THE UBIQUITOUS DUTCH BIKE : The bicycle type we have encountered throughout northern Europe between Germany and the Netherlands has not changed much since the turn of the 20th century. This two-wheeled utilitarian rambler comes in a one-design-fits-all type. This is typically a single gear drivetrain with a sealed chaincase to reduce long-term maintenance; and fenders and mud flaps keep clothes clean. The rear wheel hub is a drum brake that will 
last longer than its cable and brake pad counterparts. The front wheel, which includes a micro-generator, converts electricity to light the front headlight and rear tail light, while the battery stores power from the generator in order to continue to provide electricity when the bicycle stops. The bell warns fellow riders and pedestrians that you are approaching and is mandatory in The Netherlands. The rear rack carries cargo with bungee straps, pannier bags, or both. The center stand allows for stable parking with a proper and, again because of its shape, a low center of gravity. An integrated lock engages the rear wheel for security after the rider has dismounted. The geometry of the frame leaves the rider upright for good visibility and relaxed orientation, and the handlebars curve back and long to allow the rider a straight spine and relief of pressure on the hands. Tires are typically a 28" diameter and 1.5" width for a smooth ride and puncture resistance. Finally, stainless steel fasteners make the bike highly rust resistant, and a powder coated paint job is highly rust and scratch resistant and is simply more environmentally friendly than paint.
Why the grocery list of positive attributes that keep this simple wonder of locomotion held in such high esteem among our European cousins? Because we feel that the Dutch people are the happiest in Europe. This is based neither on a continent-wide study of criteria among cultures, nor is it because the Dutch are all walking around in a marijuana-induced haze of ignorant bliss. It is the ubiquitous bicycle. A recent and official study conducted from within Europe has concluded that the Danish are the happiest people on that continent across which we have recently been riding our own bicycles. This was found to be because the Danish, who evidently have low expectations about everything, always have their expectations exceeded. However, we cannot refute any official studies, so we'll just say that outside of Scandinavia, the Dutch are the happiest. This is admittedly a small comparison- we have seen just the Dutch and the Germans on these bikes. We'll of course find them in France; but the French, and I write this in jest, are certainly too proud to be included in a study among anyone but themselves. In Germany, and we have German friends for whom we have the fondest regard, the country overall has yet to gain a proper sense of humor. But the Dutch are just happy. They have an appropriate sense of humor in that they understand sarcasm. They are not rigidly reserved, and their social system is designed so that there is not a large or growing disparity between wealthy and poor. And they have the cushiest bikes- one of which John had the pleasure to ride through the Hague to inspire this blog entry.
last longer than its cable and brake pad counterparts. The front wheel, which includes a micro-generator, converts electricity to light the front headlight and rear tail light, while the battery stores power from the generator in order to continue to provide electricity when the bicycle stops. The bell warns fellow riders and pedestrians that you are approaching and is mandatory in The Netherlands. The rear rack carries cargo with bungee straps, pannier bags, or both. The center stand allows for stable parking with a proper and, again because of its shape, a low center of gravity. An integrated lock engages the rear wheel for security after the rider has dismounted. The geometry of the frame leaves the rider upright for good visibility and relaxed orientation, and the handlebars curve back and long to allow the rider a straight spine and relief of pressure on the hands. Tires are typically a 28" diameter and 1.5" width for a smooth ride and puncture resistance. Finally, stainless steel fasteners make the bike highly rust resistant, and a powder coated paint job is highly rust and scratch resistant and is simply more environmentally friendly than paint.Why the grocery list of positive attributes that keep this simple wonder of locomotion held in such high esteem among our European cousins? Because we feel that the Dutch people are the happiest in Europe. This is based neither on a continent-wide study of criteria among cultures, nor is it because the Dutch are all walking around in a marijuana-induced haze of ignorant bliss. It is the ubiquitous bicycle. A recent and official study conducted from within Europe has concluded that the Danish are the happiest people on that continent across which we have recently been riding our own bicycles. This was found to be because the Danish, who evidently have low expectations about everything, always have their expectations exceeded. However, we cannot refute any official studies, so we'll just say that outside of Scandinavia, the Dutch are the happiest. This is admittedly a small comparison- we have seen just the Dutch and the Germans on these bikes. We'll of course find them in France; but the French, and I write this in jest, are certainly too proud to be included in a study among anyone but themselves. In Germany, and we have German friends for whom we have the fondest regard, the country overall has yet to gain a proper sense of humor. But the Dutch are just happy. They have an appropriate sense of humor in that they understand sarcasm. They are not rigidly reserved, and their social system is designed so that there is not a large or growing disparity between wealthy and poor. And they have the cushiest bikes- one of which John had the pleasure to ride through the Hague to inspire this blog entry.
wonderful post John! You should send the link to the DC bike community...and maybe to the DC Office of Planning. We'd all be sooooo much happier.
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