Our country, the Netherlands, is famous for a couple of things: clogs, tulips, windmills and bicycles. Not all of them are appropriate anymore ( no, we don’t walk on clogs) but the part of the bicycles is not exaggerated. Most Dutch have a bicycle, and during rush hour you’ll be amazed at how many people commute to work, the train station or school on their bike. As I do.
Now those who know me in real life can affirm this: I tend to stop for red lights while other cyclists swoosh around me to try their luck in the crossroads. I ride on the right side of the road and I don’t ride with more then one person beside me, so as not to block the road. I make sure that my bicycles’ headlight is shining as soon as the sun is down. Heck, even my taillight is working as it should be!
This morning though I was feeling rebellious. So instead of staying on the road I took an easier route and rode the last 20 meters on the pavement next to my office. Too late I saw the two men in blue walking toward me. “Good morning…or rather, not a good morning. Because what are you doing madam? You are riding on the pavement, and riding on the pavement is not allowed, now is it?” I was reprimanded and had no alternative then to go back to the street, head hanging in meek submission.
I, miss goody two shoes, got a slap on the wrist. Strange how at 51 years old you can still feel like a little girl being scolded by the teacher!
(By the way, the dog wasn’t present this morning 😊)
The men in blue in your part of the world are much nicer than in the states. I definitely would have gotten a ticket with a high fine.
I’ve always wanted to visit The Netherlands
The same way I’m enjoying visiting your country, Jenn! I was indeed glad not to get a fine, on the other hand it always feels as if other people get away with so much!
That’s a good thing. People trust each other!
That’s sod’s law. The people who drive recklessly all the time never get caught. The do gooders who commit a minor offence once get spotted by the law.
I’ve got to Remember that, sod’s law, had never heard if that. And you’re right, it’s a perfect example of that!
Wow. It is my dream to visit Netherlands because of my fave flowers, tulips. 🙂
Thank you for your words that somehow brought me there! 😀
You’re welcome!
Aw the little dog is so sweet! Your mention of clogs reminded me of something I hadn’t thought of in years ….. I had clogs as a kid!
My uncle rides a bike here in London, I don’t know how he braves it as the roads here aren’t kind to bikes.
I agree. Over here there are separate narrow lanes on each side of the road for bikers, so pretty safe. You had clogs as a kid? To wear or as decoration?
To wear! Lol! I think my nan got them, I have no idea where. I would clip clop down the street.
Perfect memory then!
I love that you stop for red lights and such. I’ve seen bicycle use growing quite a bit over the last few years in the states. We’ve created bicycle lanes and laws about how much space a car has to give them, which is all well and good. However, too many times they go blasting through a red light or stop sign, endangering everybody. Not cool!
Not cool indeed, and sometimes I feel I’m the only one who is waiting for a red light. But I just know that if I try to disobey the law, they will be on to me immediately!