Why Don't Dutch Cyclists Wear Helmets?

When you're living life in the Netherlands it's rare to see people wear bike helmets, especially on Dutch city bicycles. In this vlog I ask cyclists on the streets why. In the second half of the video I also get people's reaction on how often they make use of their bike compared to their car.
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Usually you only see Dutch people wear helmets when they're riding a road bike, a mountain bike, or a fast electric bike. But since city bikes make up the vast majority of bikes used in the Netherlands, cyclists with helmets are a relatively rare sight. Even on mtb and ebikes people often don't wear a helmet.
The advance of electric bikes has prompted a small number of older people to start wearing a helmet though, mostly since they're more vulnerable to injury and less nimble overall. The only type of bike in Holland on which wearing a helmet is mandatory is an electric speed pedelec which reaches a speed of 40km/25mph.
Overall though it's basically part of the Dutch bicycle culture to not wear a helmet. That may be a culture shock to some, but it has become part of the country's history and tradition. Bicycle first infrastructure and bike first traffic rules together with experienced riders mostly negates the need for helmets.
In addition to that, basically all Dutch people have a bike. Meaning all car drivers are also riders and know how to take other cyclist into account. People on bicycles are everywhere and Dutch car drivers are used to it.
In the above video you'll see 14 fast-paced conversations from which I curated the most interesting reactions. In 12 of them I'm speaking Dutch with subtitles in English so that American expats and other English speaking foreigners living in or moving to the Netherlands can easily follow along.
As it relates to tourism, while most tourists wonder about the best things to do in Amsterdam, there are actually many other travel destinations worth visiting. Cities such as Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven. Just to name a few. Especially when staying longer those cities are worth paying a visit, partly because the cost of living in Amsterdam is relatively high.
Some must-do things when staying in the Netherlands are trying Dutch food such as stroopwafels, poffertjes and Dutch cheese. Joining a walking tour is also well worth as it's a great way to learn your way around a city and to get a good grasp of the different areas and their vibe.
The written article: culturecompass.tv/video/why-d...
00:00 Why no helmet?
03:11 Bike vs car use?
08:45 Next video
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[@CultureCompassTV]

Thanks for watching, if you found this video interesting, please share it with someone else who'd find it interesting!

[@originalmix2546]

In which did you film this? dankje

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@originalmix2546 In Akmaar

[@thebackyard7661]

the answer is simple: the infrastructure is designed in a way to make cycling as safe as possible, due to the way the cyclists and other road users are seperated we barely experience dangerous situations between them (except for in amsterdam where traffic rules barely exist). it also mostly depends on the type of bicycle, the route you drive and your cycling habits, however most people here cycle less than 5km wich makes a stadfiets the best option. i hope this makes some sense to all of you abroad, cycling out here is waaaaaaay different than north america for example.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Well put, thanks for sharing your insights.

[@polystyrene_gangster]

surprisingly, only few of the interviewees mention infrastructure. Maybe they take it so for granted?

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@polystyrene_gangster I think this is because we have grown up with it and so don't know any better other than that it's normal. I only learned it's not normal and how unique the Netherlands is in this regard from the Not Just bikes channel .That really gave me a new found appreciation for my own country.

[@polystyrene_gangster]

@@CultureCompassTV I see. Belgian cyclist here by the way. I envy you guys. We are making progress though, especially in Flanders and now in Brussels.

[@fergusdenoon1255]

yeah a lack of 20percent gradients... in some places, there's no such thing as a leisurely cycle, you're either going 60+Kph or sweating your lungs out on a steep gradient. car drivers attitude seems to be the main thing, with a helmet I don't feel safe on our roads in Scotland, thin windy roads, and cycle lanes are always stuck on the side of a main road where you're constantly swerving for drainage covers and bad road surfaces. places that have a great cycle infrastructure are a real envy of mine because here cycling is just basically, scary.

[@NotJustBikes]

When I am cycling in the Netherlands, I never wear a helmet. When I am cycling in Canada I always wear a helmet. There is a big difference in cycling between these two places, and it's not to do with the weather or the terrain. I wish more cities could be designed like they are in the Netherlands.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Thanks for sharing your insight on the topic Jason. I've been following your channel with interest for years. It's always been interesting to hear your take on things, and it gave me a new found appreciation for my own country. Re "I wish more cities could be destined like they are in the Netherlands": That was what was interesting to me about your video on how Paris is turning into a cycling city. Made me hopeful that over time more and more places will make the shift.

[@shannontrainer5857]

It's because in the Netherlands everybody rides their bikes extremely slow. Also, you shadow blocked me, which shows that you can't take any amount of criticism at all.

[@Roanmonster]

@@shannontrainer5857 Lol in the US/Canada everyone is stuck in traffic constantly, but sure call Dutch drivers slow

[@shannontrainer5857]

@@Roanmonster I said “ride”(as in bikes) not drive.

[@YouTubeGetsWorseEveryUpdate]

I love your video's and to be fair you are mostly right but we do have plenty of dangerous situations here as well. The "buiten de bebouwde kom" are sometimes fairly dangerous, especially when drivers go even faster than the allowed 50/60 km hour only inches away from my bike.

[@henkdesteen9500]

I'm Dutch, but when I used to study abroad for a semester a lot of non-Dutch colleagues and friends used to give me shit for commuting by bike and not wearing a helmet. I think people don't realise how big cycling is in the Netherlands and the extent to which it is ingrained in Dutch children from a very young age. I always think of a particular quote by Tony Hawk when he was criticized for skateboarding while standing his daughter up on his board in between his feet. His response was: "It's more likely that you will fall while walking on the sidewalk than I will while skating with my daughter." I feel the exact same way about cycling. I learned to ride a bike when I was 4. By now I've been cycling pretty much daily for almost 2 decades. I have almost certainly put in more hours on my bike than people my age have been driving their car. I've cycled through burning sun, wind, rain, hail and everything in between. I've cycled through busy city centers, heavy traffic, country roads, mountains, uphill, downhill, you name it. I've cycled to commute, as my only form of transportation, for sport, for leisure and even as a job (courier). I've confidently ridden my bike both sober as a nun and intoxicated to the point of having trouble stringing a coherent sentence together. I've carried myself, grocery bags, backpacks full of books, duffle bags and even multiple friends on my bike. I've spent hours and hours on regular Dutch city bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and even fixed gears. The infrastructure here is terrific, it's very safe to ride a bike here. Plus, every driver in the Netherlands is also a cyclist, so they know how to behave in traffic with a lot of cyclists. I don't own a car and never have, but I do own 2 bikes. One is a regular city bike that works (and that's pretty much it) that I can lock up and leave anywhere without having to worry about it being stolen. The second one is a vintage road bike frame that's converted to a fixed gear. I picked out all components myself, I built it myself, I maintain it myself. That bike is my pride and joy. It's my form of transportation, my "gym" and my hobby. I know how it works, I know how it's supposed to work and if there's anything wrong with it, I will know the very second I get on. Cycling is big in Dutch culture and I love it. During my mid to late teens and adult life, I have only fallen off my bike once and never come close to hitting my head. I've been cycling for as long as I can remember. I built my own bike and I know it like the back of my hand. Through the years, cycling has become second nature to me, so please don't try to lecture me on bicycle safety if you barely know how to ride without training wheels yourself. I need a helmet while riding my bike just as much as you need one to walk down the street. I am very aware of the dangers and take them very very seriously, but you learn to respect them, recognize them, anticipate them and steer clear. If I'm going 70km/h downhill on my road bike, of course I'll wear a helmet. If I'm commuting home from uni during non-rush hour on a Wednesday afternoon, why on earth would I need one? I'm not gonna wear a helmet in case I trip and hit my head on a curb while walking to the bus stop either.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Thanks for your insightful comment Henk. I think it can be particularly insightful for people not closely familiar with Dutch cycling culture. This sheds more light on it and it elaborates on why things are as they are here. I'll pin your comment to the top for a while as I think it's a good read.

[@JTF2402]

So true! Luckily we have good bike infrastructure, but also good car infrastructure. The infrastructure is so bad in for example America. It is so dangerous to even walk on the trottoir there. I have watched many videos of Not Just Bikes, and the weird car infrastructure is really bizar. So many cars ride into building cause of speeding cause of wide streets. There are like little to none bike lanes

[@jebclang9403]

Iemand hier neemt zichzelf serieus LOL... Henkiiieeee

[@daanieb.7713]

Imagine wearing a helmet (im dutch too lol) no one just does that here

[@airstuck3929]

Henk takes himself too serious. Simple answer. We are the best bike riders. And helmets just look silly AF. Like holy damn. Id rather walk than have to wear a helmet.

