Get on a bike and you are suddenly Dutch

My own experience with cycling in the Netherlands began in 2021. That is when I got on a bike again, after not cycling for 12 years. I was immediately impressed by how many people cycled and how good the bike paths are. I have never repaired a bike before. Fortunately, that is not necessary often because the roads in the Netherlands are good, so the chances of getting a puncture are slim. Cycling in the Netherlands is also surprisingly cheap, especially when you think about how much you can save on public transportation or the car.

My compatriots Sayed Sadaqat (32) and Taib Afghan also think the Netherlands is a cycling country. Sayed fled from Afghanistan to the Netherlands in August 2021 after the Taliban took power. Now he lives in Middelharnis, a village in South Holland. His 1st impression of the Netherlands? The huge amount of bicycles and the fact that everyone uses them. "In Afghanistan mainly children or people who have no other transportation cycle. Here everyone cycles, from poor to rich. That surprised me a lot," Sayed says.

He explains that in the Netherlands he started to look at cycling differently. In Afghanistan, cycling is not popular due to poor roads and dangerous traffic being the biggest obstacles. "In big cities like Jalalabad, there are no traffic rules and bad roads. Here in the Netherlands, fortunately, there are wide bike lanes and clear rules that protect cyclists," he explains. "I also do not have to be afraid of being hit." According to Sayed, this makes cycling in the Netherlands much nicer.

Still, Sayed did not expect a bicycle to be so expensive in the Netherlands. "Some bikes here cost more than a car," he says with a laugh. This may come as a surprise to many people, as bicycles are often seen as cheap means of transportation. In the end, Sayed chose a used bicycle. This is also the choice of many Dutch people, because of the price.

Sayed notices that people in the Netherlands cycle not only to save money, but also to stay healthy. "Dutch people told me that cycling is good for your health. And I soon felt the same myself," he says. Now Sayed enjoys cycling every day. "It is easy, safe and you can get everywhere." He advises others who are new to the Netherlands to buy a bicycle. That way you quickly get to know your new surroundings.

Especially if you have not lived in the Netherlands for long, cycling gives you freedom and flexibility. Bicycles are available everywhere. You can find affordable second-hand bikes in thrift stores or on Marktplaats, for example. In addition, there are bike paths throughout the Netherlands. Usually these are separated from motorways.

Taib, who came to the Netherlands with his children 3 years ago, also says that cycling in the Netherlands is completely different from cycling in Afghanistan. "In Afghanistan I preferred to drive a car because cycling is almost impossible there. There are no rules for cyclists," he explains. But that changed when he came to the Netherlands. "The Netherlands is 1 of the most bicycle-friendly countries in the world. The government makes it easy to travel by bike and takes good care of cyclists' safety."

When Taib arrived in the Netherlands, he stayed first in an emergency reception centre and then in an

Now he has got his Dutch driver's licence - an Afghan license is not valid here - and rides his bike less. But he advises others to definitely try cycling: "It is an easy way to explore the Netherlands and stay active."

Cycling in the Netherlands has more benefits than just the low cost. It helps you stay healthy and is a fun way to get to know your surroundings and culture. "For many Dutch people, cycling is an important part of their daily lives," Sayed says in conclusion. "It is a way to quickly become part of the culture. That is why I recommend anyone new to the Netherlands to get on a bike as soon as possible."

This story was written by Ghulamullah Habib van RFG Magazine