why is cycling better in belgium?

[Arch]

But a large part of the psyche could be determined by the physical features of the landscape, perhaps. If the Dutch had mountains, like the Swiss, they would not have canals, would not have reclaimed polders, and would not grow tulips, or ride bikes. Without their canals, they might never have established a global trading empire. Simplistic, yes, but I would venture that the geography of one's country has a huge lot to do with the general demeanour of the locals.

The Dutch just got lucky.

However, one of the highest levels of cycling in Europe (way above UK) is in Switzerland. I can't remember the criteria now, miles travelled or percentage of trips, but they definitely cycle more than us.

 

[slowmotion]

Probably holds for the Dutch, slowmotion, but then how do you explain the French & Belgians? Both countries have some challenging terrain, and yet are much more considerate of cyclists.

I can't. I'm just all out of bullsh#t right now.

 

[slowmotion]

However, one of the highest levels of cycling in Europe (way above UK) is in Switzerland. I can't remember the criteria now, miles travelled or percentage of trips, but they definitely cycle more than us.

Yes, I am surprised that the Swiss cycle a whole lot more than us here in GB, according to these statistics....

http://www.ibike.org/library/statistics-data.htm.

The Dutch are streets ahead of the field.

 

[Arch]

Yes, I am surprised that the Swiss cycle a whole lot more than us here in GB, according to these statistics....

http://www.ibike.org/library/statistics-data.htm.

The Dutch are streets ahead of the field.

I've never been to Switzerland (well only to Geneva airport), but are the towns and cities mainly in the flat valleys? I'm assuming they aren't generally in the Alpine bits...

 

[slowmotion]

I've never been to Switzerland (well only to Geneva airport), but are the towns and cities mainly in the flat valleys? I'm assuming they aren't generally in the Alpine bits...

I've been to Switzerland quite a few times, but I can't claim to be an expert on the country's topography. However, I think that all the major cities are in valleys, so that might explain the relatively high use of bikes.

I did not notice many bikes in the ski resorts.

 

[TheDoctor]

A surprising about of Swissland is kind-of flat. Admittedly, some of it is far-too-hilly-by-half, and then there's the you-have-got-to-be-kidding-I'm-not-riding-up-that bits in the Alps, but it would be possible to do a reasonably good tour there without fitting an extra lung beforehand.