[@micblass]

In the Netherlands, wearing a helmet while cycling a normal bike around town would feel like wearing a helmet as a pedestrian. However... my plea to tourists visiting Amsterdam: if you aren't used to riding a bike regularly at home, please don't rent a bike in Amsterdam!

[@Twan01]

Or wear a helmet so we know you’re a tourist 😂

[@V0LTCF]

Why not?

[@ruigebeer]

@@V0LTCF Because Amsterdam center is a total chaos already. Tourist bikers that don't know how to handle a bike, don't know the rules and etiquette are a real menace for the people that live there and just want to get to work. I also can't imagine it being a nice experience for a tourist, cause you will get yelled at. If you want to have a nice bike ride, I recommend a nice bike ride on one of the magnificent bike routes around Amsterdam or otherwise just don't get into the center with your bike. I've ridden a bike all my life and even for me center Amsterdam is a chaotic and stressful bike ride, mainly because of all the unpredictable tourist dodging you have to do. If you really want to experience this you are of course free to give it a go, but as i said, don't expect a lot of friendly encouragement from the locals.

[@milomoerbeek7008]

Ive been hit by a tourist on a bike in Amsterdam, i was on the curbe as a pedestrian... Tourist make the city way more dangerous.

[@user-in4ex3tr4d]

If you are a toerist pleas wear a orange cone on your head and flaschy lights so we know to stay away xD

[@RFDarter]

As a german it's crazy to listen to dutch. At one moment you understand the hole sentence and in the next moment you don't even understand a single word the say.

[@neville1311]

Same but swedish lol

[@Mimi_miemss]

Lol, us dutch people are just *built different*

[@thistlebites2167]

As a dutchman it is the same the other way around if you dont have any knowledge of the German language.

[@M________________________]

​@@neville1311 I lived in sweden and i can confirm that some words are almost exactly the same and some words totally different in dutch.🤣

[@lookdawg187]

Being Dutch I can sometimes understand/read Frisian, German, Swedish, and Danish. English, Irish and Scottish is also similar at times, or worlds apart. All have the same linguil roots, basically our languages are dialects.

[@Arjay404]

I love how most of the answers to why they are not wearing a helmet is, "What, now?" and "I'm on my citybike". In the down town area nobody uses a car and to go down town everyone uses their city bike, it's just such a normal concept. It was also interesting that the ones that did mention wearing a helmet all mentioned it in relation to mountain biking or speed biking. It's not that they are against helmet, they just don't want them where it doesn't make sense.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yes that was what was most fun about this interview to me also. Asking that question and seeing the reactions which are telling in and off themselves - without words even.

[@dr.comtedetarde]

I only wear helmet if I bike at high speeds

[@StofStuiver]

It would also negate the advantage of biking. You will either have to keep wearing the helmet, or carry it along, which both are impractical. We use bikes for all sorts of reasons, mostly though bc it has zero hassle. You take it, weather with 'sunday' clothes, or working clothes, go where you want to go, throw it against a wall and go get married, or go fishing, or pick up groceries. No access bagage, except maybe the key for the lock. No taxes, no speed limit, no parking fee, no nothing. Its freedom!

[@Jeffrey7]

@@StofStuiver you make me want to go ride my bicycle

[@StofStuiver]

@@Jeffrey7 ;]

[@margreetanceaux3906]

When I was 35, I learned to drive a truck. First - really, the first! - lesson by my instructor: "always keep your distance from cyclists, they don’t stand a chance against the wheels of a truck. Your truck is stronger, so the safety on these roads is your responsibility."

[@MetalliEd1]

My instructor had a bicycle bell attached to the handgrip near his head. When i took a turn without proper looking over my shoulder, he rang the damn thing whilst saying; “you just hit a cyclist “. Very effective.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

@@MetalliEd1 OMG!!! Shock treatment! Slightly off topic: he made me a much better driver, "when you’re driving a Twingo, and you can’t see the trucks’ mirror, be aware the truck driver might not even know you’re there".

[@andrewthomas2406]

@@MetalliEd1 you should of said good,thats one less

[@raizin4908]

@@andrewthomas2406 Assuming the story took place in the Netherlands, "cyclist" would not mean "annoying person who thinks they're better than the rest for using a bicycle" but "normal average citizen, who happens to use a bicycle at the moment." Practically _everyone_ uses a bicycle at least every now and then, and for about a third of the population it is even their primary form of transportation on a typical day. No one would say "good, that's one less". Edit: Ah, looks like Andrew deleted the comment. It was a reply to MetalliEd1's "you just hit a cyclist" story, to which Andrew said something like "you should have said 'good, that's one less'"

[@ChaoticLifemaker]

@@raizin4908 Well, while we aren't the "annoying person who thinks they're better than the rest for using a bicycle", I for sure am the "Annoying asshole who stares you down and acts as if the road, bicycle lane and sidewalk is their property and things traffic law is more of a suggestion". And I suspect I'm not the only one in Amsterdam.

[@hetsmiecht1029]

I live in the Netherlands, and I currently have driving lessons. We are taught from lesson one how to safely share the road with bicycles. For example: if I move even a few centimetres to the right without looking, my instructor smacks the window on the right and says "blind spots". Same with turning right: you have to look at what's next the car long before moving your steering wheel even half a degree, and then again right before the turn. Also, when entering/leaving roundabouts we are taught to look for cyclists from both sides, even if the cycling path along the roundabout is clearly one-way. The cyclist is always right, even when they are clearly not adhering to traffic rules. Drivers just have to adjust to cyclists, not the other way around.

[@wazigeavondjes]

Ik denk dat het ook deels te maken heeft met wat een vrouw zegt "iedereen die autorijdt fietst ook" Zo weet je wat jij doet als fietser en dat jij als fietser soms ook niet helemaal aan de regels houdt, zoals het voorbeeld van jou de andere kant van de rotonde oversteken. Zo houd je als chauffeur rekening met fietsers en leer je dit natuurlijk ook in rijlessen.

[@ruigebeer]

@@wazigeavondjes precies dat. Als ik in de auto zit verwacht ik dat er uit elke mogelijke steeg, zijstraat, kier of gat een fietser komt, omdat ik zelf ook zo fiets. Letterlijk elke automobilist houdt de ogen open voor fietsers, omdat zij en hun kinderen morgen ook gewoon weer op de fiets zitten. Ik weet hoe kwetsbaar een fietser is omdat ik zelf ook elke dag fiets.

[@rogeriojunior9459]

as a brazilian, dutch cycling culture seems like a dream to me. i really hope i can be a part of this someday

[@Freefunware]

Nobody seems to have mentioned that the bicycles are different in the Netherlands. Dutch bikes allow the cyclist to comfortable sit aright whilst the majority of bicycles in other countries are what we would consider racing bikes where you have to stay hunched over completely.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yeah good point. Upright Dutch bikes have quite a few benefits. I love the relaxing upright ride with a good overview of my surroundings, and the step-trough frame that mine has is great for getting on and off easily too.

[@clairegroenink3362]

Also: coaster brakes, so no danger of rolling over whatsoever.

[@markuselias6017]

This is a really good point. As a Dutchie, I was living in Sweden before. In Stockholm and Uppsala people bike like they are doing a marathon. It's crazy. When they arrive at work, they take a shower because they are so sweaty. People were often yelling at me as they thought I was blocking their way. I think the biking culture in The Netherlands is much more relaxed (at least outside the big cities).

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

Absolutely true. They are also heavier, which makes the weight sit lower, which in turn limits the chance of flying over the handlebars.

[@MRTRNgaming]

You mean dutch people prefer to buy city bike while other prefer to buy a mountain bike for the speed and comfort?

[@gerry343]

What a very sensible attitude the Dutch have! Giving cycles priority and putting the blame for collisions onto drivers has created a culture in which cycling is just one step above walking and completely normal for most people.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Happy to read that's the message you got from this video. Apart from generally creating an interesting video, I was hoping it would inspire people from other countries. Where are you from? Just curious.

