The Netherlands is the most bicycle-riding nation in the world. Most of this ubiquitous universal bicycling is done aboard the iconic Dutch two-wheeler known as omafiets ("grannybike") or staadfiets ("city bike").
An omafiets has a curb weight of about 45 lbs. because it's built for strength, not for speed. Strength is more important when you're carrying two bags of groceries home from the market, or transporting your child to school. Generally, an omafiet has has three gears, or none, and a simple coaster brake. You sit straight upright with your left hand on the bell.
I named my old rusty, bald-tired, black/over-orange spray-painted omafiet (it came with our apartment), "Wilemina."
presenting "Wilemina"
Outdoor bicycle parking lot in Den Haag. The Centrum train station in Den Haag has a multistory bicycle lot.
