Two years ago I moved to Barcelona to pursue and International MBA degree which opened my eyes to the many cultural, culinary and customary differences from my safe haven hometown and the Southern European way of life. Following graduation, instead of returning to Northern California love brought me to Amsterdam, the Netherlands where I now reside with my Dutch boyfriend. While I'm still adjusting to life as an expat, living in Amsterdam has changed my perspective on a whole other cultural practice: bicycling as a major form of transportation.
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| Glocal Girl |
Known as the bike capital of the world, reportedly 40% of all traffic movement in Amsterdam are via bicycle. But having become an official resident of the city less than 6 months ago, I am convinced that it's more. With the friendly bike lanes snaking every crevice of the city and never-ending clumps of rusted bikes waiting patiently outside of grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops and offices it seems as if to be Dutch is to be a natural born bicyclist. Rush hour is brought to a whole other lever with people of all ages' hand signaling and strategically maneuvering their way through the busy streets to arrive to their morning destination.
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| Jeanelle's Omafiets or 'Gradma's Bike' |
Coming from Sacramento, this was a huge cultural shock for me. Bicyclist sharing the flow of traffic? No helmets? Men peddling in suits en route to work and women in platform heels? But it's healthier, more active lifestyle that I've grown to embrace full-heartedly. Not only is it fun, but there's nothing more refreshing than enjoying a long, full dinner with friends and cycling home in the brisk evening air. Talk about burning off those appetizer calories!
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| lock up |
Although there are MANY American concepts that I greatly miss, such as customer service and Costco wholesale, returning to driving a car instead of a fiets is something that I am going to dread when the day comes in which I move back to the States. Imagine how much happier our bodies would be if we were to trade all that stale car time to bicycling outdoors?
Try making little changes in your every day life: Instead of driving to the dry cleaners try taking a bicycle...with a cute wicker basket of course. Propose a family bike ride for evening ice cream instead of the car. Little adjustments add up and spread the word around the neighborhood. If we all jump on the "bicycle-train" it's bound to take notice. Let's make cycling Sacramento chic!
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| Jeanelle Rabadam is a Sacramento native living in Amsterdam. You can email her at: [email protected] or sound off in twitter: @glocalgirl |
6 comments:
What an awesome guest post! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Jeanelle.
This was a lot of fun.. thanks for having me! Can't wait to meet up in Sacramento - or Amsterdam - someday! :)
Eh, an American gal feels such an emotion. I am surprised. I wish more American would like to cycle for everyday transportation. Thank you for your entry.
Can you please answer a few questions:
(1) would you recommend buying a bike in the US and taking it with you to Amsterdam or buy the bike in Amsterdam?
(2) what is the best way to buy a bike in Amsterdam?
(3) are there any bike accessories you would suggest bringing from the US for someone moving to Amsterdam?
Thank you for help with these questions.
I LOVE you Glocal Girl! You sure look rad representin' Sactown on your awesome cruiser. Nice to see you on Sac Cycle Chic.
@Fran & Rowena:
1) buy the bike in Amsterdam, we have 'm all here and you'll often get more for less (also re: the practicality of bikes in NL)
2) local bike shops, also regarding service. Both for new & second-hand, great deals.
3) No need, see 1) ;)
You must be excited about moving here ;)
Cheers,
Marc
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