[@gerry343]

@@CultureCompassTV I'm English and used to cycle quite a lot, but never felt the need to wear a helmet. As someone on your video said, you're more likely to land on your hip than on your head. At least in UK wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement, I believe when Australia brought that in cycle use actually decreased.

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@gerry343 Ah ok, I didn't know helmets are legally required by law in Australia 😨

[@olivierfaber8478]

Biking every day keeps the doc away..Dutch here i own a Gary Fisher MTB, Trek hybride citybike , Nirve beach cruiser and a oldskool Dutch Batavus tank for snow and ice season..Zero emission , the rest of the world can take an example ..Best medicine to prevent obesitas ..People with cars are so easy , for every step outdoor take the car....

[@natuurlijkwasbaar6563]

The rules are awesome, the reasons these people give ar just stupid...Just because you are right and the care is to blame...this Will not make the headinjury Amy less painfull of dangerous. And yes in dutch and always, always where nu helmet! Slow OR fast...

[@ostapkurtash6359]

Very nice channel. I am in the Netherlands for 3 years almost but never got a good understating of how real-life dutch people speak. The naturality of the conversation together with subtitles makes Dutch language so enjoyable!

[@CultureCompassTV]

Happy to hear it's so enjoyable to you in that way 😊 Welcome to the the Netherlands. Where are you from originally? Just curious

[@Bananenschil_]

"real-life dutch people" xD

[@ostapkurtash6359]

@@CultureCompassTV I was born in Ukraine but I was around 7 years old when my family together with me moved to Portugal where I lived for over 15 years. 3 years ago I moved to The Netherlands for professional opportunities in the area of Electrical Engineering. This year I am learning dutch no matter what and your videos are an awesome source of inspiration! Hope more are coming.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yes more are coming. I aim to upload a new video every 1 to 2 weeks going forward, if i can manage that. I'll soon travel the Netherlands by bike and film interviews all throughout the country.

[@ostapkurtash6359]

@@CultureCompassTV Thanks for the update! I sure will be watching. Good luck on your bike trip. Hope you'll get some good content out there!

[@joyderosales3055]

Wow, I knew the Netherlands is full of bikes but I never realized that so many Dutch people almost only use their bike for transport. Very interesting video, thanks for making it.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Good to hear it was so interesting to you Joy. When interviewing I was a bit surprised of that myself too - I didn't expect the numbers to be that high. The people I interviewed were using their bike in that moment though, so the numbers probably don't accurately reflect the Dutch population as a whole. But still many of those people also own a car and still they use their bike a lot 😊

[@vincenzodigrande2070]

It really is true, whether I am out during the day or during the evening, I see the same cars parked at people's houses all the time almost, especially with all the people working from home since COVID, cars are almost obsolete here.

[@ehekkert]

According to the latest estimate (2019) by branche organisations, there are 22.8 million bicycles in the Netherlands. Our population is only 17.44 million (2020).

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@ehekkert Thanks for quoting that interesting bit of research.

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

@@CultureCompassTV Those are also the best drivers in a car because they know how it is to also cycle on a bicycle in traffic. We use it as a form of commute and it is mostly in a city the fastest way from one point to another. I grew up in The Netherlands and moved at my 25th to belgium. Quite a shock indeed. But it is getting better here. But neighbours are "that kind of people" or typical Belgiums that take the car to go 60m to the bakery and back home. We live 1,3km from school our son attends and we have a cargo bike(so much fun and also very stereotype as a dutch in belgium) but again so many from our neighbourhood do that by car. And then complain about parking spots and dangerous situations for the kids..

[@stagnant7]

This is a very pleasing video in the way it gets right to the heart of why people cycle in the Netherlands. I think it's probably better than any other purpose-made advocacy video. Interesting to hear from the Dutch that the helmet is not required when riding their 'city bikes'. I've recently bought a proper Dutch omafiets and it would be almost impossible to go over the handle bars when braking hard, when these type of bikes are combined with proper infrastructure you don't need a helmet if you don't want. That's in stark contrast to the typical bikes available in Australia that are quite forward leaning and poor cycling infrastructure, making helmet use more plausible perhaps.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Thanks for your comment stagnant7, good to hear you appreciate the video.

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

Dutch people tend to ascribe their comfort on a bike to 'culture' and 'learning from an early age'. While true, I think many greatly GREATLY underestimate what effect infrastructure and regulations have had on road safety. It makes all the difference As a Dutch person who has cycled in many countries, I can't overstate enough how dangerous roads in some countries can be, especially when there a a) no separate bike paths (at times you ride on highways!), b) the roads are designed for cars and c) people aren't used to cyclists (or hate them). If I'm riding abroad, I wear a helmet, period. It's not a matter of my skill, that hardly matters. It's other people's skills and their familiarity with bikes. Plus: bike paths, man. They are a game changer

[@CultureCompassTV]

Good point.

[@dantevortex]

The cemetery is full of people who said "nah, that doesn't happen to me". Wearing a helmet is not required by law, so people don't do it. But if you somehow fall off your bike and hit your hit against anything, you will most likely be a lot better off if you had a helmet. It's not because you think you drive safe, but because other people don't.

[@user26912]

@@dantevortex wearing a helmet can also give false sense of security so you take more risks. And helmets can in certain occasions block sight.

[@DreamteamCarlo]

Most people in NL have several options to get from A to B. Short distances, good public transport and most people who want a car or scooter can afford it. You choose to cycle because it's quick, easy, cheap, you're flexible, independent and free to have some beers, or to enjoy being outdoors. Wearing / carrying around a big ass helmet doesn't fit those purposes.

[@avond179]

Still not allowed to drink and drive, below 0.5 promille is allowed. But everyone is just taking the bicycle because they only can give you a ticket for driving under the influense and they can't take your driverslicense for it. Just a smart way of traveling... and in the evening there is always less police.

[@hvermout4248]

In the Netherlands we don't even wear a helmet under the shower! (which is where most accidents happen in NL)

[@Benny_000]

I was shocked when I first saw my German girlfriend step into the shower with a helmet on!

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

But most accidents with bicycle are one sided and you can hit you're head pretty hard on the ground. I have been in that situation and wear a helmet now. And yes I did move to belgium which is not great for cycling although my city is getting better and better. But here most people on bicycle wear a helmet and it is not only due to the infrastructure. I do miss The Netherlands in that regard, almost homesick to have a good infrastructure for bicycle. But healthcare is "better" here in belgium. So every country has it's pro's and cons

[@johanwittens7712]

@@martijnvangammeren1868 Lived and cycled in Belgium all my life and i agree our cycling infra isn't great. But it is still way better than most other countries, including for example denmark and copenhagen which is often cited as an example. But saying most people cycling in belgium wear a helmet is categorically untrue. As i said i've been cycling in belgium all my life and even now with more and more electric bikes around, most people DON'T wear a helmet here either.

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

@@johanwittens7712 Then it is different from city to city as in Aalst I see a big rise in helmet usage in all age groups.I don't have numbers but it is very different from lets say 4 years ago. Also the infra is getting better here so yes I'm excited about that! The new mobility plan in Aalst really sucks for cars as it does not have a real ring way so they push cars out and traffic is kinda worse. But riding a bicycle is a bless now zooming past those standing cars. Still neighbours bring their kids to school by car which is 1,2km away. And complain about the safety issues and parking problems at school... I live in a village near Aalst and even those amazing "eetfestijnen" in the village centre see a lot of people arrive by car even if it is 300m from their home and we do talk about people who are working normally and being 40 something.

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

@@johanwittens7712 Here in Aalst i do see a steep rise in helmet wear. So no, maybe not everywhere and it is more localised.

[@sherlockhomeless7138]

People from other countries don't understand that we have seperate roads for bikes. That means that even if you do make a colission (with another cyclist) you both cycle around 15 km an hour. So the worst thing that can happen is that you fall on a hip. So, basically the only time when you have to be more careful is when there's ice on the road.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yeah and we fall on the hip because we mainly use city bikes. Not road or mountain bikes which are more likely to launch you over the handlebars. City bikes aren't common in other countries as far as I know, so I think this contributes to some misunderstanding too.

[@ThCaveManProductions]

@@CultureCompassTV yeah. Here in Portugal the city bike/low frame is also called "woman bike"... It does not help to change the mindset to create car free zone, dedicated bike lanes and change the way of city life to a more sustainable one

[@Nottokena]

@Memeitis we in the netherlands use a bike more than other countries, take that + the fact that there are barely any accidents to begin with. your comment would only be valid if canadians would bike as much as we do

[@LMvdB02]

Dit is niet echt zo buiten steden. Maar dan is het meestal wel zo dat de weg zo is ingericht dat automobilisten je makkelijk zien aankomen en vanzelf langzaam rijden. (stenen weg die geluid maakt, hobbels, smallere weg etc.)

