Everyone rides bikes here in Amsterdam, and it seems, they are all riding the same bike. It is a black cruiser style with curved handlebars, black and white fenders and a single utilitarian light poking out in the front. They are the epitome of basic street transportation, and they are everywhere. Filling the narrow, flagstoned streets, overflowing racks; casually locked against trees, poles or special curved pipes…or leaned against walls, railings and each other.
They all seem to be of an indeterminate age, somewhere between 10 and 50 years old. Some have been customized so that they can cart children in wheelbarrow-like appendages lashed to the front, or sporting some other type of portage device in front or over the rear wheel.
Perhaps the most heartening thing about seeing so many of these unglamorous, utilitarian vehicles everywhere is the attitude that the riders have about them. You see men and women, young, old, black, white, professional, working class and funky, fathers, mothers and children…none of whom are wearing brightly colored spandex togs with slick racing helmets and sleek I’m-so-very-serious sunglasses. No, these are people who remember that a bike is just a very handy way to get from here to there.
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