Chiel G, Nevele

Having lived in both countries for a reasonable time in my life: If I ever had the option to pick, I'd really like to combine Dutch cycling culture with the public space infrastructure of Australia.

I'd love to have a cycling culture in Oz.
Australians really need to let go of the 'exercise' idea of bikes and just use it as transport. As commute. Get comfortable bikes instead of these aerodynamic light spacecrafts. Stop putting lycra on before you go out. Don't drive to the schools or train stations, just cycle there.

The Dutch could really learn by looking at Australian parks and trails. Water fountains everywhere - for humans AND dogs -, free public toilets, free barbeques, with picnic tables and covered gazebos for all to use.

Oh, and the Dutch might have to learn not to vandalise everything in their eyesight. That might help too.

#cycling #publicspaces #cyclingculture #urbanpark #urbanparkdesign

Jan 21, 2023 at 11:32pmWeb
Show threadrickweinbergJan 22, 2023
@nevele I’m pro cycling. Want to cycle in Holland one day.
Show threadJoshua ByrdJan 22, 2023
@nevele It was so strange to me that there are no public toilets anywhere over there when I went. Wild
Show threadChiel G, NeveleJan 22, 2023
@phocks I agree! That and the lack of drinking fountains is strange every time I'm back in The Netherlands
Show threadVicenteJan 22, 2023
@nevele Apologies for the tangent, but when I first saw this post, I read the first line as “Having lived in both centuries for a reasonable time in my life”. And it made me realize that it is a totally valid statement that I will start using from now on.
Show threadChiel G, NeveleJan 22, 2023
@vinc hahahaha. That's what I'll do as well. 😂
Show threadChristian KentJan 25, 2023
@vinc @nevele Notice of Meme Acquisition
Show threadLiz IrvinJan 22, 2023
@nevele I love this idea! Finding public loos in the Netherlands was pretty much impossible, let alone free ones. And the Australian climate lends itself so well to cycling. Two of my favourite countries to live/visit for different reasons, I would love to see them combine and learn from each other.
Show threadJeroen van BergenJan 22, 2023
@nevele You’re right about the lack of public space infrastructure in the Netherlands. Some train stations have tap water available but that is about it. Don’t get me started on the vandalism, I have never really understood the fun of breaking things for general use. #cycling #infrastructure
Show threadChristian KentJan 25, 2023

@nevele Absolutely true. I've worked hard to translate Dutch's two words for cyclists:

1. pedallers — "AAAA" all ages all abilities, leisure cruising, safe commuting, dress for the destination … why not sit up straight? Get fatter tyres for all surfaces and the odd pothole. Let the e-bike worry about the wind and the hills.

2. sports riders — MAMILs, fake sponsorship logos, don't look at the crotch … one of them asked your local council to paint a cartoon bike on their favourite road route