Monday, 5 December 2011

Just a different lick of paint!

In The Netherlands about a third of all journeys are made by bicycle, as you can experience for yourself with my new guidebook. This is not only because the country is flat and the presence of many traffic-free cycle paths, but also because many local through roads have been redesigned to slow motorised traffic down. This is an essential ingredient to make the share the road principle truly work. Slowing motorised traffic down on local through roads in The Netherlands is achieved by a relatively cheap method; just a different lick of paint!

This picture on the right shows a typical road in the UK in a built up area with a 30 mph speed limit. It is not classed with an A or B-number, but just a local through route with medium traffic intensity where the share the road principle should apply. The road is narrow, but many drivers go faster here than 30 mph. Why? Because the white line in the centre of the road is exactly defining to drivers where to steer the vehicle to avoid crashing into motorised vehicles from the opposite direction. The white line also creates a sense of freedom to drivers that they can proceed at will, regardless other smaller or slower road users. It is the lining here that confirms psychologically that the road is just made for cars, as cars fit exactly in that spot between the kerb and the white line! "Share the road"? Forget it; cyclists are clearly "just in the way" and as a cyclist, you get exactly that same impression as the driver. You feel unwelcome and just not safe, the main reason for many people in the UK not to cycle, but to take the car instead!

Many local through roads in The Netherlands used to look exactly the same as the one pictured above, but since the 1980s a different lick of paint was gradually introduced, simply when the road was due resurfacing. Thirty years on, this has lead to the typical look of Dutch local through roads as is pictured here on the left. This road has a similar traffic intensity and similar road width as the UK picture above; but what a difference! The road lining not only confirms to cyclists and drivers that this is a shared place, but it also naturally slows drivers down, especially in a situation of motorised traffic from both directions. In that situation drivers from both sides have to work their senses to work out their road spacing away from each other, straddling the cycle lanes. This process slows them down to a speed that does much more justice to the limited road width. Also, as you can see in the picture, if there is a cyclist on any of these lanes at the same time, the driver from behind naturally has to wait, instead of the common practice of hazardous "pushing through overtaking" in the UK.

Introducing cycle lanes as above might still be a step too far for many UK people, but there are still other licks of paint that should be considered. In another picture from The Netherlands on the right I would like you to focus on the length of the individual lines that make up the centre road line together. These lines are generally three times shorter as the equivalent individual line in the UK. This means Dutch drivers achieve a sense of speed at much lower speeds, whilst UK drivers have to speed up much more to get a similar visual “sensation”. The length of every individual line is another psychological element that makes UK drivers going faster than they should and again confirms the misconception that roads are made for cars only.

So, what about if we were to remove road lines all together? Now this is a thought. When I cycle in the UK I always find roads without any road lines generally safer to cycle on. People drive slower (their “white safety net” is not there) and are more considerate to other road users. The picture on the left shows such a situation, taken in the village of Swimbridge in Devon. This road is a through route with a medium traffic intensity and the centre line stops on arrival in the village. This concept makes most drivers even going slower than 30 mph, as they feel like a guest, passing through the village. This example shows how a different approach on road lining can indeed make a difference for local communities.

I leave you with another striking picture from The Netherlands, showing a narrow medium traffic intensity road with a 30 mph speed limit during rush hour. The centre line of this road has been removed and wide cycle lanes on both sides clearly confirm this road is not just for motorised traffic, but also for others. Despite the busy time of the day (yes there are many drivers in The Netherlands as well), the cyclist pictured is able to keep going in a relaxed way, with drivers naturally queueing behind, waiting until it is safe to overtake. Again, this is all achieved just by a different lick of paint!

Note from the author: In 2014, a study funded by the CTC confirmed my findings in this article. "Professor John Parkin and Stella Shackel observed a reduction of speed of vehicles passing cyclists on roads with no centre line. A centre line may present a visual clue about where a driver should ‘drive up to’. Its absence may cause the driver to consider his or her road position and speed more carefully." How long will it take to convince the good old highway authorities that change of its out of date designs is desperately needed? 


