Why the Netherlands Became the Cycling Capital of the World | Dutch Bike Culture & History

Cycling in the Netherlands isn’t just transportation—it’s a way of life. With more bikes than people, the Dutch have built one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. But this didn’t happen overnight. From the invention of the modern bicycle in the late 1800s to the rise of car traffic in the 1960s, Amsterdam faced a crisis of safety that sparked protests, activism, and a cultural shift that redefined urban life.

This documentary-style story takes you through the history of Dutch cycling culture, the grassroots “Stop the Child Murder” movement, and the innovations that transformed cities into safe havens for riders of all ages. From bike lanes and traffic-calming designs to unique traditions like the Dutch Reach, discover how the Netherlands turned a simple machine into a cultural identity—and why the world looks to them as the model for sustainable urban living.

0:00 Introduction – Cycling Culture in Amsterdam
1:00 Post-War Netherlands: Cars Take Over the Streets
2:05 Traffic Growth & Daily Struggles for Cyclists
3:15 Protests Begin – Parents Demand Safer Roads
4:25 Police Confrontations and Public Resistance
5:40 Turning Point – Bicycles as a Symbol of Change
6:50 Legacy Today – How Amsterdam Became the Cycling Capital

Note: At 3:26, the still shown is from a Dutch abortion protest. The cycling movement also used the phrase Stop de Kindermoord, but in the context of traffic safety.

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