With a population of over 17.5 million people and 23 million bicycles—more than three million of which are electric—the Netherlands is a global benchmark in mobility and the development of urban designs that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. Approximately 27% of all trips in the country are made by bicycle, with over 15.5 billion kilometers traveled annually, according to data from the national government. Despite these high figures, the goal is to implement initiatives that further encourage municipalities to transform their spaces, giving more room to cycling as the primary option for short trips of up to 15 kilometers.
Beyond the well-known and researched benefits of this mode of transport—such as easing traffic flow and congestion, protecting the environment, and improving physical health—the Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE), a public-private network that promotes cycling by sharing expertise, knowledge, and hosting experts, notes that the concept of *fietsgeluk* is gaining traction among the country's planners and policymakers. The term translates to “cycling happiness” and points to a greater awareness of the emotional, sensory, and social benefits that bicycles offer, which were ignored for decades.
