I love cycling — but was intimidated by bike traffic in Rotterdam.
Netherlands has the highest bike ownership in the world, with over 24 million bicycles for a population of 18 million people, and cycling makes up roughly 27% of all daily trips nationwide.
Over 35,000 kilometers of segregated red-asphalt cycle paths, dedicated traffic lights, and continuous bike routes.
In 2011, I was nothing but impressed.
But in 2026 … I find the higher speed eBikes too dangerous.
Helmets are not required.
I saw people in the busy city texting while on an electric bike at 25km / hour or more.
For some years, cyclists represent the largest share of traffic fatalities (281 deaths), outpacing passenger car occupants (228 deaths).
At least 41% of those killed while cycling were riding an e-bike, and the sharpest increase in deaths occurred specifically among men aged 70 and older. I’m age-68.
Fatbikes ridden by young men seemed the biggest danger to me.
