Amsterdam

No, Amsterdam Is Not “Swamped” By Bikes

In June, the New York Times published a story headlined "The Dutch Prize Their Pedal Power, But a Sea of Bikes Swamps Their Capital" that instigated much debate (over 365 reader comments in one day) and a torrent of emails to the editor. The Times followed up by seeking a "dialogue" with its readers about the supposed "swamping" of Amsterdam by bicycles. Then came all the echoes of the Times narrative inothermedia.

By Clarence Eckerson Jr.

11:27 AM EDT on July 23, 2013

In June, the New York Times published a story headlined “The Dutch Prize Their Pedal Power, But a Sea of Bikes Swamps Their Capital” that instigated much debate (over 365 reader comments in one day) and a torrent of emails to the editor. The Times followed up by seeking a “dialogue” with its readers about the supposed “swamping” of Amsterdam by bicycles. Then came all the echoes of the Times narrative in other media.

So, are there really too many bikes in Amsterdam? On a recent trip to the Netherlands, I got to experience this “sea of bikes” first-hand, and I saw no true problems other than pockets of less-than-ideal bike parking accommodations.

Over 30 percent of trips in Amsterdam are done by bike, and many locals have decried the Times article as hyperbole. See what some of them have to say about the situation in this Streetfilm.

Clarence Eckerson Jr.

Clarence Eckerson Jr. has been running Streetfilms for two decades after serving as a producer of BikeTV. He loves the color purple, chocolate chip cookies, and enjoys walking, biking, and taking transit. He has never had a driver's license. But he does have an award from the U.N. (yes, that U.N.!)

Amsterdam | Bicycling