Amsterdam, City of Bikes

[StlyDutch]

Tourists should treat the bike as a car. For example, if you make a turn with a car, you first look behind you to see if there's a faster car approaching. You should do the same thing when cycling... (and stay on the right as much as you can).

[Elphanteable]

That is right,is really peaceful.

[makeiteasyable]

too many rules to follow but its ur owned risk.

[hiolliee]

SERIOUSLY... these bikes WILL and I mean WILL hit you if you don't move out the way! they don't stop for anyone hahaha

[pyrokazama]

@wishmolly

If I ever go to Amsterdam, I'll follow your advice, giving away a bike for free seems like a nice idea

[pyrokazama]

I'm moving near to my college next week, I'll buy a bike to ride to it instead of taking the public transport, I wish Morelia was more like Armsterdam

[happilyjaded]

Biking was awesome in Holland. So fast, so cheap, good exercise, and perfect after a night (and morning) of partying. Biking drunk is a right of passage for foreigners in the Netherlands!!

[bowrider26]

@happilyjaded if you get caught by the popo's driving your bike you drivers lincense (for car) will be suspended for a couple of months

[ArieskaAdzantya]

Aaaaa mauuuuuu u__U

[carcano38]

is it just me or does all the bikes in this vid appear to have been made in the 40's or 50's?

[Fravec]

@carcano38 Probably not. It depends really.. most people here dont care if the bike is brand new or not. You see very new bikes and older ones. I got an old one, because it works. Im a student and I cant afford to buy a fancy new bike. So I dont really mind if its old and maybe to small. I can get from point A to point B. Thats the most important for most Dutch people.

+ New bikes are bigger targets for theft then old not so new looking ones.

[andrew097]

@carcano38 yes they seem to be old but what I noticed is that all the bikes were upright very few have the rider leaning forward. This means they are comfortable and the effort is more walking then jogging. Its seems to me that when you lean forward on a bike your legs just seem to want to spin faster.

Maybe so many bikes are used here is because of that simple fact. They use the bikes that are easier to cycle and dont worry about how quick the can go. Just a thought

[cynderella1990]

@carcano38 that's correct. they look old, but they are new. it's fashionable atm

[vloepkleedje]

@carcano38 The design has reached perfection around that time, so it doesn't change nowdays.

[Songsmirth]

Added to my day! Beautifully shot. I wish our city would be set up like this. Looks like fun. Next time I'm in Europe I'm going to make a stop here. Will look up the youth hostels. Thanks for posting and don't bother yourself about the stupid comments. I've learned there are a lot of unsupervised children on Youtube. :) lol Hope your new year is a good one and I'll be watching for anymore of your videos. Songsmirth

[horsefeathers87]

what kinda bikes are these. they are not mountain bikes and it seems they have no gears and the seat looks comfortable

[TNSign]

@horsefeathers87 Most of 'em are pretty basic Dutch bikes. They're not built for speed, hence the large seat and heavy frame.

[Xperience76aX]

Respond to this video... Hey bicyle people... fantastic way to keep sweet & healthy, checkout my videos please 8-)

[thaihungthinh]

bikes and trams coexist, nice vid, wish L.A. California learn from this.

[MrXentrix]

@thaihungthinh , you do know that some cities in the US had their mass transit intentionally torn down to create a dependency on cars right? If there was ever a bike conversion, I think LA would be one of the last places on Earth to adopt it.

[Ingichs]

Im form Latvia and over here people like driving bycicles,but infrastucture of traffic is in very early stage of development,to be cyclist friendly.I hope that situation will change and we will have the same situation as You ;)

[djscotty1111]

TripFilms Amsterdam will visit someday soon .Thanks for the look ahead !

Have a concept for a bike idea for Amsterdam.

[KrunchyJD]

They have it right, America, Australia, Etc Have it all wrong..

Death to car culture...

[Charles2337]

Wow the night looks so romantic there... bloody Canada, so boring here.

[Charles2337]

Men, get a female saddle because your balls will thank you.

