I am Dutch, also owned (and still own) multiple bikes. Theft is a big problem in The Netherlands, and some police districts are overburdened. If it happens, re

I am Dutch, also owned (and still own) multiple bikes. Theft is a big problem in The Netherlands, and some police districts are overburdened. If it happens, report the frame number as stolen to police. All of my bikes except the ones for my young kids have gears. Even the cargo bike... The third bike I owned (at around age 12) was a MTB made of aluminium frame. It was noticeably lighter. It was quite a bit more expensive, too. Oh, and it got stolen somewhere in my 20s. I had to buy a new bicycle while on a tighter budget, so no aluminum. However the point that US is not made for biking I have heard before. Almost nobody here uses helmets. Smartphone usage on bicycle gets you a 100 EUR fine, its a recent law and it is a serious problem. But at least car driver is by default to blame if accident occurs. That and dedicated lanes helps with security. And since all kids go to school via bicycle this helps keeping them in shape, plus there is community interest in secure, safe roads.