the Waltz of the Bikes

[EvendimataE]

when the girls are wearing skirt they have shorts under not just panty?

[TaoPiet]

Nice video. Music of Johann Straus expresses very well the turning movement of the bikes. It feels indeed as a kind of waltz movement.

[makeiteasyable]

lol, people love bikes well not all but mostly hehehe

[spoddog1]

my old bow frame uprights are my favorite bikes. im 53, been riding for over 40 years and i think helmet laws suck. wear one if you want but i would like the choise.

[cyclenut]

Anybody else notice how poorly all the people dressed, and how un-happy they looked and how their faces were red from having to pedal their kids in those heavy cargo bikes.... : /

Why oh why was I born in a car-culture country....

Of my five bicycles, two are Dutch bikes... A regular and a cargo bike... Yes, I am a freak in the US of fat, but would just be another Dutch... If only I were Dutch...

[andrew097]

Last night I cycled without a helmet on one of these high Nellys I was going gently up a hill and a tall bloke out for a jog passed me out . So the top of his head was higher then mine while I was sitting on the bike. Should he be wearing a jogging helmet ?

[criticalviewer1959]

WONDERFUL atomosphere & bicycle town! Thanks

It's so easy to do everywhere - everyone can do it!

Meet some friends and go by bicycle through your town. If you see other bikers, talk to them; ask them to join for a while; give them an invitation to join you next time on a little journey.

Give no private contact; meet only by coincidence in action!

Come together, educate the people, discuss new ideas, stay in move and do something for your health collectively, and have fun! :-)) be critical mass!

[andrew097]

It really is only walking on two wheels

ps I bought one of those big plastic beer crate carries . Well its the best gizmo I have ever got suddenly you can carry anything with ease. Makes shopping ten times easier. really the family could go back to one car That would be some yearly saving.

[andrew097]

It really is only walking on two wheels

[andrew097]

There is a Fobes poll stating which are the happiest countries. Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands are at the top of the list. See cycling these bikes makes you happy :-}

[Fitcetera]

Thank You, Mike for posting this. This was absolutely wonderful to watch!

I live in Ontario, CAN and although it is not a requirement to wear a helmet if you are over 16 it's also been drummed in to my head that it isn't safe to ride without one.

Well, my dear ... today I did and it felt wonderful to have my hair blowing in the wind. I felt like a young girl again. (I'm just about to turn 50 in Aug.)

Ride On!

[Fitcetera]

Thank You, Mike for posting this. This was absolutely wonderful to watch!

I live in Ontario, CAN and although it is not a requirement to wear a helmet if you are over 16 it's been drummed in to my head that it isn't safe to ride without one.

Well, my dear ... today I did and it felt wonderful to have my hair blowing in the wind. I felt like a young girl again. (I'm just about to turn 50 in Aug.)

My own city is becoming more bike friendly although we still have a long way to go.

Ride On!

[dewulf2]

If u rly think most Aussie commuters wear lycra, you're deluded. A lot do, but plenty don't, especially the jersey. On my 9k commute I want something with a chamois anyway, my man bits are more important than 'looking relaxed'. On the planned commute after I move house (30km each way) i'll be using the most efficient bike that offers me control with the best aero position, ie. a road bike. That doesn't mean i'm a hoon. Btw, the Dutch can use these bikes cos it's flat, ur whole theory is garbage.

[andrew097]

There is a zen like quality to all those cyclists. Every thing very calm in control and enjoyable? Very diffirent to cyclists on their hi tec urban street bikes from the English speaking world.

[Broomeister]

I've just bought a Dutch Bike today. Secondhand but it's hardly been used by the look of it. Haven't ridden it much yet as I spent virtually all day getting it back to where I live as the trains messed up but I love the riding position. It's single speed so I'll have to work a bit harder on it but I need to get fit anyway.

[andrew097]

Congrats and enjoy the bike I bought one last year and I have enjoyed every moment on it .

[Broomeister]

Thank you :-) I have not got tired of it yet, Even today in the howling wind and rain it was a pleasure to ride :-)

[bensy010]

Living in Aus, I have had the helmet safety message drummed into me my whole life (I'm 23) and I can't imagine riding without one.

I hope I never need it but I'm glad it's there just in case. They really aren't that bad.

You're riding a bike, it's not a fashion parade.

[stingoo]

The only people riding a bike with a helmet in Holland are some scared tourists... Otherwise it's very relaxed. It's not about a fashion statement either, it's just that the risk of head injury is close to zero.

[MikeRubbo]

Well, Bensy, in a way it s a fashion parade. The dominant fashion here is Lycra, and the helmet with it's colors and slits, is very much part of the fashion look. The Europeans don't want to give their personalities over to the bike culture. They wear what they like, and because they've made it safe, they don't need helmets,

it would be nice to have that option. Mike

[bensy010]

Good point. Personally, I do love those Catlike helmets.

[TdotFunk]

Actually, it is. And if it was so dangerous....these people would wear one.

[deezynar]

@bensy010

I've ridden over 50,000 miles in the US w/ out a helmet. I wear one now, but only because it makes my wife feel better.

If I ever land on my head, I'm sure I'll be glad for the protection.

[andrew097]

Its about having the right gears.