[@sherlockhomeless7138]

@Memeitis Maybe my argument is stupid, but the statistics are on our side. There are barely any accidents with bikes. There are probably more accidents of people falling down the stairs. But we don't wear helmets then either.

[@totaltechno7510]

I feel like a point isn't mentioned here, a helmet takes away a lot of the convenience of cycling. A bike does not have a secure compartment like a scooter so you have to take your helmet with you to your destination. Which is inconvenient as most public places don't have storages or they are expensive.

[@jolienvsndijk]

yeah if you have to wear a helmet it would only make sense to use a bike when cycling for fun or sport. I can't imagine choosing to cycle to the store, the city center, school, to work, or even a friend's house if it meant having to haul around a helmet with me.

[@PowerSenpai]

I don't really get this point. I just hang it on the bike when I go to the store or at home. Just leave it on the bike?

[@ChaoticLifemaker]

@@PowerSenpai In Amsterdam that's a surefire way to become a regular at the helmet store.

[@PowerSenpai]

@Chaoticlifemaker Why bother stealing helmets when nobody uses them? I haven't had that happen here but of course I would not know enough of the culture there.

[@lisanne1711]

@@PowerSenpai People steal everything. You cannot leave something unattended in a big city

[@timderks5960]

Why? Simple: In the 20-ish years I've been cycling, I've never once had anything even close to an accident, and never once was I at risk of falling, other than when I was learning to ride a bike, or when it's extremely slippery, and then we're prepared for it. When riding a bike is the same as walking, asking why people don't wear a helmet when biking is the same as asking why people don't wear a helmet while walking: We have enough experience and a safe enough environment that it simply isn't needed.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yeah good point. Cycling is part of our early development and so we're naturally good at it. That together with the very safe infrastructure makes helmets unnecessary IMO.

[@SjaakSchulteis]

I was very pleased watching these interviews. I live in Thailand for ten years now and watching this movie, realizes how much I miss our Dutch bicycle roads here. I go twice a week on a trip of around 50 km with two other Dutch guys who are both in their seventies (I'm 64 now), but we are very naughty.... none of us wear helmets. Never did in my life and though I should (sometimes I go over 40 km/h), I don't like to use one. It is just too hot here. Besides that, most roads are quiet on which we drive. I have a so called gravelbike and can't carry anything on it, but watching your movie, I think I'm gonna look for a bike for shopping as well...

[@CultureCompassTV]

Great to read the movie insipres you like that Sjaak. Apart from my fast touring bike which I use for 5km+ distances I also have a second bike, a city bike. And it's of much added value. I use it most of the time and it's very relaxing to cycle around on.

[@sandoumir4348]

For the same reason pedestrians in every single other country on the planet don't wear helmets. Nobody is wondering why that is.

[@bromptinowner763]

Interesting topic! Well done for getting out there and asking the question x

[@CultureCompassTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@clocktower8634]

enjoyed your video always liked the Dutch cycle culture , also liked the little pause they all give when asked about having a car, like they were going to confess a bad thing very interesting

[@CultureCompassTV]

"like they were going to confess a bad thing" 😊 Didn't notice that myself. Now I want to re-watch and see if I can notice that as well.

[@craigmoffitt2374]

In the United States you get the insane attitudes of the people driving in their cars. They will deliberately crowd a cyclist and run them off the road. They will get out of their cars and make threats, often with weapons involved. When there is an accident, frequently is just gets assumed that the cyclist must have caused it because of the stated reasons. There was that incident last year in Texas where a teenager who was driving a truck deliberately modified to spew extra pollution ran over 6 cyclists and the local police just let him go. What bicycle lanes exist are often poorly maintained and are full of road debris and broken glass. Local Governments are often hostile to even maintaining what exists. The attitude in Europe could not be more different.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Wow, that sounds horrendous. Didn't know it was that bad over there the attitudes.

[@patrickhobbs96]

It's fun watching with the subtitles. I understand Luxembourgish and a bit of German, so, with English as well, it's challenging and satisfying to try and follow. In addition, I watch Not Just Bikes, so I like the Dutch bike culture.

[@quackerreal]

Priority in life is to live in a bike friendly city

[@CultureCompassTV]

Where do you live now? Just curious

[@quackerreal]

@@CultureCompassTV bit late, but outer Melbourne

[@0connell07]

I love the answers car owners give to why they still choose to cycle. It's so true it's enjoyable and soo good for your mind and health. People in car dependant countries feel there is no other alternative to driving. Most journeys can be done on BIKES easily, people just don't realise how great it is! It's one of the things that make me envious of Dutch culture!

[@CultureCompassTV]

Where are you from? Just crious

[@0connell07]

@@CultureCompassTV Ireland, I enjoy cycling and have a car myself, but most people here drive short distances which could be done on bikes. After recently visiting the Netherlands and cycling over 250km with great infrastructure it's a shame the culture isn't the same in other countries.

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@0connell07 Ah I see, how is cycling generally in Ireland? Would you feel ok about traveling 250km in Ireland by bike? Or would that feel unsafe to you? I ask because I'm interested in traveling by bike in other European countries in the not too distant future, so I'm quite curious about cycling experiences in other countries now.

[@0connell07]

@@CultureCompassTV I would cycle that distance but I'd only feel safe on a road bike traveling avg 25-30km with lights and helmet. Don't expect segregated lanes like you have in the Netherlands. You will be sharing the road with cars and while most drivers are curtious and give distance overtaking you can have some scary incounters with trucks, crazy drivers etc. you also have to be aware of your surroundings as drains and service covers tend to be at the side of the road where your cycling, the road surface can be rough in parts too. It is a beautiful country to travel by bike so don't let me put you off 😉

[@GilesWendes]

Love this. Just cycled around The Netherlands and it's the best for cycling!

[@KootFloris]

5 reasons aside from personal stories: we don't wear helmets because: 1. Cyclists rule. Hit one, you're to blame unless they really made a big mistake. 2. No helmets means less fuzz, which means you'd sooner take a bike. The more cycling the healthier the people. Check obesity in the UK as a reference. 3. On an individual level, yes helmet is safer. On a collective level not. Scientists discovered when we all don't have helmets, we care more for each other. 4. We can also read each other's faces better because chaotic Dutch cycling means many little interactions with others to make it work. 5. The infrastructure is made for them, much more then in any other country. There were even more reasons but this should be a great start. Otherwise check the Not Just Bikes Channel.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Thanks for adding those points Floris

[@wimahlers]

​@@CultureCompassTV 6. The average commuter cycle speed in a (Dutch) city is 13 kph, because there is no need and no stress to (try to) outrun motorized traffic. Many joggers run faster and also don't wear helmets. 7. Cultural difference. In The Netherlands a cyclist is seen and considered as a mechanized pedestrian. In (virtually everywhere of) the rest of the world a cyclist is considered to be a slow moving motorist. See: "vehicular cycling". 8. Out of proportion (i.e. wrong) focus. Too much emphasizes on bicycle helmets. Whereas there is zero focus on car helmets, despite the fact that there are many (more) brain traumas with car accidents.

[@I.Toverheks]

10. every Dutch driver is also a cyclist, has been at some point in their life or has family members who rides bikes. They know the risks and are taught to protect the cyclists and always keep them in mind during their drivers lessons. any new designed cycling infrastructure is designed to separate cars and bikes as much as possible in order to protect them.

[@peerx7866]

@@wimahlers My electrical powered ATB has an advantage. It will support the cycling and can run pure electric (without cycling) both at a speed of 25 km/h. Combined it will reach a speed of 30 km/h. Very fast, so to speak. Within the city centre, I'll use pure electric mode, so I can move af walking speed instead of 25 kmh.

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@wimahlers Thanks for adding those points. Love the lively community discussions and additions 😎

[@YouTubeGetsWorseEveryUpdate]

When I'm on my city bike I never wear a helmet but I will on my road bike. The woman on 1:56 said it best, you can anticipate whatever you want but if other people don't look out there is still a big change for an accident. And not just cars, the are a lot of cyclist that think they are invincible and just turn left without looking or indicate are dangerous. Don't have a car. My work is 28 km away and if the weather permits even a little bit I will go on my road bike.

