In addition to gardening and sustainability (which includes cycling), Destination: Books has always been interested in travel to distant places. In a recent trip to Spain and Belgium and inspired by our new partnership with the Journeyman bicycle shop in downtown Decatur, I took notice of the different ways bicycle culture permeates these countries.
Spain
Our guide in the Basque country of Spain took us through the winding roads between San Sebastian and Bilbao. (Spain is the most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland.) There were many recreational cyclers along the way and the law requires motorists to slow down and allow at least a meter and a half distance between a vehicle and a cyclist or face a stiff fine. In the coastal town Getaria, we had to pause our trip for a regional bike race. (Just in case the player malfunctions, the link to the YouTube video is here.)
In the central district in Bilbao, auto travel is restricted which means more commuters were going to and from work on two wheels. Adjacent this bike lane is a clever device that measures the traffic. My long time partner and narrator Denise Casey and I were entertained.
(Just in case the player malfunctions, the direct link to the YouTube video is here.)
Belgium
Full bike racks are commonplace in towns like Bruges and Ghent. These cities are relatively flat and they restrict parking and automobile traffic in the center of town. People use bikes to get around rain or shine.
Bikes as Art
Bikes are celebrated in street art as well. These bicycles are scaling a building in Brussels near the Grand-Palace.
My older daughter and Cynthia and I were walking around Bruges when we happened to see this gateway to a mysterious artist co-op and community garden called The House of Time. Notice the expression of uncertainty on my face.
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