All bikes are currently seeing a resurgence in popularity. This is due to many factors, including eco-consciousness, health issues, and simply finding the joy of riding a bike again. While people are opting to trade in their cars for the greener two-wheelers, governments are taking notice too, implementing more bike lanes and supporting bike advocacy groups. Of all the governments that support bicycles, none have been more progressive than the Netherlands. All you have to do is go to places like Amsterdam to see how much the bike has taken. What you will also see are the very distinct Dutch bikes that are unlike any other style. These bikes have a rich history and are popular for many reasons. Here is a brief summary of the incredibly popular Dutch bike.
Omafets
The Omafiet translates into Dutch as “grandma’s bike”. This is currently the most popular style for women traveling in the Netherlands. The bike is traditionally painted black with a step-through steel construction frame. The handlebars are tall, giving the rider a very upright position when riding. The bikes also have fenders, dynamo lights, skirt guard, and come with a single speed. The bikes are much heavier than the traditional bikes found today, but are still incredibly popular. Today the omafiet can be found in many different colors and materials, but the basic look and design remain the same. The bike’s design makes them ideal for flat cities where commuting by bike is the main mode of transportation.
Opafiets
The opafiet is the male version of the Dutch bicycle. In Dutch, it translates to “grandpa’s bike”. This bike has similar construction and features, however it has a “diamond” frame, meaning the top bar is straight. This “gents” frame also means that the rider is not as upright as he would be in an omafiet. This vintage style bike is still very popular with men and women in the Netherlands and all over the world.
Bakfiets
Another type of Dutch bicycle that has become increasingly popular in the last two decades is the bakfiet. This bike is a “box” or “hub” bike. This type of bike features an open or closed box designed to carry cargo, pets, or people. There are many different variations of this bike; some have the box at the front of a two-wheel city bike, while others have them at the rear, sitting between the two rear wheels of a trike. These bikes have been around for over 100 years, but are now becoming popular again due to the ease with which people can carry large loads on them. They are also popular with parents in the Netherlands who need to take their children to school.
brands
If you’re looking for a vintage Dutch bike, you’ll want to look online for some great deals. Be prepared to pay quite a bit for one though, as these bikes are incredibly popular and tend to go fast. You might also consider buying a new bike from companies like Pashley and Velorbis. However, if you’re buying a new one, expect to pay a bit more. If the price is daunting, think of it this way: This isn’t just a bike, it’s your means of transportation and much, much cheaper than buying and using a car. Plus, these bikes are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking down and needing repairs in the near future.