This is how the Dutch commute

[CopperBrompton]

I agree with the earlier comment about Brommies making the same thing here possible.

My previous commute was 35 miles: 2-mile cycle ride, 32-mile train journey and a final 1-mile cycle ride. Took me between 60 and 65 mins.

 

[funkyontwowheels]

The Danes also have a cool cycling culture

I’m an expat living in Denmark and I have to say, the Danes literally cycle everywhere and in any weather – even back home from the pub, even in heels (only the women J)! It’s in their culture and of course, like the Dutch they have miles and miles of cycle paths like mini motorways complete with bike traffic lights.
They also have some great bike brands. Have you seen the Scrap Deluxe from Velorbis? http://velorbis.com/velorbis-classic-bicycles/classic-bicycles/scrap-deluxe-lady I’ve just bought one and took it for a spin yesterday around Copenhagen. I love it! I also feel a bit smug as it’s been voted the No.1 gorgeous bike in the leading street style blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic – http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2009/08/cycle-chic-top-10-list-of-gorgeous.html
Check out some guys stuff on Copenhagenize another bike blog http://www.copenhagenize.com/

 

[upsidedown]

I’m an expat living in Denmark and I have to say, the Danes literally cycle everywhere and in any weather – even back home from the pub, even in heels (only the women J)! It’s in their culture and of course, like the Dutch they have miles and miles of cycle paths like mini motorways complete with bike traffic lights.
They also have some great bike brands. Have you seen the Scrap Deluxe from Velorbis? http://velorbis.com/velorbis-classic-bicycles/classic-bicycles/scrap-deluxe-lady I’ve just bought one and took it for a spin yesterday around Copenhagen. I love it! I also feel a bit smug as it’s been voted the No.1 gorgeous bike in the leading street style blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic – http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2009/08/cycle-chic-top-10-list-of-gorgeous.html
Check out some guys stuff on Copenhagenize another bike blog http://www.copenhagenize.com/

That bike looks rather nice. I visited Copenhagen many years ago and loved it, sounds like a great place to live.

 

[funkyontwowheels]

Thanks. Yeah it is a great place to live - very relaxed and friendly with the sea close by. I definitely recommend it

 

[Haitch]

We biked the North Sea Cycle Route from Frederikshaven this summer and I was really impressed by the Danish cycling facilities (and signposting)

 

[karlos_the_jackal]

Had my first leisure ride in norway 26miles around a lake. I was shocked at the level of driving skill.

As in when coming past me they all moved to the other side completely, so not even in my lane.

And the roads were very good also.

 

[funkyontwowheels]

Oh that sounds nice, I bet it was beautiful. I plan to cycle round the small island of Bornholm next summer - they call it the sunshine island.

Here's a handy link to some other bike routes in Denmark. Maybe you can do one on your next visit. I'd like to do all of them at some stage:
http://www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/inspiration/aktivferie/cykel/cycling.htm

 

[Haitch]

Oh that sounds nice

Excellent. Well worth doing.

 

[ComedyPilot]

http://www.fietsberaad.nl/index.cfm?lang=en

A good site with lots of information on commuting. No reason we can't do that here.

 

[ComedyPilot]

http://www.fietsberaad.nl/index.cfm...ode=list&ontwerpvoorbeeldPage=Verkeerslichten

Check out the green wave for cyclists!!! The lights are set for a 2km stretch of road, a cycle travelling at 20kmh will get ALL 5 traffic lights at green!

 

[summerdays]

In that first video I just can't get over the proportion of bikes to cars on the road, and then the number of bikes on the side of the road - if only that was here (or even half way to that would be good).

 

[snorri]

In that first video

Notice also where the rlj and pavement cyclists are circled in red.

 

[ChrisKH]

I haven't read this whole thread, but the commute this person does in Holland is much the same as mine. Only difference is there are no bike garages when I get off the train. Otherwise everything else is the same (obviously not the same laws re: the roads, right of way, etc.). Which makes you realise just how easy it would be to replicate this in the UK if the government (and the people) really wanted it.

I know I am lucky in many respects (e.g. secure underground parking in a centrally heated basement, employer provided pump, 24 hour security) but this should be a basic right not a question of luck.

 

[ComedyPilot]

I haven't read this whole thread, but the commute this person does in Holland is much the same as mine. Only difference is there are no bike garages when I get off the train. Otherwise everything else is the same (obviously not the same laws re: the roads, right of way, etc.). Which makes you realise just how easy it would be to replicate this in the UK if the government (and the people) really wanted it.

I know I am lucky in many respects (e.g. secure underground parking in a centrally heated basement, employer provided pump, 24 hour security) but this should be a basic right not a question of luck.

Exactly. I was laid in the bath this morning, and I had a eureka moment, I thought 'Jeez, I've got a big cock we could do that in this country'

We just need to show people that instead of using the car, you can save money, get fitter, travel almost as quickly, and lessen the impact on the environment.

 

[ComedyPilot]

I rode into town the other day to pick some stuff up. I got into a conversation with a woman I know. She'd driven the 3/4 mile into town and was looking for a parking place. I had riden 11 miles, with another 10 to go to my dad's house, before 10 miles home. She said she wouldn't bike because it was dangerous on the road. When I pointed out that, if more people did more journeys with bikes in town instead of using the car, there would be less cars/traffic/danger, she said, "Why should I give my car up, ride a bike and reduce congestion just so someone else can get a quicker journey by car?"