What do you think about the bike industry not selling practical bikes at least in the English speaking world? Do you think that is part of the problem?

[Broomeister]

I certainly do I live in Norfolk which is pretty flat. I figure a bike made for Holland would be perfect for round here as we have similar terrain. However, as far as I can see, there are no Dutch bike dealers in the whole of Norfolk. I don't want to buy one off the internet as I want to ride it first. Therefore I may settle for a Dawes or take a trip to Cambridge

[MikeRubbo]

I think it's very complex.

Bike shops seem threatened by practical sit up bikes. Do they think they might suck buyers away from more lucrative high tech bikes?

Are sit up bikes a sort of flag, making a statement about themselves and their rider that's not appreciated by the sport cycle culture?

Are practical bikes and their riders saying: "I'm not into speed or sport, I'm just going somewhere. I'm not obsessed by this bike I'm on, I don't give it much thought, really,"

[cyclenut]

@MikeRubbo I ride a Dutch bike and am buying a bakfiets (3-wheeled) because I am obsessed about the bikes I ride. I like bikes that are care-free low maintenance and carry everything I need without a stinking metal box. My other 3 bikes aren't dutch, but the do show I'm obsessed with not owning a stupid smelly ugly metal box.

: )

[andrew097]

Loved this video what a nice calm relaxing way to spend a few mins. And didnt all the commuters look calm relaxed and fairly happy with them selves.

Thank you for posting this.

Regards

[KrunchyJD]

I agree with you on most points however, I ride what some would call a racing bike, but then again I dont tend to wear Lycra, and I dont race it, I just find it faster and thus a better form of transport. I dont see getting rid of "road bikes" as one of the answers. Rather we should promote cycling in general. Every bike has its advantages. When someone tells me they want comfort over speed I say, get an upright.

Also whats with the motorbikes with the bicycles?

[KrunchyJD]

Following from my last point. You may be right about the Lycra though. In my opinion its about the idea that people have that cycling is purely a "sport", and they cant see past the car as the main form of transport. That would change if we make it easier for people to cycle. Fear of being in an accident, and distances are problems, we have to much urban sprawl. There is also the perception that going to work by bike makes you sweat to much. I encourage anyone to cycle no mater what bike.

[KrunchyJD]

For me, its more about the layout of a city and planning for bicycles. When this occurs people tend to get the kind of bikes they want. Even though cycling rates are low where I live, the more things like bike tracks that go in the more people cycle on various bikes.

[KrunchyJD]

WOW!!

A city that does not have a fixation with the car, pure paradise

[Zoza15]

In dont Life in Amsterdam, But i do use my Bike everyday, why need a car if you can use your own body Energy huh>?...

[Broomeister]

I'm considering getting another bike as the one I have keeps going wrong. It is also a mountain bike and I don't need a mountain bike as I never go off road. I'm seriously considering a Dutch(or Dutch style) bike as I like the look of them. Are they safer? Is that the point you are making when you say look at the lack of helmets.

[Zoza15]

You dont need helmets, and its quite safe to ride a bike, and those who ride cars are the ones that should be carefull..

[Broomeister]

@Zoza15

You are of course right. Car drivers should be more careful but here in the UK, they generally aren't :-( I'd love to cycle in Holland. I love cycling here but sometimes it can be very dangerous. I have a very large head and have yet to find a cycle helmet that fits me but don't really see why I should wear one even if I can.

[Zoza15]

If you feel to wear 1, why not? ^_^...

[andrew097]

I have a mountain bike great fun but for transport I have a Grandad bike great fun also . I converted to one for everyday transport a few years ago. Because its easy, stylish, fun, quick, and a social way to get around any town or city.. Advise! just do it.

In fact this type of bike started out being called a safety. I find that because your shoulder, hip and ankle are in line ( like standing ) that you are always in balance and that makes you feel safer. Good Luck

[MikeRubbo]

Andrew, that's a very interesting point about always being in balance.

What do you say to the usual argument that sit-ups are less good at climbing hills, only good on the flat? Mike

[andrew097]

I have two Grandad bikes one for the English market a Dawes and one made for the Danish market a Batavus . They both have Nexus Shimano gears 7 speed. ( Did I spell that right} but the hubs have diffrent ratios. I live in Ireland and its hilly and the Dawes suits the up down nature of Dublin better because the hub favours lower gears. I cycle this bike because its easy and enjoyable. Its amplafied walking while a mountain bike is jogging.

[downfader2]

Brilliant stuff! Loverly!

[Albatros363636]

Excellent!

[MewFushisDad]

What a wonderful people and culture.

Thank you for sharing this.

[alextact]

The first step, in my opinion, is to reverse the absurd helmet laws we have in this country. For anyone over the age of 16 at least. Second, reduce residential and CBD streets to 30km/h, and introduce severe penalties for anyone in a motor vehicle who deliberately attempts to intimidate a cyclist or pedestrian in any way shape or form. With such measures, cycling will be significantly more viable for commuters, so naturally upgright "commuter bikes" will start to appeal to more people :-)

[Zoza15]

Are you serious!?...

Heard there was a rule in America that you first need a Licence to ride a bike LOL!..

You dont need a damn Licence here!..