continue to spread awareness and right knowledge on what Cycling Culture is all about. ๐ด
We believe that the journey to sustainability starts with one pedal stroke, so together let's make sustainability a reality. We believe that building a sustainable community that works towards a sustainable cycling lifestyle will help our country, The Philippines, to be able to establish a strong Cycling Culture as well.
Remember that it only takes ONE to start a movement but it takes a COMMUNITY to make change. Let's ride together in this journey! There is always hope! ๐โ๏ธ