All bicycles are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This is due to many factors, including ecological awareness, health concerns, and simply finding the pleasure of riding a bike again. While people are choosing to switch from their cars to more environmentally friendly two-wheelers, governments are also taking notice and implementing more bike lanes and supporting bicycle advocacy groups. Of all the governments that support bicycles, none has been more progressive than those of the Netherlands. All you have to do is go to places like Amsterdam to see how much the bike has taken over. What you will also see are very different Dutch bikes that are unlike any other style. These bikes have a rich history and are popular for many reasons. Here is a short summary of the incredibly popular Dutch bike.

Omafiets
The Omafiet translates into Dutch as “grandmother’s bicycle”. This is currently the most popular style for women cycling in the Netherlands. The bike is traditionally painted black with a pitch steel construction frame. The handlebars are high, which gives the rider a very upright position when riding. The bikes also have fenders, dynamo lights, a skirt guard, and come with a single speed. Bicycles are much heavier than the traditional bicycles found today, but they are still incredibly popular. Today omafiet can be found in many different colors and materials, but the basic look and design remains the same. The design of the bicycle makes them ideal for flat cities where commuting by bicycle is the main means of transportation.

Opafiets
The opafiet is the men’s version of the Dutch bike. In Dutch, it translates to “grandfather’s bicycle”. This bike has a similar construction and features, however it has a “diamond” frame, which means that the top bar is straight. This “gentleman” frame also means that the rider is not as upright as they would be in an omafiet. This vintage style bike is still very popular with men and women in the Netherlands and around the world.

Bakfiets
Another type of Dutch bicycle that has become increasingly popular in the last two decades is the bakfiet. This bike is a “box” or “cube” bike. This type of bicycle has an open or closed box designed to transport cargo, pets or people. There are many different variations of this bike; some have the box in the front of a two-wheeled city bike, while others have it in the rear, positioned between the two rear wheels of a tricycle. These bikes have been around for over 100 years, but are now becoming popular again due to the ease with which people can carry large loads on them. They are also popular with parents in the Netherlands who need to take their children to school.

Trademarks
If you’re looking for a vintage Dutch bike, you’ll want to search online for some great deals. Be prepared to pay quite a bit for one though, as these bikes are incredibly popular and tend to go fast. You can also consider buying a new bike from companies like Pashley and Velorbis. However, if you are buying new, expect to pay a little more. If the price is daunting, think of it this way: This isn’t just a bike, it’s your mode of transportation and much, much cheaper than buying and driving a car. Plus, these bikes are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about breaking down and needing repairs in the near future.