Hi y’all!
When you think of Amsterdam, you probably picture canals and bicycles. And let me tell you, that picture is absolutely accurate. The city is widely considered the “Bike Capital of the World,” in a constant friendly competition for the title with cities like Copenhagen.
And I can certainly see why—I had never seen so many bikes in my entire life in one place! It truly feels like more people get around on two wheels than in cars. But one of the most delightful things I discovered was that many of these bikes are not just for transportation—they are works of art. Chained to bridge railings or parked along a canal, these bikes are often covered in a beautiful explosion of colorful flowers and whimsical decorations. I found myself absolutely captivated by them and took tons of pictures. Each one seemed to have its own unique personality.
The Heartwarming Story Behind the Blooms
After falling in love with these bikes, I learned that many of them are part of a beautiful story. A lot of the most famous floral bikes are the creations of an artist known as the “Flower Bike Man,” an American man named Warren Gregory.
His project started as a simple, beautiful act of love. His wife has epilepsy and sometimes had trouble finding her bike among the thousands of others in the city. To help her, he decorated her bicycle in bright, beautiful flowers so it would always stand out. The idea was so beloved that it grew into a passion project, and now his colorful creations are spread all over Amsterdam, bringing smiles to countless visitors and locals every day.
This story just made me love the bikes even more. It’s a wonderful reminder that so much beauty in the world starts from a simple act of kindness. If you want to see more of his incredible work, you can follow his journey on his official Instagram account, @flowerbikeman.
My Tailored Travel Tips for Bike Spotting
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Look (and Listen!) Both Ways: This is a big one, y’all! The bike lanes in Amsterdam are like highways, and the locals ride fast and with purpose. I learned very quickly to stay out of their path—they often don’t stop for wandering tourists! Always be aware of your surroundings, listen for the ding of a bell or a friendly yell, and make sure you’re not accidentally standing in a bike lane when you stop to take a picture.
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Keep Your Eyes Peeled: You’ll find these decorated bikes all over the city center, but they are especially common chained to the railings of bridges over the canals.
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Be a Respectful Photographer: These bikes are beloved public art. Feel free to take photos, but of course, be careful not to damage them.
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Plan Your Own Art Walk: At Tailored Travel, I believe the best trips are the ones that connect you to the soul of a city. I can help you design an itinerary that gives you plenty of time for this kind of happy, spontaneous discovery.
So next time you’re in Amsterdam, I hope you’ll take a moment to hunt for these beautiful blooming bikes. They are a perfect symbol of the city’s vibrant and creative heart.
A Little About Me
Hi y’all, I’m Tara! There’s nothing I love more than traveling the world with my husband, Mike, and exploring the beauty of God’s handiwork. As an avid reader, when I’m not off on a real-life adventure, you can usually find me reading about one! I poured that passion into my business, Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency where my team and I would be tickled to help you cross the next destination off your list, including this beautiful place.
Let’s Start Designing Your Dream Trip!
Email: tara@tailoredtravel.vacations
Phone: (423) 641-1070