What about going for a traffic-calmed cycling holiday with one of my "Cycling Dutchman" guidebooks?
Cycling in  Amsterdam and The Netherlands - The very best routes in the cyclist's paradise makes you travel beyond Dutch cliches like clogs, windmills and the Amsterdam red light district, allowing you to truly explore the lowlands. The book features 1064 kms of routes and has special chapters explaining the unique Dutch cycling-minded traffic rules and its cycle route signage systems; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see also http://www.cyclinginholland.com.

The London - Land's End Cycle Route Book is designed for those who LOVE cycling, but don't like traffic. The book takes you onto the most beautiful cycle routes of southern England, including the Camel Trail, Devon Coast to Coast Route, Bristol and Bath Railway path, Thames Valley route and many more! What makes the book unique is that the route is completely continuous, including detailed directions and local knowledge all the way. Get inspired; choose your favourite route sections or go for a full summer holiday adventure; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see http://www.london-landsendcycleroutebook.com.

Other popular Cycling Dutchman blog articles:

Explaining Dutch cycling infrastructure:



Dutch bike rides and Dutch cycling culture:

The 12 best bike rides of The Netherlands

Dutch style bike rides in the United Kingdom:
Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , cycling infrastructure, share the road,

Saturday, 5 November 2011

How local campaigning can make a difference

When people experience the mind boggling Dutch cycling network (for example with my Cycling in Amsterdam and The Netherlands guidebook) they always assume that cycling has always been at the heart of Dutch life. What most people are not aware of is that there was a serious threat to this culture in the 1960s and 1970s. The Dutch road network was increasingly taken over by motorised traffic, with authorities fully adapting roads to the "modern way of life". Cyclists were naturally pushed into the extinct zone, with an increasing number of road deaths. A video produced by Netherlands based campaigner David Hembrow shows how only by public demand government policies were changed. Petitions to the Dutch prime minister were handed over by large crowds and an impressive demonstration in Amsterdam made the main access road into the city centre covered by bicycles.

This happened in the highly spirited 1960s and 1970s and it seems unlikely that such a movement could be established in the UK now. People in the UK have been ruled by motorised traffic for over 5 decades, so the concept of the "metal box" is deeply rooted in people's minds as the only way of getting from a to b. A silent revolution consisting of local initiatives could bring the change though and I find proof of it in some UK communities.

When doing surveying work on behalf of the National Cycle Route Planner I checked out St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, just north of London. When cycling in these towns I found the difference in cycling culture staggering. In Hemel Hempstead I only encountered the occasional other cyclist and I felt like an alien. In St Albans, only a couple of miles down the road, there were definitely more cyclists in the streets and each further mile I travelled confirmed I was not alone on my bike. Prominent stickers, as on the bike racks pictured, and on signs at essential short cuts made me aware of the St Albans Cycling Campaign.

This group of local cyclists got organised in 1998 and has been actively lobbying for better funding and provision for cyclists through their local authority for over ten years. This approach is starting to pay off, especially if you compare the cycling conditions in St. Albans to those in nearby Hemel Hempstead. Hemel Hempstead has sadly not much more to offer cyclists then a muddy tow path along the Grand Union Canal and an inconsistent cycle route to the east end of town. An example of the Hemel Hempstead situation is this picture I took of one of Hemel Hempstead's few cycle paths literally blocked by parked cars.

Cyclists in St. Albans are clearly much better off. The Sustrans National Cycle Network routes 6 and 61 provide access from the outer St. Albans suburbs to its town centre. Although these routes still need some work (they take you through the busy high street without any cycling provision), the potential of a proper cycling network is there and St Albans Cycling Campaign (STCC) has done much to develop it. Various handy cut throughs have been made accessible for cyclists as a result of their "Small schemes, BIG changes" campaign.

Their biggest victory so far is the development of cycle paths in VerulamiumPark, which will finally create a link from the town centre to the large residential King Harry Lane area, currently only to be reached by bike via a hazardous winding busy main road. "It is an idea that has been around a long time and we thought it was time to give it another push", told STCC chairman Steve Wragg to the St Albans Review in July 2011, when a petition signed by over 1000 people was finally successful (see picture, courtesy of STCC).

