Skip to content

Video: A Dutch Perspective on U.S. Cycling Infra

Last December I traveled to Amsterdam for the first time. I don't ride a bike, but as a pedestrian, to be surrounded by human-oriented infrastructure (see these Streetfilms) was a little like visiting another planet. And the strangest part was how normal it was. In the Netherlands, bikes are about as controversial as umbrellas, and only once in eight days did I feel threatened by a driver.

Last December I traveled to Amsterdam for the first time. I don’t ride a bike, but as a pedestrian, to be surrounded by human-oriented infrastructure (see these Streetfilms) was a little like visiting another planet. And the strangest part was how normal it was. In the Netherlands, bikes are about as controversial as umbrellas, and only once in eight days did I feel threatened by a driver.

From BicycleDutch, this critique of street conditions in the U.S. flips this dynamic on its head. You’ll chuckle and cringe as the narrator calmly eviscerates typical American bike “infra.” (See? Even their descriptors are more elegant.)

On the other hand, he seems impressed that American cyclists have the fortitude to ride the streets at all, and that bike lanes are “popping up everywhere.”

What do you think, Amerikanen?

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Read More:

More from Streetsblog New York City

New York City Voters Give Mamdani A Green Light to Transform City Streets

November 4, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines: Election Earthquakes Edition

November 4, 2026

The Disconnect: New York City’s Bike Lanes Remain Far Short Of A Network

November 4, 2026

Can Bus Riders Form A Voting Bloc? We’re About To Find Out

November 3, 2026

Bronxites: Don’t Sacrifice Our Waterfront Access For Yet Another Amazon Warehouse

November 3, 2026
See all posts