Hello everyone!
I came across this community through Bluesky, and I am happy to become a part of it. I love the idea of sharing knowledge and experiences of the 'cargo bike life' independent of Big Tech's advertisements, curation, and algorithms.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, I always took good and accessible cycling infrastructure for granted. Various YouTube channels and bicycle advocates from abroad changed my perspective on this - quite dramatically. I now see how exceptional, yet also vulnerable, Dutch cycling habits are. As a member of the Dutch Cyclists' Union (Fietsersbond), I strive to raise awareness about this in my own community and among friends and family. Many Dutch people do not realize that cycling is not just in their blood. Others think that the Netherlands simply has a cycling culture. Nothing could be further from the truth! That is why I find it even more important to advocate for sustained attention to cycling as a sustainable, affordable, accessible, and healthy mode of transport.
With an interest in design and classic vehicles, I have always been engaged with antique bicycles as a hobby. Additionally, like most Dutch people, I learned to ride a bike well before my fourth birthday. Rides to school, grocery shopping, going out during my student years – it was always by bike. From the age of 12, I rode a classic Juncker touring bike from 1952. Only recently, I switched to a modern, custom-build Azor ‘Abdijframe’ (abbey frame) as I became a father. This 2023 bicyle is based on a typically Dutch "priest's bike" from +/- 1900, featuring a sturdy yet low, cross-frame design. The bike is equipped with a Shimano eight-speed hub, modern roller brakes, a Brooks saddle, and the necessary accessories for safely transporting a child, belongings, and groceries. The extra seat is a favorite of the 3 year old. Although I like the 'bakfiets' from a technical point of view, I have never considered them as practical due to their size and weight. E-bikes are a no-go area for me ;-)
I ride the Azor to the daycare and the train station in my home town every day. Additionally, I cover about 15 kilometers in my 'work city' on a regular Azor ‘herenfiets’ (gentlemen's bike
) every day. Furthermore, I am the proud owner of a Brompton folding bike and the Juncker touring bike from 1952, which has been in my family for over forty years. I am currently working on a 1959 ‘transportfiets’ (the cargobike’s smaller sibling) for my father. He runs his daily errands on a quite worn-out 1936 Batavus and needs a spare bike when his own bike will be in restoration this spring.
I hope to find a community on this website to exchange experiences, learn more about maintaining, improving, and repairing my modern cargo bike. Of course, I am more than happy contribute to other questions and discussions from my Dutch experiences with cycling as a means of transportation.
I came across this community through Bluesky, and I am happy to become a part of it. I love the idea of sharing knowledge and experiences of the 'cargo bike life' independent of Big Tech's advertisements, curation, and algorithms.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, I always took good and accessible cycling infrastructure for granted. Various YouTube channels and bicycle advocates from abroad changed my perspective on this - quite dramatically. I now see how exceptional, yet also vulnerable, Dutch cycling habits are. As a member of the Dutch Cyclists' Union (Fietsersbond), I strive to raise awareness about this in my own community and among friends and family. Many Dutch people do not realize that cycling is not just in their blood. Others think that the Netherlands simply has a cycling culture. Nothing could be further from the truth! That is why I find it even more important to advocate for sustained attention to cycling as a sustainable, affordable, accessible, and healthy mode of transport.
With an interest in design and classic vehicles, I have always been engaged with antique bicycles as a hobby. Additionally, like most Dutch people, I learned to ride a bike well before my fourth birthday. Rides to school, grocery shopping, going out during my student years – it was always by bike. From the age of 12, I rode a classic Juncker touring bike from 1952. Only recently, I switched to a modern, custom-build Azor ‘Abdijframe’ (abbey frame) as I became a father. This 2023 bicyle is based on a typically Dutch "priest's bike" from +/- 1900, featuring a sturdy yet low, cross-frame design. The bike is equipped with a Shimano eight-speed hub, modern roller brakes, a Brooks saddle, and the necessary accessories for safely transporting a child, belongings, and groceries. The extra seat is a favorite of the 3 year old. Although I like the 'bakfiets' from a technical point of view, I have never considered them as practical due to their size and weight. E-bikes are a no-go area for me ;-)
I ride the Azor to the daycare and the train station in my home town every day. Additionally, I cover about 15 kilometers in my 'work city' on a regular Azor ‘herenfiets’ (gentlemen's bike
) every day. Furthermore, I am the proud owner of a Brompton folding bike and the Juncker touring bike from 1952, which has been in my family for over forty years. I am currently working on a 1959 ‘transportfiets’ (the cargobike’s smaller sibling) for my father. He runs his daily errands on a quite worn-out 1936 Batavus and needs a spare bike when his own bike will be in restoration this spring.I hope to find a community on this website to exchange experiences, learn more about maintaining, improving, and repairing my modern cargo bike. Of course, I am more than happy contribute to other questions and discussions from my Dutch experiences with cycling as a means of transportation.
