Greenhouse effects: Bakfietsen

Tony Juniper

During a visit to Amsterdam a few years ago, I spotted the locals trundling around on exciting-looking bikes that had a huge wooden cargo bay on the front. Some people had their shopping in the cargo part, while others had a couple of children sitting on a bench in there. The bike is called a bakfiets. I had to get one.
I was on the verge of making a special trip to the Netherlands to track one down when I discovered that a local company was importing them — so I got one from there instead. There are now dealers scattered across the country (for details, visit dutchbike.co.uk).
Ours is bright yellow, and is a wonderful way to cut out some car use while taking exercise. They are ideal for the school run, with straps provided to keep small children in position. Bakfietsen are also great for shopping and, when full, remain remarkably stable. With a seven-speed hub, built-in lights and a really comfortable Dutch-style riding position, they are easy to use, even when loaded. The long wheelbase takes a bit of getting used to, though. The longer version is 2.55 metres; a shorter one comes in at 30cm less.
Lots of families in Amsterdam lock theirs to railings outside the house, but given the high rates of bike theft in many areas, it’s best to have a secure place to keep it. The exposed metal on a bakfiets is stainless steel, so it doesn’t rust. Ours has spent a couple of years living in our back garden and shows no ill effects.
There are various accessories you can get, including a transparent cover to go over the children on wet days.
If you want to increase your range and save your legs, you can get it fitted with an electric motor. A charged battery can take the machine about 20 miles.
Bakfietsen are not cheap, however, and with the pound so weak against the euro, things have got worse — a new one now sells for just over £1,500. If the bike lasts 10 years, though — and it should manage a lot more than that — then the economics look a little more attractive. There are inexpensive Chinese copies on the market, but they are generally regarded as of inferior quality compared with the original Dutch design.
Tony Juniper is an environmental campaigner and former director of Friends of the Earth; tonyjuniper.com