In the City of Bikes summary

The Beginnings of a Love Affair

In In the City of Bikes by Pete Jordan, we are taken on a journey through Amsterdam's streets, canals, and history. The author's fascination with the city began when he was a child in the United States and only deepened when he visited as a young adult. Jordan's love for Amsterdam is not just about its picturesque scenery, but also its unique cycling culture.

After a brief visit, Jordan decides to move to Amsterdam with his wife, Amy Joy. They both quickly embrace the Dutch way of life, especially the cycling. The couple immerses themselves in the city's bike-centric culture, and Jordan soon becomes obsessed with the city's history and politics around cycling.

Amsterdam: A City of Bikes

Jordan begins to explore the city by bike, and he discovers that Amsterdam is a city built for cyclists. He learns about the infrastructure, the rules, and the unspoken etiquette that govern cycling in the city. Amsterdam has more bicycles than people, and the cycling culture is deeply ingrained in the city's identity. Cycling is not just a mode of transportation; it's a way of life.

Jordan also delves into the city's history, uncovering the role bicycles played in the lives of Amsterdam's inhabitants. During World War II, for example, the Dutch relied on bicycles to survive the German occupation. The bicycles were used to transport food, medicine, and even people, becoming a symbol of resistance and resilience.

Exploring the Cycling Subculture

As Jordan becomes more involved in the cycling subculture, he learns about the various cycling tribes that exist in Amsterdam. From the 'fast cyclists' who race through the city to the 'cargo cyclists' who transport their children and groceries on their bikes, each group has its own set of rules and rituals. Jordan finds himself drawn to these different tribes and begins to participate in their activities.

He also gets involved in the city's cycling advocacy and politics. He learns about the ongoing battle between cyclists and motorists and the efforts to make Amsterdam an even more bike-friendly city. Jordan's involvement in these issues further deepens his connection to the city and its cycling culture.

A Love Letter to Amsterdam

Through In the City of Bikes, Jordan paints a vivid portrait of Amsterdam as a city of cyclists. He captures the joys and challenges of cycling in the city, the sense of freedom it provides, and the unique connection it fosters between people and their environment. The book is not just a personal memoir but also a love letter to Amsterdam and its cycling culture.

As the book concludes, Jordan and his wife decide to leave Amsterdam, but their love for the city and its cycling culture remains. In the City of Bikes is a celebration of a unique way of life and a reminder of the profound impact our choice of transportation can have on our relationship with our surroundings.