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When we packed our things for our move to Australia...
we just couldn't leave our bike in Holland.
However, cycling in Australia is something completely different.
then in The Netherlands.
First of all..
You can't go for a ride without a helmet. It is an obligation.
If you don't do it, you can get a big fine. Australia was the first county...
to introduce helmet laws. According to some people it helps, according to others..
the helmet laws withdraw people from cycling.
Whatever it may be
A helmet really looks silly.
In the Netherlands nobody thinks they should wear a helmet.
What the Dutch think of helmet laws?
Just listen..
The Dutch don't like compulsory rules so I don't think they are able to enforce it.
Would you do it?
No, I wouldn't
On a moppet, yes. On a bike, I will never wear a helmet.
For starters, I hate those kind of rules.
I think you should have a choice.
Like for example, you don't have the choice to smoke in bars.
I'm from Germany.
They have helmet laws their too.
I have a bad conscience right now.
Because he does not have a helmet on.
He does not like his helmet.
But he can get used to one. I think it is a good idea.
Well people...
and research could prove that it is saver
but I have my own idea. And that is something else...
Besides, I like to wear a hat in winter. Much more charming.
Fortunately we don't have helmet laws here.
But what if we introduce them here?
No way, nobody would do it. It's so crazy! Can you imagine that?
I'm actually happy to wear a helmet here.
For some reason I don't feel comfortable when I go for a ride.
As if all those cars are saying to me:
'Mate, go away. You don't belong on the road.'
Nobody is used to cyclist on the road. Look at this car breaking...
When I entered his lane.
Other cars take you over
with 60 to 80 km per hour. And move to the sidewalk...
...is not allowed. and again, you can get fined.
But their is a alternative.
The bike trails. A network of designated bike paths
that run trough the entire city. Well... bike paths?
All of a sudden it is not a problem to share these tracks with pedestrians.
But riding here is really great!
although, there some downsides...
Look, what happens when the tracks ends.
I can't believe it!
They tell me I have to walk
for 5 minutes to continue.
Previously I told you our small country is 200 x 300 kilometer
but we have 2000 kilometer of freeway.
Well. Bike track we even have more
35,000 kilometer
35,000 kilometer
They are complete integrated in our infrastructure.
Just look at this.
Who ever saw a traffic light for bikes in Australia?
And what about this bike parking?
It is not so strange if you know that Holland has the highest bike density
in the world.
In Holland there are more bikes then people.
Now I'm here in Australia I can see why we could not just
leave our bikes in Holland.
And why we took that heavy duty 'mama' bike
all the way to Australia.
The bike belongs to us, even more then windmills and wooden shoes.