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Major US cities including New York City, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco, are taking cues from The Netherlands to create safer, dedicated lanes for cyclists. But there is still much to be done.
IN THE US, cycling is often seen primarily as a recreational activity, while in countries like the Netherlands, it’s a central part of daily life. Dutch citizens rely on bicycles for commuting to school and work, running errands, and navigating everyday tasks, thanks to an infrastructure that fully supports cycling. While some U.S. cities are making strides toward more cyclist-friendly infrastructure, much remains to be done before cycling becomes a practical and convenient mode of transportation nationwide.
THE NETHERLANDS LEADS THE WAY
One of the most notable aspects of Dutch cycling culture is how early children start cycling. Many Dutch kids learn to bike before they can even read, and by adulthood, cycling has become second nature. Kynlee Reddish, an American expat living in the Netherlands, explains, “From the time kids can walk, they get a balance bike. By two, they’re impressively skilled.” Dutch children grow up navigating safe, dedicated bike lanes, which enable cycling to be part of daily life for all ages.
In contrast, U.S. cities often feature disconnected cycling infrastructure. While cities like New York and San Francisco have introduced protected bike lanes, these are usually fragmented, making cycling less practical for everyday use. Many U.S. cyclists must share roads with cars, increasing safety risks and discouraging cycling as a reliable means of transportation.
One reason Dutch cities are so bike-friendly is the thoughtful separation of cyclists from vehicle traffic. In the Netherlands, cyclists enjoy dedicated lanes, cyclist-prioritized roundabouts, and other traffic-calming measures that make biking safer and more efficient. In cities like Portland and Minneapolis, efforts are being made to lower speed limits and expand protected bike lanes, but these changes must be scaled up, especially in dense urban areas where cycling could be a primary mode of transportation.
Eric van der Zanden, the U.S. Managing Director for Holland Bike Tours in New York, acknowledges that some U.S. cities are improving, especially New York, where infrastructure has “significantly improved over the last years and is still improving.” He stresses that more cohesive efforts are necessary, involving “engineering, education, and enforcement.” Building high-quality bike lanes and educating the public—children and adults alike—about traffic safety is critical. “In the Netherlands, this starts at elementary schools with traffic safety training and bike handling classes,” van der Zanden explains. Holland Bike Tours offers both quality Dutch bike rentals, along with guided tours of Downtown NYC, offered in multiple languages.
CYCLING: HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
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More than just a mode of transportation, cycling also offers significant health benefits. Physically, cycling is an excellent cardiovascular workout that strengthens the heart and muscles. Regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Mentally, cycling has been shown to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins that boost mood and well-being. These benefits make cycling an ideal, low-impact form of exercise for both fitness and daily activity.
On an environmental level, cycling provides a powerful means of reducing carbon footprints. As a zero-emission form of transportation, cycling helps decrease air pollution, making it a vital tool in combating climate change. By choosing to cycle instead of drive, individuals contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption and improving air quality.
Fewer cars on the road also mean less traffic congestion— something U.S. cities like Denver and Chicago are beginning to recognize. Denver, for instance, has increased its protected bike lanes from 5 miles to 16 miles in just five years, and Chicago’s “Streets for Cycling Plan 2020” set out to add 645 miles of bike lanes.
GUIDANCE FROM THE NETHERLANDS, WELL- MADE BIKES, AND NYC’s FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR
Events like New York City’s Five Boro Bike Tour, which takes place during the first Sunday in May, also play a critical role in promoting cycling culture in the U.S. In this annual event, cyclists ride through all five boroughs on car-free streets, totaling 40 miles, showing what a more cyclist-focused urban landscape could look like. Tens of thousands of cyclists, from casual to experienced levels, take part every year, demonstrating the potential for cycling to become a mainstream activity in urban settings. However, Reddish notes, “I think the U.S. is far from adopting this culture. Prioritizing cycling requires a cultural shift, and I don’t see the willingness to give up cars.”
Despite the challenges, there are promising signs of progress. Dutch cycling experts have collaborated with local planners in cities like Portland, OR, New York City, and San Francisco, CA, to help design safer cycling networks. The success of cycling in the Netherlands is often attributed not only to infrastructure but also to a cultural shift in how people view cycling—as a practical and everyday activity. U.S. cities need to undergo a similar transformation if cycling is to become a viable mode of transportation.
For the U.S. to fully embrace cycling, investments in infrastructure must be paired with policy changes and cultural adjustments. Programs like Capital Bikeshare in Washington, D.C., and Citi Bike in New York City have made cycling more accessible by providing rental bikes throughout their cities. However, more effort is needed to integrate cycling with public transit, allowing bikes to be used as part of a regular commute. Expanding access to bike repair and rental services is also crucial for making cycling more practical for city residents. Cities like San Francisco, CA, Denver, CO, and Portland, OR are already leading the way, with more bike shops offering repairs, rentals, and sales to commuters and recreational cyclists.
“In my opinion, the best way to navigate New York City is by bicycle. Cycling here is relatively safe, thanks to the designated bike paths on both the east and west sides of the city,” says DOWNTOWN Publisher and CEO, Grace A. Capobianco, an avid cyclist, who also participates in the annual Five Boro Bike Ride. “However, I do have some concerns. I believe that battery- powered vehicles, such as electric mopeds, and scooters, should not be allowed on these bike paths. It worries me that NYC does not take more active measures to maintain these paths, ensuring that cyclists can ride safely and securely. Unfortunately, many people disregard the signage along the bike paths, which is a significant issue. I urge city officials to consider measures that would better protect our bike paths.”
Van der Zanden emphasizes the importance of having high-quality bicycles to encourage cycling as a lifestyle. “It all starts with a good bicycle with an upright and comfortable seating position,” he explains, noting how this can make a “day-and- night difference” for those considering cycling. Dutch city bikes, built for comfort and practicality, stand out from typical American bikes, due to their upright seating position, which offers better posture and a smoother riding experience.
The Five Boro Bike Tour illustrates how events can spotlight cycling’s potential. Organized by Bike New York, this annual event fosters a sense of community and demonstrates the need for safe cycling infrastructure. Still, for cycling to become more than just a special event, U.S. cities must invest in comprehensive bike lane networks and adopt policies that prioritize cyclists’ safety and convenience. Next year’s Five Boro Bike Tour is set for May 5, 2025.
With the proper infrastructure and a shift in public attitudes, the U.S. could transform cycling from a niche activity into a practical option for daily commuting and recreation. As van der Zanden concludes, “When all [improvements] are put together, conditions will be more interesting for people to start using bicycles for their daily commute or short- distance travels.” hollandbikes.com, bike.nyc, holland.com, nbtc.nl, urban.org DTM