Rain or shine, we still ride!
Today marked the first full day of adventure as our group embarked on a bicycle excursion around Amsterdam. You would think a herd of twenty-five Americans on bicycles would blend in, but surprisingly it proved to be a bit more challenging. Although we packed rain coats, Arizona did not prepare us for riding through the streets of Amsterdam in pouring rain. Thankfully there were no serious casualties, only a few disgruntled looks from locals. I will say the Dutch seem very kind until you are in the middle of the bike lane; they can become intimidating very quickly.
Biking has been a wonderful way to experience the city. I never knew how blissful cycling could be until I rode through Vondel Park. Even on a Monday morning the park was full of life. Massive oak trees, beautiful flowers, soft grass and ponds surrounded people of all ages jogging, relaxing and cycling throughout the park.
As I continued to ride I could not help but think why can’t every city be like this? To any outsider, Amsterdam may seem chaotic and stressful. In reality the city could not be more in sync. Each day thousands of bikers gracefully and swiftly maneuver throughout the entire city. There were multiple times where I stood dumbfounded at an intersection because I had no idea when to cross and why the cars, cyclists and tram didn’t all collide. I am truly amazed how so many people rely on bicycles as their main mode of transportation. All of the infrastructure, such as the cycling lanes and signals, are so simple yet advanced and contribute so much to sustainable mobility and accessibility. Tackling a foreign city is hard enough, but throw a bicycle into the mix and you have an even bigger challenge. I am very proud of myself and the rest of the group for surviving the first day of biking! Next stop, Rotterdam!
Isabelle