Hey Londoners! Introducing Dutch Cycling in London, a cycling club dedicated to making dreams come true. Back in 1973, the Dutch faced traffic congestion, pollution, and high road death rates, all due to the booming car industry and oil crisis. In protest, they wanted their space back and rediscovered a secret weapon they had obtained from England in the late 19th century – the 'Safety bike', also known as the 'English Roadster'.
Invented in Walthamstow, London in 1885, these bikes revolutionised transportation by allowing everyone, including women and children, to ride faster and safely. It symbolised a societal revolution and played a significant role in promoting women's rights. Since then, the Dutch and English bikes have become inseparable, as cycling enables the Dutch to make their dreams come true. Imagine the positive impact if millions of Londoners could also experience the freedom of cycling!
Unfortunately, many Londoners find cycling dangerous, complicated, and stressful. But fear not! The Dutch have 40 years of experience in perfecting cycling urban design standards, planning policies, and road user education. At Dutch Cycling in London, we want to showcase the differences between London and Dutch approaches, educate about cycling behaviours, designs, and policies, and provide a glimpse into the Dutch cycling lifestyle through videos.
We need your help in identifying small projects that can quickly and significantly improve the cycling experience in London. Our goal is to create a safe, easy, and enjoyable environment for everyone, from kids to elders, to move around the city by bike. Share your ideas, give feedback, and join us on this journey to transform London's cycling scene.
Led by Saskia Huizinga and supported by the Academy of Urbanism, Dutch Cycling in London is a serious yet funny project that aims to inspire and educate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated. Join the fight and let's make Dutch cycling in London a reality!
Dutch Cycling in London @DuCycLon on Twitter & Facebook.