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Amsterdam surprise...

(7 posts)
  • Started 14 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
  • Latest reply from wee folding bike

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  1. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Lots of bikes do not equal cycling utopia... Jeez cycling round Amstedam wasn't the fun I expected, and doesn't compare at all to riding in Copenhagen... So it would help to know the rules of the road properly (though again 'dammers flaunt them religiously) but the place is stonkingly busy with bikes and pedestrians and cars and mopeds and and and.

    Yes, cars. And don't for a moment think Amsterdam is completely full of segregated cycle lanes. It 'aint. And a lot of the roads you share with cars are narrow, and the drivers sit RIGHT on your tail or squeeze by closer than I can ever think of being passed in Edinburgh. One main road was shared with trams and in the squeeze to get though a scooter driver physically elbowed a cyclist out of the way while moving!

    I think we'll stick to feet tomorrow. There certainly are THOUSANDS of bikes going about, but it really is a bit of a maelstrom....

    Posted 14 years ago #

  2. LaidBack
    Member

    Did I not say that was part of the fun on my last visit report.....;-)

    I remember saying something about their open top tour bus overtaking with 1 cm of space

    Thing is that the cars aren't quite as aggressive IMHO and I only witnessed one altercation in five days.

    Cycling is like walking and just mingles into the mix. Cycle flows and pedestrian flows shadow each other at traffic lights. Racing your low racer is restricted to the suburbs on the way to Haarlem. You'll be riding with mopeds and low powered trucks on your tail.

    ANTH     Get a river ferry if you get a chance. Go to NDSM pier (from Centraal Station Pier) and visit IjKantine for coffee. The city is fantastic from the water. Watch out for the Connex Hydrofoil as it blasts down to Ijmuiden. The ferries are free and frequent and are great for people watching.
    Cycle or walk Vondel park - bike hire nearby and go 't Blauwe Theehuis

    Good places to eat in Jordan near Lijnsbaangracht.

    Walk Ticehlstraat towards Westerkirk in the evening.... the carillion from there is lovely.

    Go with the flow and enjoy your break...

    Posted 14 years ago #

  3. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Met up with Matc van Woudenberg, the man behind Amsterdamized, for a few drinks tonight and a different spin/complexion was put on our experiences. Sometimes it pays to stop thinking like a Brit. Will be able to put this properly into words when I get back. :)

    Posted 14 years ago #

  4. recombodna
    Member

    ....yeah man get a bag of white widow and chill out! ;-)

    Just say no kids........I do love Cycling in amsterdam though!!!

    Posted 14 years ago #

  5. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Y'know, this may sound odd, got no desire to visit a coffeeshop (nor that bothered about seeing the red light district at night). Never was a 'typical' tourist... :P

    Posted 14 years ago #

  6. LaidBack
    Member

    Bikes are footwear in Amsterdam © Laid Back Ligfietsen 2011

    Posted 14 years ago #

  7. wee folding bike
    Member

    I was chased down the street outside the Ann Frank house by a guy who wanted to know if the kilt thing was true.

    Posted 14 years ago #

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