Look Both Ways, Three Times

If you haven’t been here, then you don’t get it. Bicycles are everywhere, no no—e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.

You cannot avoid them. In fact, you are often one of them. Me? I walk to work. (I haven’t found a bike old enough or cheap enough so as not to be stolen). It takes me almost 15 minutes. No problem; right? Well, let me tell you…it’s no problem if I remember one simple—but essential—rule: Look both ways, three times.

That sounds like hyperbole; I know. But that’s the point; I do know. Bicycles, motorbikes, motorcycles riding in bike lanes, cars and trucks, metro streetcars, trams and who-knows-what-else are ever-present.

Every street has clearly marked bike lanes

Believe me, somewhere in every Amsterdam travel guide it’ll mention that you must not walk in bike lanes. It’s not kidding. Besides the nasty looks, jingle-jangle bike bells, and hostile comments, personal injury is certain.

Here in Holland, bikes rule.