There seems to be something missing in the picture. Ah, where are the helmets?

One ill-placed storm grate away from 3 kids with serious head injuries. Or 2-3 broken arms as they fail to pull them in when tipping. Nothing endearing about that at all.
There's some wrong thinking that if your kids are in a hulking SUV that they're "safe". But just because this bike is better for the environment, doesn't mean this bike is better for those kids.

Jeez, boys, what are you - men or mice?
*wink*

I lived in Amsterdam for a year - bike helmets (and a lot of the safety measures we've put into place here in the states) are not de rigueur for most Netherlanders. But people don't bike very fast in the city, either.

The old, central part of Amsterdam is a miracle of anti-car city planning. This part of the city is a maze of tiny, one way streets with no parking - seemingly designed to make driving as big a pain in the neck as possible, while allowing tons of space for trolley cars, walking paths - and of course bike lanes. For me it was a joy to see, at almost every major location (a big museum, a large supermarket, or the main A'dam train station) NO CAR PARKING LOTS, and HUNDREDS of parked bikes.

This photo brings back fond memories of my A'dam pal Marjon - for the first week I lived there, I didn't have my own bike, and she was always willing to haul me around on the back of hers. Thanks again Marjon!

If that woman has a sister, please have her contact me at spudnuts.mac.com.

That is all.

Hi - i daily transport my tree kids (two 6 years old twins, and one 2 year old) to scool & daycare on my bike + bike-trailer (where the twins sit).

It is a totally normal bike - the child-seat behind me comes off easyly, and the trailer detaches just as easily. The trailer can hold 60 kg (i think thats about what all 3 kids weigh).

I dont need to go to the gym to do spinning!

(BTW. i live i Denmark, where bike conditions i the citys are quite good)

yeah, it's not Nth America or similar place. a very different atmosphere, bikes have right of way, great laneways and get lots of respect. Quite safe in the old parts of town &those bikes are quite stable (thick wheels too). They also have 3 wheeler bakfiets to cart kids (or parcels or pets) around in a big box, so safer for longer distances/among more traffic.

I am a Dutchman, ofcourse we don't wear helmets. We don't need them. We ride bikes sooner than we can walk.You americans are such whimps.

Second note:

For Dutch people riding a bike is like walking. It is not something you do to be sportive or eco-friendly. It just is practical: in cities it is often the quickest way to get from A to B and you can always find a parking space. Furthermore is cheap, something that we cloggies like a lot. ;-)

Anyway because riding a bike is so natural to us, wearing a helmet on a bike is like wearing a helmet when walking. Next thing would be wearing a harnas everytime you go outside.

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Im just wondering how this woman can stand out on the streets with a bike and a three kids with her. Quiet creepy that these kids got no safety for their lives. Its not a good idea, i think. http://innerautoparts.blogspot.com/2006/01/what-to-do-in-case-of-emergencies.html

Not only were we born on bikes. Every car driver was also (born on a bike) So there is an intrigate play between the two.

In forty years of bike-riding I have never been hit by a car or anything else, other than one australian trying to ride a bike. (we both veered to the same side of the road and met head on)

Having lived most of my life in The Netherlands, I too, was born on a bike. Having lived in the US (in Boston, MA) for the past 7.5 years, I have continued to ride my bike.
Yes, it is much different in the US. None to very minimal accomodations (bikelanes, bike traffic lights, etc) and a very lousy attitude by almost all drivers, police and politicians. However, I *still* ride. Because it's the fastest way around, frequently. Because it is good excersize. Because it is very cheap on gas. And, out of principle. There is little to no reason to drive a distance of 5 miles or less. And as for unsafe -- more people die in car crashes than in bicycle accidents. Yes, I wear a helmet here. Unfortunately, you have to. In The Netherlands there is no need to, on a daily commuter basis. Slower traffic, and bikes are *integrated* in the streetscape. Here, I frequently have to fight for my right to ride. My daughter very much enjoys sitting in the backseat of the bike, talking with me, or singing, looking around. Much more so than in a cramped train or bus, for a much longer commute. And as for safety - she is very safe, with a helmet, and a driver (rider) who knows how to behave in traffic.

One more comment, now that so many other voices have joined in. I live in Los Angeles now for 7 years, previously Amsterdam 1 year and before that New York City 8 years. I just bought a bike a few months ago (from a transplanted Boston person who says she is too afraid to ride it here). After months of reading TH, I had psyched myself up to try bike commuting. But I just could not do it - the drivers here are so *SCARY* and about 1/3 of them are driving while talking on the phone. The traffic since the holidays has been horrid, though, and I am thinking of trying it this weekend, just to get a taste. In Holland (and other North Europe pro-bike countries) there's so much room for biking lanes that you always feel safe and you can drive slow as you need to. I wish LA was like that (or New York).
Oh - and to any Europeans reading this, if I'm glossing over your culture by accident, SORRY. I'm American, and I love ya! Pass the Freedom Fries, I'd like a second helping now. ;-)

can you get one of these shipped to North America?

_______________________
Writer's Note:

As luck would have there are US distributors of similar contraption, the Bakfiets.

Try the Dutch Bicycle Co. or Clever Cycles.

Nice to see biking ...

As for helmets in Europe, YES, they are necessary. Some day they will become standard equipment.

As for North America, we do need to become far more
"bicycle friendly" in our city planning.