[FakaravaRules]

What a wonderful thing - non-motorized transportation as a viable mode.

[SlakjeJasper]

You guys forgot the mocro's who always threaten you, the drunks who threaten you, the junks who steal your bikes and the pot, which is good.

[andrew097]

Hear hear Granny bikes are really the only way to travel in a city

I really believe that the design of the bikes in Netherlands is a large reason so many people cycle there

[HecterPlasmic]

Attractive older lady at 0:30 :) Not sure about the HomoMonument though. Looks like a nice place to cycle. Very flat. Peace.

[almohajer012]

amesterdam ,i love you ,this is the model of live i'm looking for

[Schokkie1]

I bike almost every day through Amsterdam and there is one thing that irritates me a lot.

Tourists on bikes. Simply because most ppl don't know how to ride a bike proper. If you rent a bike in the Netherlands, the rentals should give tourist a bicycletraining.

Rule no 1: Even on bike there are rules.

Rule no 2: Don't make a sudden turn - you'll get biked over by a fast moving bike from behind

Rule no 3: Always give way (Amsterdammers always are in a hurry), but do not block the bicyclepath ;)

[MrXentrix]

@Schokkie1 , I visited Amsterdam last summer and I must say I was properly instructed by the Bike rental company. I followed those rules with my sister and I think we got around fine without pissing anyone off =)

[Schokkie1]

@MrXentrix Well done ;) I hope more ppl will listen... I do hope you had an enjoyable visit!

[311Rattlehead]

@Schokkie1 I know right, tourists are annoying. But thanks to McBike or whatever they ride on big red bikes so you can easily spot them. But furthermore,

THE PINK LANE IS FOR BIKES AND NOT FOR WALKING.

And always look over your shoulder when making a sideways motion. Not knowing how to ride a bycicle is fine but please drive safe.

[KrunchyJD]

@311Rattlehead Thats good advice, it is probably because people in other countries dont give cyclists any respect, and then when they go to The Netherlands they do the same there. Here in Australia, the public see bicycles as the bottom of the food chain. I hate it here. If I went to Holland, I would like to know what the rules for bikes are. I think Holland is an excellent country for its bike friendly culture, the rest of the world can learn a lot from, The Netherlands.

[ChickenboneJohn]

@KrunchyJD The rules for bikes in the Netherlands are that bikes come first above everything...so watch out if you are walking or driving..because if you are in a coillision with a bike it IS your fault...no question, that's the way it is. The bike rules!!!

[KrunchyJD]

@ChickenboneJohn I doubt that. Maybe it is because, as you are from another country you are used to the normal situation, where bikes come a distant last. Maybe it is more that as drivers they actually avoid hitting people on bikes. Maybe pedestrians and bikes actually have their own seperate space, which is how it should be, and if you walk on the bike lane when there is a very good footpath people dont like it. I am from a country where bikescome last and am sick of it. Go by bike :)

[CaptainChaos]

@ChickenboneJohn Well, it's not always your fault, but the car driver *is* always liable for the damage, even if it wasn't their fault. That's only between cars and bicycles or pedestrians by the way, there is no such rule between bicycles and pedestrians.

[MaxwellEindhoven]

@ChickenboneJohn A cyclist who jumps a red light gets what he deserves when he gets hit by a car. It's the cyclists own fault, yet the driver of the car takes responsebility.

[WhoCares3001]

@311Rattlehead I love riding my bike but never did it once while in Amsterdam as I was afraid of encountering someone like you griping about tourists on bikes.

[veenono]

good

[TripFilms]

@MrBlaffer based on your very negative comment, it doesn't seem as though the people of the country are particularly nice or welcoming...

[Terclian]

@TripFilms Not all of them, gotta agree on that one. But believe me when I say that most of the Dutch people are. Except for a few ¬¬

[cubosensaj]

@TripFilms no they aren't i speak their language so i can shout back at them

but they mostly ignore you

when i visit my grandma in holland Aruba FTW too bad i learn dutch

[StoneSlinging]

@TripFilms I am from the same part he is, and your welcome, but most of the amsterdam people call os dumb farmers..

