{"id":1363,"date":"2021-01-22T14:19:33","date_gmt":"2021-01-22T13:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svjmedia.nl\/internationaljournalism\/?p=1363"},"modified":"2021-01-22T14:23:35","modified_gmt":"2021-01-22T13:23:35","slug":"life-in-the-fast-bike-lane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/svjmedia.nl\/internationaljournalism\/1363\/life-in-the-fast-bike-lane\/","title":{"rendered":"Life in the Fast (Bike) Lane"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Netherlands have had bike routes and infrastructure for decades, the country serves as an example of what any city has the potential to be with the right funding, commitment, and legislation.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n Amsterdam is a tourist destination in the Netherlands with a population density comparable to the city of Los Angeles. Anyone comparing the two cities would be blind to not mention the labyrinth of bike paths throughout the Dutch city. Amsterdam is a perfect example of the typical Dutch city, an urban setting optimized according to the journey of the pedestrian or cyclist.<\/span><\/p>\n The Netherlands provides a glimpse into a potential future that includes safe mobility for every urbanite. Every Dutch city is intertwined with bike roads, complete with crossing signals and stop lights, and it\u2019s been this way for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was about 8 years old, we used to bike about 60 kilometers to the Dolfinarium.\u201d Hanry ter Hall, a Dutch native, says. \u201cI taught my kids to bike, and I gave my grandchildren a bike. Being able to bike, it\u2019s necessary here.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The 50-year-old bike route system has been constantly evolving over the years, and bit by bit cities in the Netherlands are adapted to suit the needs of the pedestrian. High parking tariffs, fewer car-friendly streets, and fewer parking spots make having a car more of a chore than a luxury, as opposed to a necessity the way it is in many parts of the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cycle of Change<\/strong><\/p>\n