"But until you're standing at a crosswalk with hundreds of bikes whizzing by in every direction, it's hard to really internalize just how central cycling is to daily life. There are more bikes than residents here, and riders of all ages commute with precision and speed. I spotted the littlest kids perching on handlebars (or even riding their own bikes in the street), people texting while biking, and lots of cyclists running red lights ..."
"I'd long imagined Amsterdam as a picturesque city of canals, tulips, and windmills. However, visiting for the first time with my husband and 11-year-old twins quickly showed me a few surprising realities that coexist alongside those postcard-worthy views. From its frenetic bike culture to its unexpected culinary influences, the city challenged some of my assumptions even as it reinforced others. Here's what surprised me most about my first time in Amsterdam."
Amsterdam blends postcard scenery with intense everyday realities. The city features ubiquitous, fast-moving bicycle traffic that operates like a vehicle system with its own rules and right-of-way. More bikes than residents share streets; riders of all ages commute precisely, sometimes texting or running red lights, and children ride on handlebars. Reliable trams and buses run punctually, comfortably, and reduce the need for cars. Indonesian cuisine provides unexpectedly memorable dining experiences. Planning for casual family bike rentals may be unrealistic given local cycling intensity. Families visiting with children should exercise caution at crosswalks and adapt travel plans.
Read at Business Insider
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