Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Over the past five years, I've visited several great cities for cycling in the Netherlands. One thing you'll notice if you go to places like AmsterdamGroningenRotterdamUtrecht, and Nijmegen is that there are a lot of kids biking.

Contrary to what advice columnist and bike lane opponent Amy Alkon has been spouting on Twitter, there's no evidence that biking with kids in the U.S. is more of a hazard than driving with kids. And if you're really concerned about children's safety, you shouldn't be trying to put a stop to bike infrastructure in your neighborhood.

I hope this short "Netherlands Megamix" montage, culled from some of my favorite shots and including some never-before-seen footage, helps bring home the idea that in countries with sane transportation policies, the goal is to make cities safe for people of all ages to bike, not to banish parents from cycling with their kids.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

The ‘Disconnect’: City Traffic Cops Ignore Severe Parking Scofflaws

The NYPD's Traffic Enforcement Agents don't check the city towing database, which means thousands of drivers keep on driving.

August 18, 2025

Advocates: Here’s What to Tell The Feds You Want From the Next Big Transportation Bill

You only have two more days to comment on the next surface transportation bill (the biggie!). So here are some thoughts about what you should say.

August 18, 2025

Aging 1930s Boardwalk, Lack of Elevators a US Open Nightmare for Disabled Tennis Fans

“Spectacular Awaits” a new US Open champion. Can USTA, the Mets, the city and the MTA "reimagine spectacular" accessibility at Mets-Willets Point?

August 18, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Parental Advisory Edition

Age verification is coming to Citi Bike. Plus more news.

August 18, 2025

‘A Tombstone’: Abandoned Bicycles Outside Federal Courthouse Are a Symbol of U.S. War on Immigrants

At least four bicycles and one moped are chained up and seemingly abandoned outside the federal courthouse. They are symbols of America's war on immigrants.

August 15, 2025

Friday Video: Poor Bike Lane Design Shouldn’t be a Ticketable Offense

The Manhattan entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge bike path is confusing and dangerous, but that hasn’t stopped police from preying on cyclists.

August 15, 2025
See all posts