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> I bet no one in major European cities requires to bike like ten miles each way. I am in Amsterdam, and lots of people bike 15km each way, including many stud

> I bet no one in major European cities requires to bike like ten miles each way. I am in Amsterdam, and lots of people bike 15km each way, including many students at the high schools my children attend.

ses1984 3y ago
Part of the problem is in america if you want to bike that far, you probably have to take some route designed for cars. It’s very stressful and in many cases very risky. Local climate is a problem, too. It’s not fun to bike to work some days when it’s very hot and humid, and then in the other half of the year, deal with freezing rain.
- shiroiuma 3y ago
  This is a valid comment. Many times, when the US makes "cycling infrastructure" (scare-quotes intended), it's just awful: painted lines on a busy, dangerous road, or at best a path immediately parallel to such a monstrosity. Little wonder people don't want to ride a bike next to a bunch of giant SUVs speeding at 75mph. And it is true the weather in many US cities tends to be less mild than in Amsterdam, but that can be worked around with proper clothing.
  - earthling8118 3y ago
    I am vehemently on the side against cars, but I will wholeheartedly refute that our summer weather can be worked around with clothing. It's far too hot and humid for that to do anything.
    - nerdbert 3y ago
      When I lived in a hot American city, the saving grace was that at both office jobs there was a shower available. After breakfast I'd stuff my work clothes in a backpack, bike to work in shorts, take a quick shower, and arrive at my desk the most clean and refreshed person in the department.
Aerroon 3y ago
Doesn't Amsterdam have pretty mild winters though? Or does the ground become covered in glass ice with large amounts of snow regularly? I think winter makes a huge difference in how bikeable a city can really be. Western Europe tends to be mild on that front.

ses1984 3y ago

Part of the problem is in america if you want to bike that far, you probably have to take some route designed for cars. It’s very stressful and in many cases very risky. Local climate is a problem, too. It’s not fun to bike to work some days when it’s very hot and humid, and then in the other half of the year, deal with freezing rain.

shiroiuma 3y ago
This is a valid comment. Many times, when the US makes "cycling infrastructure" (scare-quotes intended), it's just awful: painted lines on a busy, dangerous road, or at best a path immediately parallel to such a monstrosity. Little wonder people don't want to ride a bike next to a bunch of giant SUVs speeding at 75mph. And it is true the weather in many US cities tends to be less mild than in Amsterdam, but that can be worked around with proper clothing.
- earthling8118 3y ago
  I am vehemently on the side against cars, but I will wholeheartedly refute that our summer weather can be worked around with clothing. It's far too hot and humid for that to do anything.
  - nerdbert 3y ago
    When I lived in a hot American city, the saving grace was that at both office jobs there was a shower available. After breakfast I'd stuff my work clothes in a backpack, bike to work in shorts, take a quick shower, and arrive at my desk the most clean and refreshed person in the department.

Aerroon 3y ago

Doesn't Amsterdam have pretty mild winters though? Or does the ground become covered in glass ice with large amounts of snow regularly? I think winter makes a huge difference in how bikeable a city can really be. Western Europe tends to be mild on that front.