Myrtle Claus
Judging by the huge range of cycling holidays in Italy, you would think that cycling is just as common a part of everyday life here as in the Netherlands.
Nothing is less true.
In fact, cycling is risky business. At least here in my area. You will only see people who are tired of life, large groups of cyclists on Sunday mornings and the older villagers passing by on a bicycle. Swinging as a car at high speed skims past them or cuts off the road. Something you can't blame the motorists for, because they have never heard of 'taking cyclists into account'.
Cycle paths and bumpy road surfaces
And all that would still be acceptable if cyclists had their own place in traffic. Bike paths are, however, a rarity in Italy. Sometimes a bit yes and sometimes not a whole lot. The cyclists who are there therefore have to use the same road, with a gap here and there, just like the rest of the traffic. With all the associated risks.
Rusting bikes
That is why our bicycles are rusting under the stairs. It seems like a small detail, something you quickly get used to, that no longer 'just grab the bike'. But as with many things, you only realize what you're missing when you don't have it anymore. I can tell you from experience that such a small detail has a major impact on the way you lead your daily life. Especially if you have school-age children who also have a few hobbies. Consequences that you can hardly imagine in the Netherlands.
Dutch understanding…
As long as mine went to primary school, Dutch family and friends understood that your day revolves around bringing and collecting the offspring. We were all in the same boat and all stood in a schoolyard every day.
…and misunderstanding
However, that understanding turned into incomprehension when our Italian offspring reached the age at which their Dutch peers started primary school. On their new bike. Not a hair on our heads that for a second thought of giving ours a new bicycle to cycle to school ourselves. After all, you are not throwing your children to the lions.
Lasting school run and more
But that decision did not mean 'more time' to devote attention to other matters. The famed school run continued. And became even more decisive for our daily schedule than before; one to the bus stop, the other to the school further on. By car. On different times. Standard four trips per day. With of course the rest of the activities after school.
Because while Dutch children can cycle to all kinds of after-school activities themselves, we continued to bring ours by car. To play sports. Parties with friends. Taking a movie. Nights out. Nothing more serious, hordes of Italians do it. But not to explain to someone who does not experience it personally.
the same boat
When we got our freedom back a bit, when cycling is not an option? When to be the oldest drivers license made it! Of course he gets into his father's car every morning and evening to go to college. But it no longer needs to be ridden when he starts exercising. And not anymore if he goes out on a Saturday night.
And the great thing is that it also makes our lives a lot easier: he also brings and picks up his sister to her sports appointments and evenings out. Steps that make you swallow, but that also give a feeling of freedom. With a delay of 6 years we are back in the same boat as the Dutch parents we know. Fortunately, we understand each other again.
Comments