This example shows not only how decisions on the creation of cycling infrastructure are made at a local level, but also how public demand can change council view points, just as this happened on a large scale in The Netherlands back in the 1970s. Priorities in highway financing can only be changed by public demand and the St Albans Cycling Campaign shows the best way forward; cyclists organising themselves, creating public debate and continually pressing the local council with ideas and suggestions, small or big.

So, if you read this, and you are not happy about the cycling conditions in your area, what can you do? Simply, get organised! Find other cyclists in your area. You'll find them at local bike clubs or have a cycle around at rush hour. Also, monitor some school gates and have a chat with that odd parent that brings their children to school by bike. Don't forget to check out the local Bikeability delivery providers to see if there are some instructors who'd like to join you. Then, call a meeting and approach organisations like Sustrans , CTC or the Cycling Embassy of Great Britain to support to your call. Also think of the TransitionTown movement; there might be already a campaigning group in place you can tag onto! When approaching councils with your new organisation, be aware that within councils there might be sustainable officers at work already, desperate for that essential public support to demand more resources to transform their cycle network plans into a reality. Work together to bring that much needed change!

Remember, if you are a cyclist and you are not prepared to take this on, who else would? The road to succes might be long and full of barriers, but it is worth the effort. For now, I wish St Albans Cycling Campaign all the best and I hope they will be able to change St Albans in a truly cycling friendly town over the years to come; there is still lots of work to be done! 

 Meanwhile I have followed up the St Albans example in the town where I live, Barnstaple. We set up the North Devon Cycling Forum in 2013 and it is unbelievable how many people suddenly want to talk with you once you get organised! Our study into the future for the cycling infrastructure of this town was published in 2014, but actual progress in conditions for cycling is still very slow. More passionate people are needed to really make a difference...

 What about going for a traffic-calmed cycling holiday with one of my "Cycling Dutchman" guidebooks?
Cycling in  Amsterdam and The Netherlands - The very best routes in the cyclist's paradise makes you travel beyond Dutch cliches like clogs, windmills and the Amsterdam red light district, allowing you to truly explore the lowlands. The book features 1064 kms of routes and has special chapters explaining the unique Dutch cycling-minded traffic rules and its cycle route signage systems; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see also http://www.cyclinginholland.com.

The London - Land's End Cycle Route Book is designed for those who LOVE cycling, but don't like traffic. The book takes you onto the most beautiful cycle routes of southern England, including the Camel Trail, Devon Coast to Coast Route, Bristol and Bath Railway path, Thames Valley route and many more! What makes the book unique is that the route is completely continuous, including detailed directions and local knowledge all the way. Get inspired; choose your favourite route sections or go for a full summer holiday adventure; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see http://www.london-landsendcycleroutebook.com.

Other popular Cycling Dutchman blog articles:

Explaining Dutch cycling infrastructure:




Dutch bike rides and Dutch cycling culture:

The 12 best bike rides of The Netherlands

Dutch style bike rides in the United Kingdom:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , cycling infrastructure,

Monday, 10 October 2011

Cyclists Survey Car Free Day, Barnstaple, Devon

The early morning of Thursday 22 September 2011, Devon Car Free Day, saw many Barnstaple cyclists whizzing around town to take up the challenge to cycle to work. A team of instructors of Westcountry Cycle Training encountered not only many regular cyclists, but also numerous inspiring individuals.

Jeanet Bowden from Barnstaple hadn't been cycling for years, but chose Devon Car Free Day as the first day to be out on her new bicycle. It was also the very first time she took her dog out on a basket on the back of the bicycle. Also Zahida Aslan started riding only last week, because, "it is fun!"

Jon Lattimer from Bideford hardly ever cycles normally but for Car Free Day he was prepared to cycle back home from his Chivenor night shift. To be able to do this, he cycled out the night before in the dark via the Tarka Trail, a great experience!

