I am just about halfway through my time in Amsterdam and have fallen in love with the city. While I have visited many museums, eaten great food, and been on amazing class trips, my favorite part about being here so far is simply strolling through the city. I have found great joy in exploring new neighborhoods and wandering around the many parks and green spaces.

Just hours after arriving in Amsterdam, I dropped my things off at my hostel and decided to my first of many walks. I went to cross the street and was met with shock: I would have to cross two bike lanes and one car lane. The bike lanes were filled with an infinite flow of cyclists while the car lane was practically empty. Cyclists streamed past in every direction: businesspeople in suits, parents carrying children, students balancing groceries. I had known coming here that bikes were popular, but I never expected it to be like this. They say that there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and this sight supported that claim. 

Bikes here in Amsterdam are not just a way to get around or a leisurely activity; they are a way of life. The layout of the streets encourages all people to ride bikes. The driving lanes are narrow, there is little to no car parking on the streets, and cars often have to share the road with trams. On the other hand, there are many bike parking spaces, bike lanes are wide and clean, and it is an activity driven by community. There is no doubt cycling is better for individuals physical health than driving. It is a great form of cardio and gets people moving outside. But beyond this, it is great for the mind. I frequently see people with their friends sitting on the wheel of their bike, or couples holding hands while biking side by side. The social nature of moving around the city was deeply moving to me. It is hard to picture something like this in America, as we move around in a solitary nature by car. This led me to realize; mobility is a quintessential part of our wellbeing. 

Amsterdam was the first time I truly realized that a city does not have to be car dependent. Coming from the east coast of America, this was a wake up call. Our cities would be vastly different if we treated bicycles the way we do cars. Our people would not only be physically healthier, but mentally healthier. Transportation shapes more than traffic patterns and the layout of a city. It shapes how people interact with each other and experience daily life. 

That first overwhelming crosswalk taught me that culture is often revealed in the smallest daily routines. In Amsterdam, the bicycle is more than transportation. It reflects a lifestyle centered on community, accessibility, and balance. Experiencing that firsthand changed the way I think about cities, wellbeing, and the kind of environment I hope to help create in the future.