Amsterdam cyclists in charge

THOUGH cycling is becoming ever more popular in Ireland, we’re still a mighty long way from having the facilities that other EU countries are providing for people that prefer the bike as a mode of transport.

Granted small sections of roads built here in recent years include token cycle lanes, but our cities and towns are still dominated by motor traffic and the intrepid, even foolhardy, cyclist takes his, or her, life in their hands, on urban roads especially.

On a recent visit to Amsterdam, where the bike is king, I was amazed to find that young, old, rich and poor cycle everywhere. Everyone seems to own a bike there and generally have no difficulty in getting around.