Rob Veale found Devon Car Free Day a good excuse to take his son Charlie to Newport school by tandem bike. Orchard Vale and FremingtonSchools actively encouraged pupils to cycle or walk to school on this day and organised breakfasts at their schools. The FremingtonSchool children proudly posed on the playground with their bicycles and scooters before enjoying their breakfasts.   

Back in Barnstaple, Sheryl Arnold working at PiltonCollege found Car Free Day not working out as she expected it to be. She has an electric bicycle and she ran out of electric charge, meaning she had to pedal all the way to work.

Mike Parker from Bike It promoted Devon Car Free Day all week in his shop and found the cyclist's breakfast at The Square to his liking "croissants, very tasty!" His mum Sally Parker also got up early to cycle to The Square. She stressed that although she cycles nearly daily herself, more needs to be done to get people on bikes.

Westcountry Cycle Training instructors carried out a survey amongst cyclists during rush hour and managed to flag down 155 cyclists. They found Barnstaple has a well established cycling community with people cycling of all ages. Of those being interviewed, 72% cycle on a regular basis and 88% find cycling a very positive experience. An encouraging 31% of respondents were female.

For many cyclists, good weather makes the difference between a good and a poor ride (32%). 17% of the riders stated to be completely in love with cycling, whilst 14 % stressed the importance of the Tarka Trail and its adjacent paths for their positive experiences. Other important reasons to cycle are both fitness and mental well-being. Also regularly mentioned was the social aspect of cycling and Devon's great scenery.

Of those who were more reserved about their cycling experience (12%), about a third said a lack of sufficient cycling facilities in their area was the main reason for their discomfort. The survey team also noticed a substantial number of cyclists using footpaths, probably due to a lack of confidence in their abilities as a road cyclist. 

Westcountry Cycle Training and Devon County Council are keen to get more adult cyclists out and about and offer 2 hours of free cycling tuition to adults.  "This time is very flexible and can be for individuals or small groups, rusty cyclists or complete beginners. Often we cycle someone's route to work with them and address issues along the way" says Dawn Connor of Westcountry Cycle Training. People interested can contact the instructor team via http://www.westcountrycycletraining.co.uk/.


What about going for a traffic-calmed cycling holiday with one of my "Cycling Dutchman" guidebooks?
Cycling in  Amsterdam and The Netherlands - The very best routes in the cyclist's paradise makes you travel beyond Dutch cliches like clogs, windmills and the Amsterdam red light district, allowing you to truly explore the lowlands. The book features 1064 kms of routes and has special chapters explaining the unique Dutch cycling-minded traffic rules and its cycle route signage systems; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see also http://www.cyclinginholland.com.

The London - Land's End Cycle Route Book is designed for those who LOVE cycling, but don't like traffic. The book takes you onto the most beautiful cycle routes of southern England, including the Camel Trail, Devon Coast to Coast Route, Bristol and Bath Railway path, Thames Valley route and many more! What makes the book unique is that the route is completely continuous, including detailed directions and local knowledge all the way. Get inspired; choose your favourite route sections or go for a full summer holiday adventure; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see http://www.london-landsendcycleroutebook.com.

Other popular Cycling Dutchman blog articles:

Explaining Dutch cycling infrastructure:




Dutch bike rides and Dutch cycling culture:

The 12 best bike rides of The Netherlands

Dutch style bike rides in the United Kingdom:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: Barnstaple, Car Free Day, , Tarka Trail

Book "Where are you heading" (2004)

My 2002 Coast to Coast ride in America was the inspiration for a "Josie Dew"-style cycling experience book. It was named Where are you heading, the question I was asked all the time while being on the road. The book was published in 2004 and is still available via Publisher Kirjaboek, but note that despite its English title, the book is available in Dutch language only. Below you'll find some reviews of the time, either by book critics or by readers via the internet guestbook of the time(all in Dutch only).

