Cyclist Day in the Netherlands
Description:
Bicycles are widely used in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They are unusually numerous, which, in addition to favorable climatic conditions, contributes to the developed infrastructure (network of special bicycle roads, bicycle traffic lights, etc.). An average Dutchman has several bicycles in his home.
In the Netherlands, bicycles are often stolen. Often the wrong word! It has almost become a national sport. Bicycle thefts are so common in this country and so numerous that the police arrange regular (every two weeks) screenings of what they do manage to find. The police, of course, find a small part, but this small part is very large: the task of those who came to the police officers is to prove that the signs of the bicycle described in the protocol coincide with anything available. The Dutch are philosophical about the disappearance of a bicycle.
It is said that during World War II, the Germans greatly offended the Dutch by encroaching on their bicycles. Different versions of this story differ greatly in detail. According to one version, German patrols, tired of chasing Dutch cyclists who do not obey the new order, began to seize bicycles from all citizens. The selected bikes were allegedly disposed of by throwing them into the nearest channel. When asked about the depth of Amsterdam’s canals, the Dutch say, “Three meters of water and a meter of bicycles.” According to another version, the Germans simply took bicycles with them when they retreated, apparently so as not to retreat on foot. However, the Dutch have not forgotten the bikes, and during football matches between Holland and Germany, they often chant: "Give us our bikes back!" The same young Dutchman, who could not own a bicycle at that time, can tell just a visiting German tourist.
The average Dutchman spends a good half of his life on a bicycle, and if you are on the saddle, then this is not a reason to deny yourself small joys. Without stopping cycling, the Dutch can eat, flirt, hold an umbrella from rain, etc. In the Netherlands, even the police have switched to bicycles. Special rental points are open for visitors. Imagine: evening, red lights, girls in the windows, and all around on bicycles. In many cities and villages in the Netherlands, a green street is always open to cyclists. Young girls and luxurious ladies, shaved-headed fathers of families and long-haired rockers all ride heavy, old-fashioned bikes.