I've lived in Amsterdam since 1997 – since I was 6, so I'd like to voice my opinion as I do not completely agree with everything that has been written in the article.

> If you chain your bike in the wrong place you could find that it is removed and impounded, and that you will have to hand over 25 euros to get it back.

Unless it says that you can't lock up your bike in the area, you pretty much can. I have never heard or experienced anyone's bike being impounded for chaining it up to a pole or post that is not officially "a designated area to chain your bike."

> In that kind of relationship it is longevity that counts - so the older, the better. It's not uncommon to hear a bike coming up behind you with the mudguard rattling against the wheel. If anything, having a tatty, battered old bike affords more status as it attests to a long and lasting love.

Wrong. Cheap bikes are just that, cheap. That means that when your bike is stolen it's not as painful. It also means that buying one…is cheap (I'm repeating myself, I know). If you're going to get a bike for 20-50 EUR don't expect it to be some kind of fancy machine. There's no love affair with bicycles, it's simply a matter of utility.

> Of course, the cycle paths lend themselves to sauntering along in summer dresses in a way a death-defying, white-knuckle ride in rush-hour traffic does not. It is also partly because of this that people don't need showers at work to be able to commute by bike - it's a no-sweat experience.

I know PLENTY of people who sweat on their bikes and who constantly carry around deodorant. I sweat like hell on a bicycle because I own a mountain bike. Especially with a backpack on it's a sweaty ride. Maybe it's also because I _hate_ riding at a moderate pace. I'm constantly pushing my bike. Then again, I don't ride my bike every single day.

> The fact that everyone cycles, or knows someone who does, means that drivers are more sympathetic to cyclists when they have to share space on the roads.
> In turn, the cyclists are expected to respect and obey the rules of the road. You may be fined for riding recklessly, in the wrong place or jumping red lights.

Lol that is if the cops are around. People who drive cars are annoyed and afraid of cyclists because if anything were to happen, the driver would be at fault. When I was getting my driver's license my instructor kept telling me that I should never let a cyclist pass if I have the right of way. Cyclists are arrogant in this regard, I've been on both sides of the table (road?) and I can tell you that when you're on a bike, you know the cars are going to be careful around you because if anything happens, it's usually their fault. Running red lights or engaging in risky maneuvers happens all the time.

What strikes me as odd is that this article doesn't mention one of the most important reasons for cycling within cities: It's not attractive to own a car. Owning a car is expensive. Gas is expensive. It's almost impossible to park and maneuvering around the city center is very very difficult.

Have a look: http://goo.gl/maps/wRRoZ . It takes skill to drive around the canals, especially with the cyclists and scooters buzzing around you.