[atfatw]

its very hard to drive a bicycle with wooden shoes on, ha hah

[cyclenut]

America is an evil country, war and aggressive drivers. I face terrorists everyday on my 7.5 mile commute (~10km) each way...Maybe one day America will be invaded and all the crazy people will find out the truth...

[TripFilms]

Cyclenut, I think it's ignorant to say a country is any one thing. America is made up of so many diverse groups of people. I'm not sure aggressive drivers equate to terrorists, bit of a stretch really. I also don't think terrorists have it in for cyclists. As for the crazy people finding out the truth, you're not exactly coming off as the sane one here...

[KrunchyJD]

He (cyclenut), is not that crazy, aggressive driving is creating fear and potentially killing other road users, so it does amount to almost the same thing. America is car obsessed, and should learn from places like Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Im from Australia, we have idiot motorists here as well. We should, and you in America, should also learn from these countries, and maybe everyone will be better off.

[KrunchyJD]

@TripFilms Well, agressive drivers do equate to terrorists in some ways, firstly they are both trying to kill you or terrorise you. Secondly while one is a terrorist, the driver supports terrorism, because most of his oil comes from states that directly or indirectly support it, and by terrorsing the cyclist he is attempting to get him to support the terrorists by driving as well.

So he does have a point.

[TripFilms]

@KrunchyJD I think your comment belies a lack of understanding of global economics, terrorism, and the oil industry as a whole. I think people drive aggressively because they have a disregard for other drivers, not an intent to threaten. I think you have it backwards; terrorism tends to be harbored in countries without oil revenues, because oil rich states generally have stronger economies, whereas terrorism is a product of poverty and desperation. Plus most of our oil is from the US and Canada.

[KrunchyJD]

@TripFilms I said in some ways. However you seem to equate terrorism with the pawns in the game, not who is funding them, and their masters. Bin Laden is a Saudi. If you think terrorism is not directly funded by US oil, you think that, but I have only 500 chars to write a response here. The US uses 20 billion barrels of oil and produces 9, do the math.

People also drive agressively towards bicycle riders, I know I am one, and it is a form of terrorism.

[KrunchyJD]

@TripFilms By driving aggresively perople terrorise vulnerable road users such as cyclists and get many to go back to driving a car, and hence using more oil, Some agressive drivers I am convinced, are not just inconsiderate, they in fact deliberately try to drive maliciously, thereby there actions are like those of a terrorist. A Terrorist succeeds if the people are terrorised, so does an agressive driver.

[TripFilms]

@KrunchyJD There are other oil-producing nations outside of the middle-east, and that's where the US gets most of it's oil: Canada, Venezuela, Nigeria. Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, not so much. I guess we can't all be as environmental as Australia. Oh wait, you guys mine your resources to death and also use a ton of oil because of all the things you have to import. How about you relax a little bit there captain perfecto.

[KrunchyJD]

@TripFilms I think Iraq is in the middle east, why do you think you fought a war there. As for Australia, why do you think I believe we are "environmental". We are oil whores as much as America. That is something we should stop. We both should ride bikes more.

[KrunchyJD]

@TripFilms Who said, I liked what Australia is doing, I dont agree with it. We should have more bike riding, and we should financially penalise healthy people who only carry themselves by car on short trips.

[tukitv]

@cyclenut yo get a life u pussy

[ngquang1945]

what america needs is BICYCLE roads, not more auto freeways. excellent video here. LOL

[Meuk1982]

Haha, I'm afraid your country is a bit too big for that, here everything is relatively close together. But maybe bicycle roads in the big cities?

[MrXentrix]

@ngquang1945 , after visiting Amsterdam last summer I was blown away at just how much the Dutch use bicycles. I myself have been a long time bike rider and I fit right into the new atmosphere. What really stunned me is that it was actually hard to find a spot to lock your bicycle up, kind of like parking a car. Finding a tiny spot for your bike in Central station was LOL, you just have to see it to believe it.

