Cycling and cycle ways

Copenhagen is crowned the city of cycling, and while there was an awful lot of cycling and cyclists, I believe Amsterdam really should wear the cycling crown. This is a city of over 5 million cycles. The road ways have a cycle paths that runs beside them on each side. So beside the road you have a cycle way that runs the same way on the right and another going in the opposing direction on the right. Not only are there cycle lanes but there are also cycle traffic lights. The cycle ways are very busy all the time, believe you me I have had to wait and step around them. Cycles both in Denamrk and Amsterdam are not fashion statements, they are plain cycles similar to that of a Mother Ryley. High handles bars, basket on the front and no gears. Riders just ride in what ever attire they have, everyday clothes. There is seldom any Lycra in sight. All bikes have simple locks and huge chains with locks. A quick stop at a shop requires a simple lock up job. A long term stop requires the bike to be padlocked to a fence, a bike stand or the wheels locked. Around the city are huge cycle parks and at central station a tiered cycle building similar to that of a car park building. 

Cycles are adapted to have baskets on the front, carts for children, child seates on the front, extensions on the back. Whatever the circumstances there is a bike. Families cycle together, friends get around the city, everyone does it on a cycle. Cycles range from 199 Euros onwards.

Basically this city is well geared for cycles and cyclists. Amsterdam is definitely cycling capital.