Today, after nearly two years here, I finally cycle to work. The good weather was one of the reasons. But it was also because most of my office colleagues are doing it, and for me I really need to do some form of exercise. It took about 45 minutes, comparable to the usual bus/tram ride. Although it was still slow ride by any standard (don’t want to sweat) but I have been cycling all weekend just to build my leg power. The distance from home to the office is about 9 km, using the shortest route possible, with proper cycle lanes and minimum number traffic lights to cross. Now is a nice time to do it because of the dry and warm weather. Not sure whether I could do it when the weather becomes a bit unpredictable and too cold. In a way it’s also good way to enjoy being outside in the open.
I bought a basic Dutch bike. Bikes are quite expensive here. The reason is that they are well built and renowned brands. I bought this bike on Saturday in one of the largest bike shop in The Hague. A normal bike would cost about 500 to 700 Euros. Second hand bikes are 150 to 200 Euros but they are not many choices. Mine is amongst the cheapest at 300 Euros (that’s B$600). My daughter’s bike was even more expensive when we bought it last year. I thought of starting on a cheaper one first. If I carry on like this I would recoup the investment within 5 months as I normally pay 60 Euro per months on the bus/tram bus. And then may be I could try a more expensive one. With me in the shop was a gentleman who was testing this bike which cost 1300 Euros. It’s not even a racing bike – those are in the range of 2000 to 9000 Euros.Straight after work I brought my staff for a team dinner at an Indian restaurant. Off I went, picked the bike from the bike shed (see photo) and off to town. After dinner, it was quite nice to cycle home especially when the stomach is full. During the ride, I realize that after all these years, always in the comfort of cars and modern living, here I was cycling home. I was actually reducing my carbon footprints. It’s my small contribution to save fuel energy and helping in reducing pollution and carbon emission. I am not alone. Millions of people around the world are doing their bits. What about you?
2 comments:
I'm planning on moving to The Netherlands soon. We are considering Amsterdam or The Hague. I think it's great that so many people ride bikes there. I had no idea they were so expensive though. Here in Canada some people in the cities ride bikes to work or walk but not that many people. I have also lived in the US and it seems like no one does there. I'll have to look into getting a handcycle when I move (or before). I'm a wheelchair user and and it might actually be a bit easier getting around there if I use one.
Hi Kim,
The Netherlands is a real bicycle friendly country. There are proper cycle lanes in the cities and out in the countryside. So whether you cycle for work or just for pleasure, this is the place to be.
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