If you’ve ever visited the Netherlands—or even scrolled through travel photos—you’ve probably noticed one thing right away: bicycles everywhere. Leaning against bridges, parked neatly in rows, riding through rain, wind, sunshine, and even snow. In the Netherlands, the bicycle isn’t a hobby or a workout. It’s a way of life.
So why do the Dutch love their bicycles so much? And why do they ride them no matter the weather?
Bicycles Are Part of Dutch Culture
In the Netherlands, learning to ride a bike is almost as important as learning to walk. Children bike to school. Parents bike to work. Grandparents bike to the market. It’s common to see multiple generations cycling together—often with groceries, backpacks, or even another child riding along.
For the Dutch, biking isn’t “exercise.” It’s simply how you get from place to place.
A Country Built for Bikes
The Netherlands is famously flat, which makes cycling accessible to nearly everyone. But it’s more than geography. Over decades, the country has invested heavily in bike-friendly infrastructure:
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Dedicated bike lanes everywhere
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Traffic signals designed specifically for cyclists
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Bike-only bridges and underpasses
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Secure bike parking at train stations and city centers
In many cities, bikes actually have priority over cars. That kind of design makes cycling safe, practical, and stress-free.
Weather Doesn’t Stop a Dutch Cyclist
Rain? Wind? Cold? The Dutch bike anyway.
Instead of waiting for perfect weather, people simply dress for the conditions. A rain jacket, gloves, maybe a scarf—and off they go. Biking in all weather is so normal that it barely registers as an inconvenience.
There’s even a saying in the Netherlands:
“You’re not made of sugar.”
In other words—you won’t melt in the rain.
It’s Practical, Fast & Sustainable
In Dutch cities, biking is often the fastest way to get around. No traffic jams. No searching for parking. Just hop on your bike and go.
It’s also:
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Affordable
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Environmentally friendly
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Quiet and peaceful
For many Dutch people, biking represents freedom, independence, and simplicity.
A Cozy Break Along the Way
And yes—biking pairs perfectly with Dutch treats. A ride through town often ends with a stop for coffee or tea, enjoyed with something sweet. In the Netherlands, that sweet moment is often a stroopwafel—warming the caramel over a hot cup or enjoying it fresh after a ride.
It’s a simple pleasure that turns everyday routines into something cozy and comforting.
Bringing Dutch Traditions to America
At Dutch Waffle Company, bicycles and Stroopwafels both represent something we love deeply about the Netherlands: living life simply, intentionally, and joyfully—no matter the weather.
Whether it’s hopping on a bike in the rain or taking a quiet coffee break with a stroopwafel, the Dutch remind us that the best moments are often the everyday ones.
So next time it’s drizzling outside, grab your jacket, make a cup of coffee, and enjoy a little Dutch-inspired comfort.
Sharing the comforting taste of Dutch tradition with America—one stroopwafel at a time.
