Fly Ride Netherlands — short trips for non-cyclists.
I’m not a cyclist; I just ride a bike.
Me too. I don’t own any Lycra; I’m not part of a cycling club; I really don’t like those sporty dropped handlebars and funny shoes with “clipless” clips in them, even.
I’m just a guy with a bike. I sometimes fall off that bike in comedy circumstances because — let’s face it — I’m also a bit of a klutz.
But my bike is increasingly a part of who I am. It plays a huge role in my physical and mental health: I feel energised by riding it and even get to eat more cake than I otherwise would!
It’s even influencing my outlook on the world and its challenges: pollution, congestion, inactivity, the ability for my children to play and enjoy the street they live in without fear of traffic. Bikes can be the solution to many of these challenges and can help transform our streets into wonderful, liveable spaces for people rather than vehicles.
In my own corner of the world in the north west of the UK, we’re steadily pushing forward with the Bee Network, a comprehensive walking and cycling network made up of more than 1,000 miles of routes, including 75 miles of segregated bike lanes. The future is bright, but it’s still a way off.
In other parts of the world, that kind of vision doesn’t even exist yet.
The future, today.
But for those of us living in or near Europe, there’s a nirvana for people like us that’s accessible today: the Netherlands.
Over 40 years of investment in infrastructure for people riding bikes combined with a terrain that’s generally flat mean it’s a fantastic destination to feel safe and free, be in the open air and generally enjoy the good things in life. A place where anybody can ride a bike on over 25,000 miles of traffic-free routes.
With many budget airlines flying into the Netherlands these days and cheap accommodation being widely available, spending two-or-three days there doesn’t have to cost the earth.
You can be there in no time at all, get on a bike and be exploring the countryside and Dutch villages and towns in minutes.
We’re Fly Ride Netherlands.
We’re a bunch of enthusiasts who want to enable others to be part of the fun.
The aim of Fly Ride Netherlands is to share practical tips, stories and routes to help others experience these wonderful short trips and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Trips over to the Netherlands do require some planning, so in future posts we’ll guide you through:
- getting to the Netherlands by air — destinations, airline tips and tricks;
- bikes and equipment — how to get them, whether to rent or buy;
- onward travel — getting around the Netherlands by public transport;
- Dutch cycling etiquette and laws;
- accommodation ideas; and
- planning routes and not getting lost!
We’ll also share our trips and experiences — keep up-to-date as we travel about, or get inspired and follow our routes yourselves!
Finally, get involved! Got a story to tell or a tip to share? We’re always looking for contributors.