"Het verslag van de reis lees je in een ruk uit. Amerika blijkt totaal niet ingesteld op fietsers. Vrachtwagenchauffeurs maken rare gebaren en campingbazen sturen hem weg. Toch opent zijn prestaties ook vele deuren. Eric slaapt vaak bij "gewone" Amerikanen en geeft deze ontmoetingen zo haarfijn weer dat je bijna het idee krijgt dat je zelf in Amerika gefietst hebt. Complimenten!"
(ANWB buitentijdschrift Op Pad, nummer Januari/Februari 2005)

Blijf schrijven en fietsen! Het is een geweldig leuk boek. Je beschrijvingen zijn herkenbaar en treffend zoals ik dit als recreatief fietser en Amerika tourist (helaas nog niet als tourfietser aldaar) in een adem heb uitgelezen. Een eventueel volgend boek zou ik ook zeker willen lezen. Doorgaan met trappen en de getalenteerde pen. – Wim den HerderIk heb deze week voor de 2e maal jouw boek gelezen. Ik vond het nog net zo interessant als de 1e maal. In ieder geval nog steeds een aanrader voor iedereen die een dergelijke trip wil maken. – Antoinette Kersten

Het was er nog niet van gekomen, maar nu heb ik het toch gelezen. Ik begon er mee in de trein van Arnhem naar Utrecht, en het boeide me zo, dat ik nog in die trein gezeten had, als ter plekke niet
omgeroepen was, dat we in Utrecht gearriveerd waren. Proficiat met je leuke en interessante boek!
- Wim Eeltink

Ik wou je even laten weten dat ik het boek in een paar dagen uit heb gelezen. Ik vond het prachtig,
ook omdat ik als (collega coast to coaster) veel dingen herken die je
beschrijft. Mijn complimenten! - Fred Kelfkens

Bedankt voor het snelle toesturen van je boek. Ik heb het achter elkaar uitgelezen. Je goede schrijfstijl en je interessante observaties droegen hier zeker toe bij. Ik heb zelf ook nog in mijn achterhoofd het plan zitten om ooit iets dergelijks te gaan doen: dwars door Amerika, de
North-Sea-Cycle-Route, van Land’s End naar John O’Groats in Engeland of
… Hopelijk vind ik ooit het lef om dit alleen te doen, of nog beter:
een partner die ook een dergelijke droom heeft. - Rob Friederichs

Net je boek uit gelezen, heerlijk! twee jaar terug bevond ik me ook op de  campground   bij grand canyon NP, en ragde ik op mijn ligfiets de I-15 af door dezelfde woestijn.  Goed om te lezen dat er meer zulke hobby´s hebben, en hoe andere het beleven! Ik vind het knap dat je het alleen gefietst hebt. zelf was ik samen met een goede vriend. - Jan Willem Overmars,  Arnhem.

Ik Quirijn (11), heb uw boek ook gelezen. Ik vond het heel erg mooi ,omdat wij  volgend jaar ook naar Amerika gaan. Waarschijnlijk ben ik de jongste lezer van uw boek. Ik vind het mooi
hoe gastvrij de mensen in amerika zijn. en hoe u sommige mensen hielp. Mijn moeder en nog een broer hebben het boek ook gelezen. zij vonden het ook fantastisch.  Nog veel fietsplezier! Groetjes - Quirijn

Ben ik even blij dat ik zoveel moeite heb gedaan om aan je boek te komen! In één ruk uitgelezen. Grandioos! - Liesbeth Schuilenburg 

Ik heb genoten van je prachtige boek. Je bent in staat geweest het zeer treffend te schrijven, waardoor ik het gevoel kreeg mee te reizen.Kortom een absolute topper onder de boeken
die het fietsen in Amerika beschrijven. Ik kan het iedereen aanraden als voorbereiding op zijn reis! - Yolanda

