It must seem absurd to you sometimes, sharing such mundane, everyday things. Mundane and everyday for you anyway. Unfortunately almost a dream-like fantasy for us in Southern California.

Mundane or not, I do appreciate them, Zane. I'd go as far as saying that this whole blog (and its purpose) is an expose of the mundane, showing how beautiful it really is. I really enjoy these cycle perks we have, I take advantage any way I can, they really make my life easier and more pleasurable.

California Dreaming has led to many beautiful things, I can't imagine it not getting pushed into the right direction, at one point or the other ;).

I like to think I had the sneak preview....

Ha, not just your imagination, Anthony, you sure did ;)...but more about you later this week :)

Who knew watching someone commute to and from work could be so interesting? I gave my new route to my new workplace a test ride this weekend, and it is very busy with only a bicycle path for 1/2 a mile and then the rest is on very busy 4-lane urban streets with no bicycle paths or lanes, cars and trucks going 50 instead of 30 mph, and the alternative is going through not-so-good/not-so-safe for a lady industrial/run down neighborhoods. :*( Anyhow, love that you shared it with us.

Can you explain why people wouldn't park their bicycle in the secure parking inside? I loved that and would always use it if I had a choice. Just curious if people think it takes too much time, or what the reasoning would be not to use it.

you can relate to the subject, so I'm not surprised, Sigrid :)

There are a few explanations, one of them being the one you mentioned and another would be that a lot of people use beater bikes with big chain locks and feel secure enough about leaving them there, knowing that the public space (biz district) is monitored as well and/or that the parking is so out in the open with so many coming through, it's less of a risk.

Just found your blog on the TFL cycling website. I love this film and I am so jealous of the value placed on cycling and cyclists in Amsterdam compared to London. I would not risk leaving my bike at any station in London without it being chained to something very solid and I wouldn’t do it for more than an hour. Whenever I visit Amsterdam I have always been impressed by the fact that so many people cycle every day and in their everyday clothes! I wish London was like this too.

Thanks for joining me on this ride, Suede shoe!

To give you some perspective, Amsterdam (in NL terms) was were London is today in the late 60's. With heaps and bounds (but political/public will and vision) we built what we have today (and still are). London is finally waking up and it will take lots more to actually get the ball rolling the right way. I know everybody wants it 'now', but the patience will be worth it. It does help to contribute to the ongoing debate, something we can take advantage of in these 'modern times' ;).

I love the underground cycle parking in Zuid station :) I sometimes park my bike there when I travel from Schiphol airport and then pick it up on the way back from where-ever. (OK, I also use it when I chicken out from cycling all the way to work because of a storm and opt for the joys of the NS)

chicken out? You? Never! :)

Hi Marc,
Great blog :)
Would like to contact you directly.
Could you send me your email address?
Regards
Theresa

Who funds the Zuid parking garage?
Would you or other Amsterdammers be willing to pay a fee for its use?

all Locker and other train station bicycle parking garages are funded by the city (from city tax revenues).

Yes, I would and we already do in part. Next to the famous 3-stories bicycle garage at Central Station there's also guarded indoor parking, which costs 1.10 Euro for 24 hours and is always packed. It's an option that people gladly pay for. Thing is, costs for this kind of infrastructure is extremely marginal if you see how much the city saves on dealing with car congestion and environmental problems. And I'm not even including the financial health benefits.

It's really a no-brainer :).

You used to have to pay for using it, right? and people still used it. But as Marc points out, the economic benefits of getting more people on bicycle clearly outweigh whatever profit they were making on it.

Its also worth point out that there is a repair shop in most of these facilities, so you can leave your bike there and they have it fixed by the time your back! It's great. You have the place staffed and you create employment. I'm a very big fan of these places, I even take some of Spanish friends -the cycling enthusiast- there when they come visiting ;)

No, Locker started as free, there were other (partnering, but) private companies that charged.

I updated the post yesterday with these details: [which include services such as toilets, bicycle repair service, lockers and nappy area for babies]

:-)

Hey do you have pram hire\loan in bike parks in holland? There is one in cambridge and its a godsend for parents, like myself.

Can't say I've encountered that option, but sounds like another successful niche market. Who knows, I'm no expert ;)

The Point of View video was very enjoyable ! What is that background music ?

Glad you like it, Dom. The music is 'For Sephora' by Raisa. I have personal permission to use their tracks.

Thanks for your prompt response ! I enjoy "leafing" through your blog, it reminds me of happy days when I passed through Amsterdam and Den Haag, visiting a friend, enjoying la vie hollandaise for a few days