We'll start here. This is a classic example of the common perceptions of the bicycle and it's application as a mode of transportion here in the United States:
Now we go across the pond to Denmark and the Netherlands. Although there is little chance of this phenomenon occurring here in the United States I am still hopeful that cycling will someday be recognized as more than a secondary mode of transportation. Simply put, the Danes and Dutch have it right.
1937 Copenhagen video:
Modern Amsterdam:
Safe Routes to School. Kloosterveen, Assen, Netherlands:
A few observations. No helmets. No spandex. No chunky folks. No hills.
BTW, here is the recent report card from the League of American Bicyclists with their ranking of bike friendly states. I'm truly happy to see Ann Arbor recognized as the top Michigan location.
Bike Friendly America
2 comments:
Rather interesting view of the world you Yanks have. The lad in the auto advert is simply an actor in an advert for auto bits, so of course the bicycle is de-emphasized. But, in the states the "car is king" as they say. However, it wasn't always that way. Think Major Taylor...
In regard to the Dutch people in Copenhagen, Amsterdam and The Netherlands, is it possible you spent a bit too much time in the Amsterdam coffee houses?
While the videos are spot on, Copenhagen is actually the capital city of Denmark and the people of Denmark are Danish. The city of Amsterdam is in the country of The Netherlands and the people of The Netherlands (often referred to as Holland) are Dutch. The two countries and their citizens speak different languages and are two entirely different entities.
Both places do however share deep affection for the bicycle and the two-wheeler is firmly ingrained into the everyday culture.
Good for you for recognizing that and here's to hoping the rest of your Yankee brethren come to their senses! Maybe they will see fit to return our colonies to the Queen as well.
Cheers
DOH! Yes Nigel, geography is fundamental and I thank you for clarifying this. As a result, I changed the title of the post to include Denmark. Regardless, the differences between our cultures makes me hopeful we can someday ween ourselves away from the auto.
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