Cyclist's Day in the Netherlands (14/05)

On Cyclist's Day (Landelijke Fietsdag), the entire population of the Netherlands takes their bicycles and sets off. This holiday takes place annually on the second Saturday of May. And although it does not have official status, it is very popular in the country.

Bicycles are distributed almost everywhere in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They are unusually numerous, which, in addition to favorable climatic conditions, is facilitated by developed infrastructure (a network of special bicycle roads, bicycle traffic lights, etc.). An ordinary Dutch resident keeps several bicycles in his house.

In the Netherlands, bicycles are often stolen. Often — is not the right word! This has practically turned into one of the national sports. Bicycle thefts are so common in this country and so numerous that the police hold regular (every two weeks) reviews of what they still manage to find. The police find, of course, a small part, but this small part is also very large: the task of those who came to the police — shows is to prove that the signs of the bicycle described in the protocol coincide with anything available. The Dutch are philosophical about the loss of a bicycle.

They say that during World War II, the Germans greatly offended the Dutch by encroaching on their bicycles. Different versions of this story differ greatly in details. According to one version, German patrols, tired of chasing Dutch cyclists who did not obey the new order, began to confiscate bicycles from all citizens. The selected bicycles were allegedly disposed of by being thrown into a nearby canal. After this, sometimes when asked about the depth of the Amsterdam canals, the Dutch answer: «Three meters of water and a meter of bicycles». According to another version, the Germans simply took bicycles with them when retreating — apparently so as not to retreat on foot.

Be that as it may, the Dutch have not forgotten the loss of bicycles and during football matches between Holland and Germany they often chant: «Bring back our bicycles!».

The average Dutchman spends a good half of his life on a bicycle, and if you are in the saddle, then this is not a reason to deny yourself small joys. Without stopping cycling, the Dutch can eat, flirt, keep an umbrella from the rain, etc.

In the Netherlands, even the police switched to bicycles. Special rental points have been opened for visitors. Imagine: evening, red lights, girls in the windows, and everyone around on bicycles. In many cities and villages of the Netherlands, «green street» is always open to cyclists. Young girls and luxurious ladies, shaven-headed fathers of families and long-haired rockers — all ride bicycles.

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