What We Can Learn from the Netherlands
By Mary Munroe Seabrook, Co-Founder, Friends of the Commodore Trail
There’s so much to admire about the Netherlands, but at the top of my list is its beautifully designed bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. For my summer vacation, my family and I enjoyed a five-day self-guided bicycle tour of the Netherlands. For anyone familiar with the fear, danger, and confusion of biking in Miami, cycling in the Netherlands feels like heaven. It’s so safe that no one wears a helmet—except me. After years of riding in Miami, I can’t ignore the instinct to protect myself.
According to RunRepeat, 58% of the Dutch population commutes by bike, compared to just 0.6% of American. Everywhere I went, bicycles ruled the road. In fact, there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands. Many streets are nearly car-free, and the only real hazards are fellow cyclists or the occasional electric tram.
Bike lanes are clearly marked and often come with their own traffic signals, completely separate from cars and pedestrians. At crossings, cars consistently yield to bicyclists and walkers. I couldn’t stop smiling, waving, and mouthing “thank you” to drivers. No one else seemed to notice—because it’s expected. It’s the law, and drivers follow it. What a concept! Miami drivers could learn a thing or two from the Dutch.
Despite its ubiquity, Dutch bike culture is far from chaotic. There’s a clear set of laws and etiquette: ride on the right, pass on the left, yield to pedestrians, and obey traffic lights. Cyclists can even be ticketed for violations. Every bike is equipped with a bell, and it’s used respectfully to alert others. At age 10, Dutch children take a rigorous exam to earn their bike license—a rite of passage that gives them their first real taste of independence. The exam tests both traffic knowledge and practical cycling skills. It’s a vital step, especially since most children are expected to bike to secondary school by age 12.
This well-planned network isn’t just for the young and fit. It’s designed for all ages and abilities. I saw elderly riders steering with their cane held across the handlebars, parents transporting up to four children in front of cargo bikes, and people in electric wheelchairs moving confidently along shared lanes. Everyone, regardless of age or mobility, participates in and benefits from this inclusive system.
We saw all kinds of bike lanes: from the gold standard—separated, bidirectional lanes on both sides of busy roads—to more modest paths weaving through marsh reeds and narrow medieval streets. Even when space was limited, bike lanes were always present, providing a consistent sense of safety.
Outside city centers, an extensive network of separated bike paths crisscrosses the countryside, offering a scenic and serene way to tour the Netherlands on two wheels. Granted, the country has a population density 14 times higher than that of the U.S., and compact historic cities. But the real difference lies in leadership: since the 1970s, Dutch policymakers have prioritized bike infrastructure.
Many town centers are now car-free, creating havens for both residents and tourists. It’s also blissfully quiet without the cacaphony of gas powered vehicles. The air smells of freshly baked croissants rather than exhaust fumes.
Recently, leaders from Miami-Dade County’s Transportation Planning Organization toured the Netherlands by bicycle. I sincerely hope the experience inspires progress back home: safe, connected networks of sidewalks and separated micromobility lanes for everyone—cyclists, scooter riders, wheelchair users, and pedestrians alike. It’s time to rethink how we move, and the Dutch model offers a roadmap worth following.