With ‘where are you heading’ biker Eric has written a great account about a gigantic bike-crusade way out west. One of the best bike-travel-books ever written in the dutch language and in
my opinion a serious nominee for the Barbara Savage Miles From Nowhere
Memorial Award. Like a brave dutch patriot biker Eric is exploring
god’s own country battling the elements and challenging american
identity. I look forward to read more books about bastard of arts Eric
and his savage adventures. God bless Eric, a talented writer.
- Caspar, City of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Ik heb je boek gelezen. Ik vind het echt een prachtig boek.
Inmiddels heb ik een hele verzameling fietsboeken. Het boek van Damhuis
(je kent het vast: Met fiets en tent naar de Oriënt) staat op nummer 1.
Onvoorstelbaar wat die twee met de fietsen van toen presteerden. Dat
van jou nu op 2. Je hebt niet alleen aandacht voor de omgeving, maar ook voor het
fietsen zelf. Hoe je je erbij voelt. Dat gedeelte waarin je met de
fiets over een metalen brug strompelt vond ik erg aansprekend. Ik heb
in Engeland ook op plekken gefietst dat ik dacht: wat doe ik hier met
een fiets, of eigenlijk: hoe kom ik hier weer in vredesnaam verticaal
vandaan. With compliments, - Klaas

Het is de hoogste tijd dat ook ik een paar regeltjes in jouw
gastenboek schrijf aangezien ik tot een van de allereerste behoor die
jouw boek gekocht en gelezen heeft. Onzer beider interesse in Amerika
is groot, ofschoon op een ander gebied. Om die reden heb ik jouw boek
dan ook aangeschaft. Ik heb er geen spijt van gehad en het in één ruk
uitgelezen. Jouw lekker vlotte schrijfstijl (met de nodige hilarische
noten ertussen) sprak mij bijzonder aan. Ontroerend moment vond ik
vooral toen je eindelijk over de Pacific uitkeek en dacht: "en nu?". Je
had je doel bereikt en was "even de weg kwijt" omdat je nu weer een
ander doel moest gaan zoeken. Ondertussen weet ik, via onze regelmatige
mailcontacten, dat je die hebt gevonden. Ga zo door. - Antoinette Kersten. 

Hoi Eric! Boek zaterdag ontvangen en in een ruk uitgelezen! Fantastisch!!!! Ik heb er van genoten. Vlotte schrijfstijl, lekker lezen en toch ook heel informatief. Die logeeradressen ook heel handig. Een soort Amerikaanse vrienden op de fiets?  Ik ga in Amerika de Leeuwis en Clark route fietsen, een bestaande route van de Adventure Cycling Association. Daaraan vooraf de routes Vietnam en Nieuw Zeeland van de organisatie Vlieg en Fiets. Ken je die, heb je er ervaring mee dan graag tips. Ga je het boek ook promoten op de fietsvakantiebeurs? Wens je verder veel succes enne…. waar gaat je volgende boek over???? Vriendelijke groeten. - Elly
Via via heb ik het boek gekregen wat jij geschreven hebt. Zelf heb
ik afgelopen zomer coast to coast gefietst volgens de Adventure Cycling
route, die met alle reeds uitgewerkte kaarten iets minder avontuurlijk
is dan jouw tocht. Het boek heb ik in één keer uitgelezen; geweldig! Zo
herkenbaar dat ik af en toe weer terugverlangde naar de periode dat ik
de coast to coast fietste. Keep up the good work! Groeten, - Pascal

Ik heb je boek inmiddels met veel plezier gelezen. Met een roadbook van de states ernaast… Het leest lekker weg, is persoonlijk en herkenbaar.  Ik vind dat je er goed in geslaagd bent je ontmoetingen met mensen en je eigen gedachten over het fietsen weer te geven. Het is me nog meer duidelijk geworden dat de VS een land met enorme contrasten is. Groeten, - Peter

Leuk boek! Leest lekker, en het is een mooi avontuur. Ik heb zelf in Amerika gewoond en herken veel van wat je meemaakt. Afgezien van het fietsen. Lijkt me geweldig. Hoe is fietsen in New Zealand? - Bart Massee

Het is altijd erg leuk en interessant om de verhalen van andere wereldfietsers die Amerika Coast to Coast hebben gefietst te lezen. Ik heb nog niet alles op je site gezien, maar kwam
al veel herkenbare dingen tegen. Het boek dat je geschreven hebt lijkt
me ook erg leuk, ga het dus zeker bestellen. De titel haalt al vele
herinneringen boven, want met de vraag where are you heading? word je
als je door Amerika fietst vrijwel iedere dag geconfronteerd.
Ik ga nog even verder lezen op je site en kijk uit naar je boekje!
Groeten, - Wiecher de Klein