[@Creequ]

On a city bike you sit upright so you never fall on your head while they provide no protection against cars. The negligible advantage is outweighed by the burden of having to carry the helmet with you everywhere.. cycling is done to get places, commuting, going out to a pub, grocery shopping, etc. Think about how bothersome it would be to have a helmet with you while you're out drinking. Additionally, our driving license requirements are very strict, you must be taught by a licensed instructor and great attention is given to cyclists on the road during your training. You'll see people wearing a helmet on mountain bikes and road bikes though, as the speed or risk of falling much is higher and you don't take those to the pub or supermarket.

[@gardenjoy5223]

Currently living in Germany. From my village to the next one, there isn't even a safe route for cyclists! From one city to the next, there is no safe route! Which means, that I would have to bike on a road without a part for the bicycles, without lights on that road, with trees all around (so nowhere to go to for a car driver, if he has to avoid me, when he hasn't seen me in time), and a good curve with blocked sight. NO WAY am I using that route. It's just not safe! I won't use it with a helmet. I won't even use it with a helmet and a special jacket with lighting stripes. When you see how fast and reckless they drive, even in the curve... Certain death. But in the Netherlands I'd have my own lane and even lights, no blockage of sight allowed. I'm perfectly safe there.

[@robinnannes6924]

Haha m'n man is in Alkmaar, wat een strijder!!!! Mooie video's, blijf zo doorgaan!

[@Plaagfluit]

Ik hou van deze manier van interviewen, heel goed gedaan!

[@CultureCompassTV]

Leuk om te horen.

[@e-BikeLife]

As a U.S. cyclist, I wish we had the same infrastructure here. It would make so much more pleasant. Most people drive all of the time. Actually, they are forced to drive, though they do not see it that way.

[@CultureCompassTV]

I've been following the Not Just Bikes channel with interest as he's been covering the flaws of US infrastructure which make it so car dependent. It's interesting to me as I never realized we had it so good in the Netherlands before. It gave me a new found appreciation for my own country. The channel; recently also published a video on how Paris is changing its infrastructure fast to become more bicycle friendly, so that gives some hope I think on more places taking on that model over time.

[@e-BikeLife]

@@CultureCompassTV Yes, I watch Not Just Bikes a lot myself. Hoping that we can return to NL this September. 2006 was the last time we were in NL and then it was only Amsterdam. This time the plan is to visit many of the smaller towns, including Alkmaar. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@Tuinierenopstrobalen]

@@e-BikeLife come over to the north as well! I live near Frederiksoord, one of the latest additions to UNESCO. It is truly gorgeous up here, especially on a bycicle💚

[@matthewtymczyszyn8948]

what’s frustrating is we only have cars because we moved heaven and hell to build car infrastructure. Imagine how quick Eisenhower would be building metros and bike lanes right now!

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

@@e-BikeLife Oh you should do that! Alkmaar, Hoorn, Frederikshaven, Almere, Groningen, etc all beautiful.

[@michellelee8933]

I love how easy it is to get around in the Netherlands 😭😭😭 I swear, best transportation infrstructure in the world.

[@WhoGotSoulHere]

I remember when i worked in the middle of the city, i used to cycle like crazy every day in streets filled with pedestrians, filtering like crazy. The main streets could get very busy, and bicycling wasn't allowed there, sometimes i quickly had to jump off to avoid getting a ticket. But man that was fun. I honestly quite miss that, now i travel with a car to work every day.

[@DiRtYLaWs2007]

Meanwhile in the UK, every new cycle path meets a huge opposition, and people still argue that cyclists should pay insurance and be taxed to use the roads, and see cyclists as the main cause for congestion and accidents. It’s a completely backwards attitude.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Wow, I didn't know it was that bad across the channel. Seems almost an opposite world in that respect.

[@ValentinoMariotto]

I can consider different point of views.. but to say that cyclists are the cause of congestion sounds like a joke

[@WhoGotSoulHere]

I mean you guys drive on the wrong side of the road anyway, that's probably where the issue stems from lol

[@Graysandal4332]

Its probably that way because the only cyclists there are the asocial ones not following any traffic rules and making dangerous decisions. If thats all you see from cyclists I can understand people grow up hating them.

[@ZambiblasianOgre]

@@ValentinoMariotto Your average British driver is so fucking far up their own egotistical arse that they can't see where the real problems with British roads lie.

[@DJohn001]

I agree with the percentages. I'm also using the bike 99% of the time when I'm moving through the city.

[@Sawer]

Simple answer, because we find the idea of a helmet laughable. Whenever you lob yourself underneath a truck a helmet wont do much. As a Dutchy with a lot of bike accidents on my name... None of my accidents i had would have been better with a helmet.

[@rcazzador]

Such a good Channel! I loved it.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@rivkathegreat]

Weirdly enough, in the Netherlands, having a car isn't a necessity. Having a bike is. You can take the train or bus if you gotta go really far, with ease. Besides that, most people just take the bike for a ride, if it's not too far away. Going grocery shopping, bringing the kids to school, going to a friends house. That's why we teach kids at a young age how to ride a bike.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Good point. Quite a few Dutch people don't even own a car, but they sure own one or more bikes.

[@Broekmanium]

True for the Randstad and big cities, not so much for any place else. If you live in a village, even bigger villages, public transport is just not worth the time and usually means having to go into the nearest city first to a train station.

[@fattony9227]

In addition, The Netherlands has a great public transport especially in the cities. Other than bicycles, people can use buses and the metro. Retired people get free passes in their region. I see school children every day on their way to school riding their bicycles. The roads in the cities where most Dutch live are designed with special lanes for cyclists. Auto drivers give cyclists the right of way. They don't crowd them or try to run them off the road as the case in many countries.

[@bertkassing8541]

Haha, proud to be Dutch when I see this video. I always cycle whenever I can. That's why the high petrol price doesn't bother me that much :-) Cycling is fun, healthy and better for the environment.

[@matthewtymczyszyn8948]

It’s the tall legs, I think.

[@smalls5001]

@@matthewtymczyszyn8948 no I have small legs and it does not matter at all

[@xirisx1988]

Even the police have bikes if they patrol in the city. They do wear a helmet because they use mountainbikes. Sometimes a bike is faster in those small alleys.

[@camerondewaal4769]

People dont wear healmets bc theyre on a mountainbike wym

[@xirisx1988]

@@camerondewaal4769 Police do sometimes. Just google it.

[@camerondewaal4769]

@@xirisx1988 cuz they have to. Im dutch myself

[@xirisx1988]

@@camerondewaal4769 Ik ook.

[@Antonio84able]

Nice channel you have. Could you please try to ask your questions a little bit slower and duidelijk? These type of youtube channels I found very useful for studying the language. Good luck!

[@pallekjrlaursen8388]

Great video on so many levels.

[@QuintenBourgondien]

Goeie luchtige content. lekkere simple maar de juiste vragen van de interviewer. 👏👌🇳🇱

[@CultureCompassTV]

Dankje voor je compliment QB. Altijd goed om te horen 😊 Zijn er ook dingen waarvan je denk "dat kan nog beter"? Ik vraag dat want ik ben altijd opzoek naar manieren om mijn videos nog beter te maken, en goed doordachte kritische feedback vind ik daarom erg waardevol.

[@QuintenBourgondien]

Euhm dat vind ik lastig zeggen na 2 video's.. Ik kan wel de korte serie "Theo van Gogh onderdak" aanraden. Hij is echt een duuvel interviewer in de positieve zin van het woord bedoeld. Steen goede satire van 10+ jaar geleden. En ik vond persoonlijk van vice de "Census Nederland"een vet concept en leuk opgezet. Misschien kan je daar wat uit halen?

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@QuintenBourgondien Bedankt voor de tips. Ik heb ze in mijn Watch later playlist geplaatst. Misschien dat ik er inspiratie uit kan halen inderdaad. Ik wil in een later stadium misschien ook interessante individuen interviewen. Langere interviews met 1 persoon dan. Bijvoorbeeld die persoon die de Ocean Cleanup gestart is hier in Nederland. Interessant om zijn verhaal te horen en hoe hij dat als ondernemer allemaal voor elkaar heeft gekregen.