[MrDaSperminator]

@MrXentrix i love to ride my bike too, i also love weed, so id fit in too. i hope to go one of these days

[MrXentrix]

When I returned to New York City, I noticed that they were starting to put bike lanes everywhere. I'm sure down the line we'll eventually make bicycle travel commonplace and make it truly worthy of the name New Amsterdam. Hopefully we'll also influence the rest of the States of this old economical and healthy method travel.

[salvadoraugustus]

@ngquang1945

impossible ..the distance is 100 times more than in europe between home and whatever you want to go

because americans love houses with some yard...i mean..everybody ..down town is just for bussines

[WhoCares3001]

@salvadoraugustus Yuck! Glad I live in a metropolitan area in Americ where walking is the norm.

[andrew097]

a few reasons why everyone should cycle a Granny ( Oma) bike. Its easy no sweat, its comfortable , its safe ( God bless that Englishman with the Rover) Its good value, its door to door, its quick, its green , its quite, its healthy, cycling makes you happy ( endorphins), its stylish, its cool, its social, its cheaper then a gym. Any other suggestions?

[godigita]

I have to say though, tourists, you're lovely, but if you don't know how to ride a bike, please don't try to learn how to in Amsterdam, and then especially not on the busy main streets. You'll nearly kill yourself AND me.

[JkpZomer]

That's right, i do this for my healty! Not because it's cheap..

That's a stupid reason!

[anduandirobot]

After visiting Amsterdam twice, I'll tell you why everybody drives bikes. They have to ride bikes because Amsterdam has the BEST frites (french fries) in the world. A small serving of frites is bigger than a large fry at McDonald's and a thousand times tastier. They have to ride bikes to keep their asses from getting fat.

[Mautaz]

Believe me, most of the people in holland drive bikes because its cheap and not because its healthy or whatever. If i had some money i would buy a moped, much better. But yeah shure, some people acualy like driving bikes XD

[James09911]

damn who interviewed that woman xD we don't ride bikes cos it's so quiet and healthy,we ride them cos we're cheap. public transport is quite expensive over here, and taking a cab is just not an option, so overpriced. there's bicycle lanes all over the country, you can reach everything by bike, it's awesome. also you don't need a designated driver when you're on the bike

[xzaz2]

first because its cheap the healthy part is the sugar on the icecream :)

[Elmoconvo]

not only everyone in amsterdam has bykes, but everyone in HOLLAND! sereously, tis the best thing evahh! u cant imagine it, u have to experience it sereously. even if ur fat its still fun to ride a byke

[monkeypowner]

HOMOMONUMENT!? hahaa! xD 1:14

[RajB1986]

I loved Amsterdam when i went but I would be a bit scared cycling. There are just too many bikes! Nearly got clattered by them more than a few times. The trams are a perfectly good way of getting around.

[my0713]

Man...I reli wanna go to Amsterdam.

[my0713]

then China should be the Country of Bikes

[joseffatrip]

well, everyone in holland had bikes, it's not just Amsterdam. So Holland could also be calles the country of bikes:)

[TeleVizjaTrizondal]

Actually, Holland IS called the country of bikes :)

[walletjew]

Yeah manny people in holland have bikes. And as soon as you're old enough to walk you will get a bike for your birthday. Sometimes you get the bike first, and then you learn how to walk.

[DatMexicanDude]

Hey guys! I wanna put a smile on your face

watch video and comment back plz

[chick5581]

Okay.. that was a great video! really made ma laugh! I liked it alot! I wanna watch it over and over again now!! I t really had me laughing!

[sokiberon]

AMEI O VIDEO DE VOCES !

Voces tem que ver esse Video !

BEIJOS !

GABBY

[NetSpider]

great country , shame it will be muslim in 15 years .

[happyfallen]

de mooiste stad ter wereld!!!

