My first major purchase when we moved to The Netherlands last year was a cargo bike, a bakfiets.

It’s 2.5 meters long and carries two kids, groceries, recycling, scooters, balance bikes or anything else I may need to transport.

I do not own a car.

 

cargo bike

This is our only mode of transport…our bakfiets

 

I have taken up the challenge of living with my bakfiets as my only form of transport. I do the school run, grocery shopping, play dates, extra murals, nights out with friends all with my bike.

This first winter almost broke me though. I got wet everyday for two months, my fingers almost froze when the temperature plunged to -6 degrees Celsius in January. The freezing winter air made my lungs ache and the howling wind took my breath away, literally. But, I’ve come out the other side stronger, fitter and a just bit proud of myself.

Here are 17 reasons to ditch your car and jump on a bike in The Netherlands:

 

1. Cycling connects you to your surroundings more than being stuck in a car.

You smell nature, you notice things you wouldn’t normally, and you get to greet people as you go. It’s a much more social way to travel. And as a foreigner trying to forge a connection with my new environment I feel like being on the bike has enhanced that process.

2. Getting wet is not the end of the world.

I mean it’s not great getting wet all the time, but it won’t kill you. And if you invest in a waterproof coat with a nice deep hood you won’t actually get wet.

cycling in the rain

This is the first time I got soaked on the bike

3. Wind is the enemy. It’s worse than rain and snow.

Wind on the other hand is my mortal enemy. I’m never more miserable on the bike than when the wind is pumping. Friends of mine have literally been blown off their bikes before. My bakfiets already weighs about 40kgs (90 pounds), add in another 45 kgs (99 pounds) for both kids, plus groceries or school bags and that’s pretty much 100kgs that I’m propelling, into a headwind. It’s nasty.

4. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.

This is so true. Kit yourself out, invest in a waterproof coat with a deep hood, good warm gloves (not leather) and a pair of wellies. You can survive anything Mother Nature throws at you if you’re prepared.

 5. There is no dishonor in getting a bakfiets with a motor.

Even when my eldest rides his own bike I sometimes wish I’d had the foresight to buy a bakfiets with a motor. I had dreams of a beautifully sculpted butt and killer thighs after a few months…yeah, I’m still waiting.

 

6. It feels good to be active.

I’m a runner, but I have less time to run here in Holland. Short winter days, rain, and a lack of childcare means I’m less at liberty to hit the trails. But, riding my bakfiets has definitely helped to keep my fitness up. Even if you curse the whole way to the shops and back I guarantee at the end of the day you’ll feel good about getting the exercise. Riding a bike is a great way to build exercise into your daily routine without having to specifically make time for it.

 

7. You are the king of the roads.

The Netherlands has 29000kms (some say it’s 32000kms) of dedicated bicycle paths, which means you can pretty much cycle to anywhere in the country if you wanted to. And indeed people do. Cyclists have right of way in many (but not all) situations. Learning the rules of the road takes a bit of practice, but motorists are very aware of cyclists and so whilst it may seem daunting at first you are very safe. One source says that Holland ranks in the top 5 in the world for road safety.

 

cycle path in the netherlands

There are dedicated cycle paths all over The Netherlands

 

8. You never have to worry about parking.

Parking in many cities in The Netherlands is both limited and costly. And parking in Amsterdam? Forget it. Or be prepared to pay upwards of 40 euros for the day in a parking garage. Because there are so many bikes in The Netherlands there are many dedicated bike parking areas outside stations, shops, schools and parks. Less stress all round!

 

9. You become a better time-keeper.

When you have to cycle everywhere you need to plan your day a little better. You can’t just jump in the car 5 minutes before school pick up. You need to budget in enough time to get to your destination so that you arrive in a relatively presentable state and not a sweaty, panting, bleary-eyed mess (which is me most of the time).

 

10. Cycling is often faster than going by car.

If the journey is less than 5kms people cycle, if its more they take the car. The furthest I cycle is to my son’s football practice, which is 8kms away. In the summer when the evenings are long I’ll happily cycle the 10kms into The Hague to visit the forest with the kids. Some people think nothing of cycling 10kms to work each morning, and hats off to them!

 

11. There is a fun spirit to it that the kids really enjoy.

They sing songs and spot things along the way. Life becomes simple in the bakfiets and it’s as if life slows down to match your pace. I can chat to the kids as we go and I’m not sure why but it feels more intimate than driving in the car with them.

 

12. Cycling is family bonding time.

Setting out on a crisp summer morning, picnic basket laden with goodies, everyone in high spirits, and cycling beneath fragrant oak trees, passing lush pastures and historic castles. It’s idyllic and is really special family time.

 

13. You feel more Dutch.

I can’t tell you how many times Dutch people have commented on the fact that I’m a foreigner with a bakfiets and then compliment me on embracing Dutch culture. I’m by no means the only foreigner with a bakfiets, but we’re definitely a minority.

14. You can drink and cycle…

…did I just say that out loud? It is 100% against the law to drink and cycle in Holland…but loads of people do.

15. I feel safe not wearing a helmet.

But my kids still do. Yes you will be the odd one out if you wear a helmet, and yes people will be able to spot the non-Dutchie a mile away, but safety comes first. Dutch kids grow up riding their bikes, and kids as young as 4 cycle alongside their parents so it’s completely natural for them. It’s not just about being comfortable on a bike, it’s about knowing the road rules too.

16. Riding a bakfiets is not hard to do. Anyone can do it.

It feels like a normal bike. It handles like a normal bike. It just gets a bit heavy when fully laden.

17. You get major mama street cred.

Riding a bike overflowing with children is not for the faint hearted. It shows you’ve got some serious mama-balls! The Dutch have a wonderful ‘get on with it’ attitude and you’ll give yourself a bit of a fist-pump for being the same. I know I do!

 

Have you done something in your new ‘home’ that deserves a ‘fist-pump’? Sometimes it’s as small as buying the right sort of milk. That’s a victory in my book! 

 

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