Amsterdam

Last week I took a short trip to Amsterdam with a friend who came to visit from the US. The city is geared entirely for pedestrians, cyclists and... boaters with a complete canal system running throughout the Netherlands capital. While we were there the canals were completely frozen over, but this provided for a different method of transportation - ice skates. Instead of taking the recommended canal tour by boat we were able to walk withing many of the canals and take pictures of the intimate side streets and thinly sliced townhouse buildings that line the waterways throughout the city.

The public transportation system throughout the country is robust, and Amsterdam provides visitors and residents alike ultimate mobility with a train, tram and bus system that services all of the radial city. The photo below captures the dreams of many designers and planners of pedestrian-friendly urban centers. Public transportation and pedestrian movement take up the majority of the street, while local traffic with cars and maintenance vehicles are allowed a few lanes to the side. The density of Amsterdam allows this scheme to function, but the Dutch are also known for their eco-friendly mindset and love for cycling. Which came first - The policy, design or mindset?

Bicycles are so prevalent that there are designated lanes for riding them throughout the city and multi-story bike parks (not car parks) can be found near main transportation hubs and high traffic areas. Any railing along a canal is also covered completely by parked bikes.

Of course there are other aspects to the city that won't be mentioned in a venue as public as this blog. Without going too much further, Amsterdam is the European Sin City. Despite this underground, seedy claim to fame it is a city full of intimate streets along lit bridges and canals with quaint restaurants as well as grand squares. Contemporary dutch architecture is also quite pleasing and is often conscious of the historic urban fabric surrounding it.