[themilkmister]

bycilces ftw

[9tee]

In Berkeley, California... it is $300.00 fine if you ride a bicycle on the sidewalk !!! even if the sidewalk has no pedestrians on it... also...in Berkeley, CA cops will stop a bike if it goes thru a stop sign... even if there are no cars in sight... Only a few of the Japanese girls stop @ a stop sign !!! so, Berkeley is very punishing to bicycle riders... I know... these things happened to me.

[speeddemon0117]

We could use more cops that do that.

[xxxrayman]

good vid

[mitchrodee]

They didn't mention electric bikes, but they have been popular in Europe and in China for a while. Last year, the sales of electric bikes rose dramatically here in the U.S. As a matter of fact, I'm going to buy one next week. (There are a ton of electric nike videos here on YouTube)

[numberonejrio]

Lol'd at 1:44

[snitsk8]

lol, it's not only in AMSTERDAM its thru whole holland we use bikes to get around..... i think other countrys don't have safe roads for bikes that's why people ride their bikes as a transport less

[Th1mastermike]

It's not just Holland. Chinese citizens use bikes a lot too. I need to buy myself a new Bike; I haven't rode in a while. I live in California, and biking is real popular here, especially among the scenic routes. :-)

[srowe1952]

I loved Amsterdam and one of the things I liked was how it was a big melting pot of humanity and there are lot's of black people there as well as a lot of cultures oh, and Ya, they were even nice to me, an American....lol....love the planet, Sandy

[brucelee7525]

booty

[FiShY2310]

thats a good way not to use fossil fuel

[yellowman88]

Got Weed?

[sharqway]

LOOOOOL!!!

[bonhomes]

thats the best city of the world

[calvinjones]

It would be nice to cycle around Amsdterdam but if we want healthier people, less economic productivity wasted on fuel and a better climate then we are going to have to learn from amsterdam in the UK and the rest of the car dominated world.

[RonaldhoIsAWanker]

Best part about Amsterdam: No black people

[iCommentonit]

That's not the best part! WTF is wrong with you? No Mexicans

[188metalhead881]

No. The best part NO Americans

[peterukk]

Best part about Youtube: being able to thumb down your disgusting comment

[rtiang]

Travel discount worldwide available. Tweet me at rtiang

[passiveMenis]

i would love to smoke a joint legally in amsterdam

[Hicks0000]

i would love to get laid in amsterdam

[ThinkingLeft]

50 euro and any girl is yours

[bigburpboy]

i would love to ride a bike in amsterdam..

[trompet75]

spam

[ellhow]

I thought they would ride them without the seat in Amsterdam.

[paintdataint]

Homomonument. tehehehe

[n3rdbear]

lol

[iwuzherematt]

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... bikes..... hahahahahahahahaha weeeeeeeeeeeeed

[Chick6517]

what an inspraration. i was inspired by this video. it really make me looking into my own life and i relised i needed to do something about it.

[dmccoig]

Awesome, we love Tripfilms.

[tjalolx]

WE SURE DARN DIDDELY DOO!

[pswaring]

My husband and I visited Amsterdam in August 2008. We rented bikes and after getting the hang of the traffic signals, biked throughout the downtown area including the Anne Franke House. Great exercise and so much fun! Can't wait to return to Amsterdam and do it again.

[Pauloito]

whish São Paulo was flat. And ours politicians were serious!!!

[deathdealer1337]

does homomonuent means a gay monument or something

[barjtom]

yes

[grmbldegrmbl]

@deathdealer1337 yup

[gstraat]

Amsterdam, city of bikes? Try Groningen..

However, it's very common to ride bicycle in The Netherlands.

[PIRIJIRI]

this man is right.

[billclay990]

Great video. I was in Amsterdam about 10 years ago with a friend. We walked out of a cafe during rush hour on our first day there, and were absolutely floored at all the bikes!

I'd never seen anything like it before, and will remeber that day forever. Very cool to see it in person.

Thanks for the post.

[snowbiker111]

i was there 2 months ago... and you couldnt have said it better... i also will remember that day forever...