[@QuintenBourgondien]

Boyan Slat is dat als ik me niet vergis ? Ja dat zijn zeker interessante onderwerpen! 1 op 1 is wel knap hoor als je dat echt goed kan. Wordt soms zwaar onderschat heb ik het idee. Er wordt soms met een minder hoge verwachting en of kritische blik naar gekeken heb ik het idee. wat volgensmij belangrijk is, tenminste voor mij dat zijn deze punten: Huiswerk doen, voorbereiding,leiding nemen, uitdrukking's vermogen, algemene kennis en niet verlegen zijn om een kritische vraag te stellen net op de rand, om een gesprek open te breken en boeiend te houden.

[@QuintenBourgondien]

Wat moet je daar nog aan toe voegen of Hoe zie jij dat ?

[@tonlon1356]

Super funny to see my home town of Alkmaar. The idea of cycling is that it is easy. You hop on a bike and go. Your daily groceries is easier on a bike than a car. A mandatory helmet makes it less convenient. In the end you will see more people in a car, which makes the roads more dangerous.

[@ginozucottimusic]

wow alkmaar the town where you’re recording is so beautiful

[@jaimycreemers6536]

Erg leuke video om te zien, geinig dat zoveel mensen ook de fiets pakken.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Ja ik was zelf ook verbaasd daarover. Dat mensen ondanks een auto te hebben zoveel gebruik maken van de fiets. Leuk om te horen dat je de video erg leuk vind.

[@StarEssences]

I wish I could reside in the Netherlands. I prefer to ride my bike as it too, as some said in this video it makes them happy, good exercise and saves on a multitude of costs compared that to having a car. I reside in Nevada and car driving here is a living nightmare. One thing I give credit to Nevada for though is it's natural landscapes, mountains, national parks, and where I am at, the air is cleaner and I have several beautiful views of the Mountains.

[@miatx6818]

I live in Netherlands 🇳🇱 but Last time more and more people use scooters to go to places cuz yu don’t have to do a thing and yur faster Cuz they say “if im 15 im finally done with the bike cuz its to much input just for a few kilometers” or they just go by car cuz its more easy

[@StarEssences]

@@miatx6818 is humanity becoming more lazy?

[@willembakker7999]

@@miatx6818 this has always been the case, but most people do their scooter away heen They are 25

[@sebastos7693]

Yeah, I'm sorry to say you won't find many mountains worth your while in the Netherlands, but at least you never have to go uphill.

[@sanderx9678]

as a dutchy, I never even thought about wearing a helmet. Since the very first time I stepped on a bike as a 4 year old I wasn't wearing a helmet, and that very first time I slammed into the wooden washing line pole, a little cry and I was fine, I learned from that. I've been "hit" by a car 2 times, one time me not paying attention and slamming into a car door that a kid had JUST opened when it was parked on the side of the road, and one time because the car in front of me turned to the right and didnt use their blinkers and didnt see me, both times no injuries at all besides some bruises. our roads are designed so that cyclists either have a seperate road or on more quiet roads you ride on the very right side, and cars here are used to it because they ride their bike too. I really just don't feel the need to wear a helmet because everybody here is so used to bikes on the road that its safe (as long as you keep your focus on the road unlike me). The idea of wearing a helmet on a bike is very weird to me too hahaha

[@bauke28]

9

[@hansbraam73]

Remarkable that none of the respondents mentions the infrastructure for cyclists which provides so much (notion of) safety. It seems to me that most Dutch aren't aware how exceptional these separate bikelanes and well structured junctions are. At least I didn't notice untill I followed Not Just Bikes...

[@CultureCompassTV]

The lady in the green coat mentions it at 03:15. But generally yeah I think you're right. For us Dutch it's mostly just what we are used to and what's normal. I wasn't aware of how special the Dutch cycling infrastructure was either before I watched Not Just Bikes.

[@hansbraam73]

@@CultureCompassTV I stand corrected. *Hardly any of the respondents. 😉

[@dutchman7623]

@@CultureCompassTV A lot of things that are considered 'normal' nowadays were fought for during decades. Not only bicycle infra, but clean water in all houses, sewer water cleaning plants, social housing, reliable electricity, garbage collection, paved streets and roads, and much more. A short look at the USA or UK or even Belgium would teach that these things are not normal. The Rhine was saltier than the North Sea in the sixties because of French industry, the Meuse was a dead river because of Belgian and Dutch pollution downstream. Rotterdam's water tasted like water in New York or DC, and nobody drank tea or coffee from tap water because it was disgusting. As soon as we see all our achievements as normal, we do not respect them, cherish them, or maintain them. When I look at the circumstances my grandparents lived in, and their struggle to get some improvement, I know that having a warm shower at home isn't normal, nor having a light switch, nor having a toilet you do not have to share with twenty families. Our living standard isn't a given, but has been fought for, and can disappear if we do not care.

[@CultureCompassTV]

@@dutchman7623 Good points, and some interesting facts that I didn't know. Thanks for bringing them up.

[@markuselias6017]

I think we are aware of it, but it's just so normal to us that we don't consider it as something special.

[@aim__freakz8499]

i'm hoping so bad for other countries to follow the netherlands with the better bike infrastructure now when the gas prices rise! i don't really think something will change but i hope it so bad. i'm so sick of cars everywhere.... the noise, the pollution, the danger of cars, kids can't play outside and it just feels weird walking on a street next to cars driving 50-70kmh depending where you are...

[@CultureCompassTV]

I think it's just a matter of time with the world electrifying and the need to get off of fossil fuels. Paris in France has already started the process, see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXqQYoyEdtKKos0

[@Wappie667]

@@CultureCompassTV we started the transition years ago. But as long as the charging network isn't ready yhe transition isn't happening tbh.

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

@@Wappie667 In The Netherlands the infra for electric cars is there already. What we do need is stuff like Shell did, just convert a petrol station to a charge station with a shop and around 15-20 fast chargers in city environment. They did that in Londen in a area with loads of big SUV's so it wasn't a station that didn't get used.

[@Wappie667]

@@martijnvangammeren1868 there already? lmfao 10 chargers for 1000 cars In the city centres isn't a reliable source, i live in a town we have a total of 3 chargers for 22000 people, and that's enough? lmfao how stupid can you be

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

@@Wappie667 non-electric biking should have the preference over electric biking. It far more environmental friendly and good for your physical condition as well.....electrification is not the holy grail of making our energy consumption sustainable, using less energy is

[@muhammadaamir8992]

I'm doing Uber eats in Amsterdam on e-bike at 30 kmph but I never thought I need to use the helmet because it is pretty safe. There are two problems for a (foreigner) new rider. 1. Tram tracks, if someone has told you how to cross over it then you are lucky otherwise you have to fall down once and then you never forget it like me 😬 Believe me bike tires are so perfect to just stuck inside the tram tracks. 2. When you are crossing small streets like this + you can expect someone like you from the right or left side to hit you.

[@z.kramer6027]

just make sure your wheels don't align with the tram tracks then they never get stuck. you can also pull on your handlebars while leaning backwards a little to jump over them but mind the rear wheel.

[@lindaraterink6451]

One other thing when Americans go buy a bike they almost always go with the sport editions. On these you are leaned forward. For just commuting short distances this is not realy a comfortable bike and when you come in a collision you almost always fly over the handle bars. Our typical Dutch city bikes have an upright position, wich makes you fall sideways almost everytime when you do fall. Hence why combined with the speed (wich is not that fast) you fall on your hip and your stretched out hand. Not your head.

[@zivkovicable]

There is a reason why people in car centric countries opt for speed rather than comfort. If you are sharing the road with motor vehicles, it's often advisable to keep up with them, & to have the ability to accelerate out of trouble at junctions. I realise that sharing lanes with fast moving cars is an alien concept to most Dutch cyclists. When i'm in the Netherlands I ride an upright Dutch city bike which makes total sense in that enviroment. Here in the UK I need something a little faster.....& then there are the hills.

[@liannewestra]

and also you can ride routes where a car is not allowed. For example: I can go from the south of my city to the east with just ONE traffic light. ( and it's also temporarily) When I take the same route with the car it is more than 6. But what most people didn't mention in the clip: it is cheap!! no parking fee, no gas needed

[@thadude9013]

Good vid 👌 Goede video 👌

[@squidcaps4308]

Over 30kmh you should wear a helmet, below that it has very, very little to do with safety. Speed is very crucial as the head injuries do get suddenly very dangerous. But 10-20kmh it is quite rare to have serious head trauma, it is slow enough that you are not thrown to the ground. Mandatory helmet laws don't save lives, they are well meaning and the idea sound good but in practice they just make people use bikes less and once cars take over fully, accidents start to rise. 40 years cycling in Finland, have not needed it. You just have to use common sense and remember that cars might be wrong but you be dead..

