Holland is famous for its flat terrain and endless paved cycling paths that allow you explore the country in a liberating way. Rosie Khdir pedals through the Netherlands.

Holland is definitely a cyclist’s dream destination. It is the most bicycle friendly country in Europe, with around 20,000 kilometres of paths and lanes and there is parking outside every shop. It is not uncommon for children to cycle to school and even the over 65 age group journey by bike.

This country accommodates its cyclists much better than in Britain, with our skinny sections of road that disappear after a few yards. Many people who visit the Netherlands prefer to go city to city via bicycle and nearly every road has a cycle path called a ‘Fietspad’ which links most villages and town, and are actually separate from the roads themselves – much safer I feel!

The distinct lack of hills makes it an easy activity for all the family and on most minor roads the cycle paths have priority and these are marked with give way triangles on the road surface.

Cyclists can enjoy the beauty of the Gelderland forests and heaths and the De Hogue Veluwe Veluwezoom National Parks north of Arnhem, as well as the paths along the North Sea coast.

There are a number of companies, such as Tulip Cycling, that can provide you with routes, maps and other information to help you on your journey.

Remember that P&O Ferries provides a service from Hull – Zeebrugge route, so you could even take you own bike aboard.

Image credit: d_vdm

Tags: Lifestyle, Netherlands, P&O Ferries // Add Comment »