In the Netherlands, you cannot live without a bicycle. Actually, everyone in the Netherlands has a bicycle, sometimes even 2 or 3. They have a bike for going to the city, a mountainbike, a race bike and sometimes an electric bike. There are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people. And that is crazy to imagine. In no other country in the world there are so many people cycling so much. But why is cycling so popular in The Netherlands?

Everyone wants to cycle

There are several reasons why cycling is so popular in the Netherlands:

• First of all, The Netherlands is a flat country. There are no mountains. So you don't need to be trained to cycle. If there would be hills and mountains, cycling would only be for a certain target group. Fortunately, that is not the case. In fact, everyone cycles in The Netherlands. Children are taught to cycle when they are 2 years old. At primary school, you have to pass an exam in order to cycle. Even elderly people of 90 years old still cycle through the streets. Perhaps that is why the health of the Dutch is relatively speaking very good.
• In addition, The Netherlands is a small but densely populated country. All cities and villages are at a short distance from each other. Within a few kilometres, you are always in the next village or town. The distances are therefore small and that makes cycling very suitable.
• Thirdly, The Netherlands is designed for cycling. There are cycle paths everywhere in the country. So you will rarely have to cycle on the road next to cars. All beautiful places can be reached by bike. You can cycle to the beach. Or to beautiful parks and lakes. Or to bigger towns when you want to do sightseeing or shopping.

Where do I buy a bike?

There are three ways how to buy a bicycle. 

• At a bicycle rapair. They are usually selling second-hand bikes. The bicycle rapir refurbishes these bikes as if they were new. You pay between EUR 50 and EUR 200 for a second-hand bike. Many Dutch people buy a second-hand bicycle, as it`s good quality and cheep.
• At a shop in the streets. There are several shops where you can buy a bicycle. Your bicycle is then brand new. Of course, the price will then be higher.
• On the Internet. There are more and more suppliers on the Internet who sell new bicycles. The bicycle will then be delivered to your home.