[@CultureCompassTV]

"cars might be wrong but you be dead" That made me chuckle the way you worded that. Good thing to keep in mind yeah 😊

[@DenUitvreter]

Upright bikes might make a difference too in not landing on your head too.

[@mariadebake5483]

@@DenUitvreter True. You always fall to the side when riding an upright bike. Never on the head.

[@mariadebake5483]

@Peter Alexander Never happens here. Not on un upright bike. And cars don't hit you like that either. Not in the Netherlands. Infrastructure is too good, car drivers are too careful of cyclists, cyclists are too experienced. If you fall, you fall to the side grazing your elbow or knee. That's it.

[@mariadebake5483]

@Peter Alexander Strangely enough, it doesn't happen no. Obviously you don't know much about Dutch cycling.

[@jarasimonson4040]

When I was in West Virginia caring for someone's home I used to take a bike to go grocery shopping. There were no bicycle paths so I drove next to sort of a highway. It is only now actually that I realise why people were staring at me. I was more like: for real, where are the bicycle paths then? I am not kidding haha.. I was caring for the home of a friend who was in India at the time,he came back later and then we went everywhere using his car. I never thought of it again.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Reminds me of an experience I had in Malaysia once. Got one of those electric scooters and was trying to explore Kuala Lumpur with it. Went ok for a while until I just got stuck as all roads basically became dangerous motorways.

[@jarasimonson4040]

@@CultureCompassTV haha yes.. I had a similar experience on Bali! Have been in Kuala Lumpur too!

[@Mnguyen92]

0:21 dat ben ik, leuk je gesproken te hebben die dag!

[@CultureCompassTV]

Wederzijds 🙏Leuk om je comment hier te zien

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

The netherlands are great with bikes, next thing they need is adequate parking space for bikes (unlike lifting your bike on your shoulder and walk it up- and downstairs everyday into your third floor appartemnt and parking it in your living room because there is no parking space in the street, as many durchies unfortunately have to do).

[@VinnieFarsheds]

I was surprised no one mentioned a big advantage of going by bicycle when going to the city center (where this is filmed), that you need to park the car somewhere. And all parking in Dutch city centers are paid. I'm a true Dutchman (read: frugal) so I won't pay 3 EUR/hour for a parking spot so I would be losing money already before actually buying something.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Good point.

[@kimthegrey]

Like some other comments mentioned: infrastructure! But also you see that more people with an electric bike wear a helmet, because those go faster and thus if you fall you fall harder. Electric bikes are also more accident prone, because you have less control over the bike. And mofeold people can be seen to wear a helmet, because their balance is not as good anymore, though more of them should...

[@derekjolly3680]

On the issue of e-bikes, is it all types of those requiring a helmet by law there in Holland or Netherlands, or just some of them like non-pedal models?

[@CultureCompassTV]

Only speed pedelecs require a helmet, they have a top speed of 45kmph. Normal ones 25kmph. I never see non-pedal models, though some now illigal China imports don't require pedalling. By law ebikes require padalling here.

[@derekjolly3680]

Well, saying "e-bikes" in this context for a query I was a bit loose with the term you know. I have a 750 Wt model with pedals besides two other regular bikes and I call that an e-bike. Electric model bikes with no pedals normally I'd just call those electric mopeds or scooters. Of course those are rare here too. Normally the scooter bikes we see around are just gas mopeds like always.

[@derekjolly3680]

@@CultureCompassTV Where I live in Arizona there are no helmet laws whatsoever excepting for teenagers in certain localities for bikes. Normally the more left-wing politically for cities. Not for bikes, e-bikes or motorcycles, regardless of power or speed. Mine for instance is supposed to cut off at 28 MPH officially, but it runs the power till around 31 or 32 MPH when you adjust the regular settings for top speed. I only hit that on the flat at near to top power and top personal output though.

[@TheKickboxerr]

That's filmed in Alkmaar, where I live

[@handlotion8244]

I’m dutch but i’ve moved to Copenhagen last year (supposedly the most bike friendly city in the world) and seriously about 40% of bikers wear a helmet here. It is quite interesting because the numbers on bike crashes and injuries are indeed way lower in Copenhagen.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Thanks for sharing your experience. How would you describe your cycling experience in Copenhagen compared to the Netherlands in terms of cycling infrastructure and safety? Just curious how the two compare in those respects.

[@JipSlinger]

Who said Copenhagen was the most bike bike friendly city in the world? did Copenhagen say that? because as far as my experience the netherlands is much much safer.

[@AardvarkDK]

Hand Lotion, could you post those stats on bike crashes and injuries comparing Denmark to The Netherlands? From what I've seen the two countries have the same mortality rate for cyclists despite 40% of Danish people wearing helmets. Incidentally, of the approximately 1200 people who die from head-injuries in Denmark every year, only 1% are cyclists. It makes you wonder why people only wear helmets for cycling and not for all other activities.

[@dimrrider9133]

@@JipSlinger Malmo in Sweden is even saver as Copenhagen but the Netherlands is by far the safest. Copenhagen claimed that they where 10 years ago but it was fake and fony.

[@docouchi7929]

Because they are safe from cars, and their streets are design for bicycles … unlike the US, where nearly getting hit by a car is frequent, nearly everyday when riding with cars since bicycle infrastructure is lacking , and those down hills… when picking up speed its highly recommended

[@robbindijst6265]

Omdat het hier vanwege de infrastructuur niet nodig is. Met de auto moet je overal omheen rijden. Met de fiets kan je overal tussendoor. Voetgangers en fietsers zouden ook ten alle tijden voorrang moeten krijgen op autoverkeer. We struikelen hier al bijna over auto's. Elk gezin (huis) heeft al 2 of 3 auto's.

[@benbultrini5043]

Great vlog, but I would have been interested in hearing you interview people in cars as well to see how they may answer the questions differently.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yes that's a good point. I realized it would have been good to do this after the fact. If I will ever do a version 2 of this interview video I'll definitely include people in cars as well. Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@MrMezmerized]

I think you'll not hear many different views. It's just much more convenient to use a bike for shorter distances, particularly in city and town centers with roads closed off for cars. Plus no fuel or parking costs.

[@DilipBanerjee]

This video brought back good memories of my visits to Holland. The Dutch are such nice people and I absolutely loved cycling there. One question I have is about bike theft. Is this as much of a problem there as it is here (Near Toronto, Canada), and if not, why?

[@CultureCompassTV]

Good to hear it brought back good memories Dilip. What I do to prevent bike theft is I have a second used bike that cycles well but looks unattractive. I've been leaving it parked outside in public 24/7 with only a cafe lock for many years and it never got stolen. That's in a local neighborhood though, not the city center. But my strategy with that bike is to just have one unattractive bike that wherever I go doesn't attract the attention of thieves. I use my better bike only for longer distances as it's faster. That said, one lady that I interviewed told me even an older bike of hers got stolen while out in the city center on a Thursday night, so it still happens. I personally don't have much experience with it so maybe someone else who does can add to this.

[@Creequ]

Yes it is, about half a million bikes are stolen every year.

[@bomhof2002]

Yes many stolen bikes especialy at the big student cities. When a bike is gone they take another old one

[@svennieehX050]

Bikes can get stolen, definitely. As a young person i just have a shitty bike that does the trick well with a simple lock. Works for me. The kind of bikes that are the target are usually the more expensive ones (say, an e-bike) , but they consequentially also usually have a better kind of lock, and perhaps also a 2nd lock.

[@lindaraterink6451]

Bike theft is as normal as riding your bike. One minute you still have your bike the next you don't. We came to live with it, we do have quite good locks though to make stealing more difficult because of it. Most do not drive their 'good bike' to places where theft is common. Most of us have a seccond bike we affectionately call ours trainstation bike. (stationsfiets) this is a bike that has nothing worth stealing for on it (no lights not bell no pretty paint job if you are out of luck not even a sadle) it just takes you from a to b. If you loose that one, it is not as bad, you just take a nother from the stations bike parking lot, there are plenty ;)

[@charng]

"if an idiot who never rides a bike....". that is just so funny!