Dankzij een recensie in de Gooi- en Eembode heb ik op jouw website
ingelogt. Mooie site heb je. Omdat ik graag reisverslagen lees spreekt
jouw boek mij bijzonder aan, zeker als het over de USA gaat. Na het lezen van een aantal verhalen op deze site, heb ik jouw boek op mijn verlanglijstje gezet en zal het zeker aanschaffen.
Op mijn web-log, dat een reisverslag is van onze derde reis door de
VS, heb ik een verhaaltje over jouw boek gezet om het te promoten.
Evenals op de website www.allesamerika.com ,waar veel Amerika
liefhebbers komen.
Succes en groet, - Marco.

Hoi Eric, gefeliciteerd met je boek. Ik las
zojuist een recensie in het WijdemerenJournaal. Ik ga het zeker lezen,
want ik ben gek op boeken over (fiets)reizen. Groeten - Henk Bakker.

Ik heb ‘Where are you heading’ ook gelezen.
Als lezer wordt je echt meegesleept en kun je je goed indentificeren
met de schrijver. Je hebt op een knappe manier een land en een een
aantal van de individuen die er wonen omschreven en daarbij ook nog
eens je eigen, positieve en negatieve, gevoelens verwoord.
Groeten van - Peter

Geweldig geschreven je boek, het was of ik achter bij je op de fiets zat,,hahaha,,heb je nog meer van zulke boeken???? Ik hoop dat U ook eens door Tunesie gaat fietsen, en er dan ook een boek over schrijft…. Als je dat ooit gaat doen laat het me dan horen. Niet dat ik mee fiets hoor,,hahaa,
Oke groetjes - Maria

Ik wil je laten weten dat het boekje erg (te) snel uit was. Ik heb er van genoten. De manier van schrijven is erg leuk en je blijft er in lezen. Het maakt me nog meer verlangen naar de tocht die ik in 2008 wil gaan maken. Ik ben er steeds mee bezig door er veel over te lezen en daar hoort jouw boekje ook bij hoewel hij niet dezelfde route beslaat. In 1976 heb ik het boek " wat heb ik nu aan mijn fiets hangen" van
Wim Dussel en altijd heb ik de tocht ook willen maken. 1 1/2 jaar
geleden heb ik besloten het te gaan plannen en dat wordt dus 2008. Vooral het alleen reizen wordt erg goed neergezet, de leuke, maar
zeker ook de minder leuke momenten worden goed aangehaald. Ook ik zal
dergelijke dieptepunten
mee gaan maken. Ik heb nog vele vragen maar die wil ik je een keer persoonlijk stellen (via de Wereldfieters bijeenkomst wellicht) Vriendelijke groeten,
- Menno Dekhuyzen

 What about my English language "Cycling Dutchman" guidebooks?
Cycling in  Amsterdam and The Netherlands - The very best routes in the cyclist's paradise makes you travel beyond Dutch cliches like clogs, windmills and the Amsterdam red light district, allowing you to truly explore the lowlands. The book features 1064 kms of routes and has special chapters explaining the unique Dutch cycling-minded traffic rules and its cycle route signage systems; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see also http://www.cyclinginholland.com.

The London - Land's End Cycle Route Book is designed for those who LOVE cycling, but don't like traffic. The book takes you onto the most beautiful cycle routes of southern England, including the Camel Trail, Devon Coast to Coast Route, Bristol and Bath Railway path, Thames Valley route and many more! What makes the book unique is that the route is completely continuous, including detailed directions and local knowledge all the way. Get inspired; choose your favourite route sections or go for a full summer holiday adventure; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see http://www.london-landsendcycleroutebook.com.

Other popular Cycling Dutchman blog articles:

Explaining Dutch cycling infrastructure:




Dutch bike rides and Dutch cycling culture:

The 12 best bike rides of The Netherlands

Dutch style bike rides in the United Kingdom:
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Labels: Canada, Coast to Coast, , United States
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