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yeah that was a funny at times and also interesting monologue, worth highlighting: 2:18. In hindsight maybe I should have put it earlier in the video.

[@duranvt3856]

I always cycle through Alkmaar and Alkmaar, just like the rest of the Netherlands, is just really save to cycle.

[@Blue-bb9ro]

What a lovely channel!!!!!

[@CultureCompassTV]

Good to hear you're enjoying it

[@jayv9779]

Anyone know what average speed the city bikes go? Where I am in the US our paved path trails are limited to 15mph(24Kmph). I see a mix of helmeted and non.

[@PeterJavi]

Usually 15kmh, you'll have the odd person that goes 20

[@CultureCompassTV]

The first numbers in the table below are with wind in the back, second number is with headwind. That's from one person doing a what seems to be a pretty scientifically valid test. But since it's one person doing the test, it's important to look at the numbers in the relative sense. The numbers are in km/ph: City bike 22.4 16.9 Sports bike 24.7 18.2 Road bike 26.3 20.7 Low recumbent bike 27.5 26.5 Electric bike 26.7 24.7 Road bike 200 watts 35.1 27.2 Source: www.fietsersbond.nl/snelheid-5-verschillende-type-fietsen-vergeleken/

[@wouterschoenmakers3073]

To add to that, we dont have any limit for speed we're allowed to go on a bike

[@jayv9779]

@@wouterschoenmakers3073 To be fair, there is not any enforcement on the speed. They just put up the signs. I ride an ebike, so I use a helmet. It also has a built in intercom so I can talk to my wife as we ride, so it is dual purpose.

[@wouterschoenmakers3073]

@@jayv9779 hahahaha that's so extra.

[@suzannev1519]

Love our city of Alkmaar ❤️

Cycling with our dog in a city with NO HELMETS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKCUlX9jm89nhrc&t

[@inezdeclemy8562]

It's also really easy to cycle in the Netherlands because we barely have any mountains. It's just flat.

[@starbase218]

The question should be: why do people in other countries where a helmet? After all, it's not that people do it because it's fun or practical. It's only because it is necessary in some places (ok, actually in most places). So why is it? And the reason is of course that cycling in most other countries is so much unsafer than in The Netherlands. In those countries, the safety of all road users isn't prioritised equally. Dutch infrastructure is perhaps the best in the world. Seriously.

[@CultureCompassTV]

@Memeitis Would you still wear a helmet when cycling in the Netherlands? Or considering the Dutch infrastructure and cycling culture, would you feel safe wearing no helmet? Just curious. In case you haven't visit the Netherlands previously it's probably hard to make a definitive call on this, but still I'm curious 😊

[@starbase218]

@Memeitis I agree with the second argument, that it's designed for bike users. Or rather, that it's designed for all kinds of traffic, instead of prioritising cars. But I'm not sure I agree with the first. The Netherlands is flat, but unless your city is built on a mountain, I don't really see how that affects things. I'm thinking of the town of Vaals in south of The Netherlands, and wondering if people use helmets there (Vaals is in a hilly area with the highest elevation being 320 meters above sea level). I think they don't.

[@rruysch]

Dutch bikes are different to 'normal' bikes. You sit upright, not forward. when you fall you break your ribs. not your head.

[@dutchskyrimgamer.youtube2748]

Long live the omafiets!

[@ddo4130]

Alles op de fiets doen, betekent: helm op helm af. Je kan natuurlijk ook de hele dag je helm op houden! De fietsvaardigheid is in doorsnee groot. Overig verkeer is gewend aan fietsen op straatbeeld en houden er rekening mee. De meeste autorijders weten namelijk ook hoe het is om te fietsen.

[@janklas7079]

We also do not wear kneepads when walking on the sidewalk.

[@misteragb7558]

We think it's ridiculous, we just don't fall. And if we would fall (maybe once in a few years when there's ice on the roads) we don't fall on our heads...

[@makkie211175]

The reason we Dutch don't wear helmed is quiet simple. A helmed gives you false security. You feel save with a helmed, but you are not. without a helmed, you drive more carefull, knowing you might get hurt, when you are not on your guard. But it doesn't matter when you hit by a car with a helmed or not, you are still very funerable and a car can easely kill you. Also with a helmed you drive faster then without, you pay less attention to other traffic as you feel unvunerable.

[@DukingAroundDIY]

I`m using your channel to learn Dutch :))

[@CultureCompassTV]

Great, veel succes 😊

[@DukingAroundDIY]

@@CultureCompassTV Dank je wel

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

I can't remember the last time I fell with a bike. It's that long ago. I do know that it happened more often when I was a kid. But even then I never hit my head.

[@abelbrentjes8063]

Not wearing a helmet is kinda our second amendment.

[@Basic190]

We are very defensive about it yes😂

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

It's like asking 'Why don't you wear a helmet when you walk '? - 'because people don't just fall on their head' 😉

[@jiriwichern]

@Memeitis If you go 30 km/h (~20mph) on a bike, you should wear a helmet. Even 'though Dutch regulations exempt scooters (with that as their maximum speed) from wearing a helmet. I seldomly go beyond 15 or see any one go faster. The only bike users I have seen going that fast are either speed pedelec users or true (sports) cyclists.

[@swedneck]

Love the lady who goes on a small monologue

[@Lars_erik]

Fantastisch ook dat die “verplichte” helm zo lekker vast zit 😂😂😂

[@NoomStuff]

if you dont fall, you dont need a helmet -Me, a dutch person

[@dariuslankarian3282]

I think having no hills helps as well. In some cities you ride your bicycle with groceries and you end up sweating like a pig.

[@CultureCompassTV]

Yes it's interesting to consider if/how the Netherlands would be different in terms of the cycling culture if it was hilly. Probably has quite a big impact that it's not I assume.

[@treasurehunter4024]

Is dit een vooronderzoek voor verplichte helmplicht?

[@CultureCompassTV]

Het is om mensen in het buitenland een indruk te geven van de Nederlandse fiets cultuur om er zo hopelijk door geïnspireerd te raken. Parijs is bijvoorbeeld bezig met een transformatie naar een fietsvriendelijke stad. Wanneer de voordelen van de Nederlandse fiets cultuur meer internationaal aan het licht komen kan het wellicht meer steden en landen inspireren.

[@esmeet.2729]

De mevrouw op 2:18 klinkt exact als Brigitte Kaandorp

[@riaschildt7834]

In the Netherlands and Danemark cycling is (a kind of) transport. In most other countries it is a sport, that is a big difference. In The Netherlands they learned to drive at 4 years old for transport to school a.s.o. in other countries sthe start cycling as a sport at about 15 or 20.

[@snapgab]

Lol is there anything more Dutch than getting confused about which of your several bicycles you're currently sitting on?

[@CultureCompassTV]

Haha yeah good point

[@hannahmuller3279]

aww alkmar, such a wonderful city, i have been there once and loved it

[@CultureCompassTV]

Where are you from Hannah? Just curious. Glad you liked it there.

[@hannahmuller3279]

from munich in germany :)

[@ssikkema4222]

Leuke vergelijking met Amerika 😂 daar is de infrastructuur niet gemaakt op een grote groep fietsers zoals hier en daar rijdt zowieso niet veel met een fiets als hier. Ik vindt dat een beetje appels met peren vergelijken. Amerika heeft ook een andere wapenwet als hier maar zie het niet zitten wanneer we dit aan hun gaan aanpassen hier 🤔 alleen mocht de fietser hier in Nederland zich van mij wel wat meer bewust zijn dat er een reden is waarom de wet hun standaard gelijk geeft in een ongeval, juist omdat ze de kwetsbare zijn in het verkeer maar hun gedrag is vaak van niet er naar en dan staan de wielrenners stip op nummer 1 wat dat betreft helaas. maar wel een leuke video waarna je blijft kijken. 👍

[@CultureCompassTV]

Ik stelde die vraag om op een objectieve manier de fietservaring in Amerika en Nederland te vergelijken. Wat de Nederlandse fietscultuur anders maakt. Niet alleen vergeleken met Amerika, het voorbeeld dat ik gebruikte, maar vergeleken met veel landen die geen sterke fietscultuur hebben. Door dit te doen, wilde ik het positieve benadrukken, niet iets negatiefs. In mijn ogen is de Nederlandse fietscultuur geweldig en die zou ik op geen enkele manier willen veranderen.