Ahoy, little explorers! 🐨⚓️
When Captain PillowBelly arrived in the Netherlands, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Bicycles were everywhere! 🚲🚲🚲
In the streets, by the canals, on the bridges, even parked outside bakeries selling stroopwafels (yum!) — it felt like everyone in the Netherlands rode a bike. Captain PillowBelly rubbed his sleepy eyes and asked, “Did I sail into a giant bike parade?”
Not quite — but it is true that the Dutch people are some of the biggest bicycle lovers in the world. And there are some very good reasons why!
🧠 Reason #1: The Netherlands is Flat
That’s right! The whole country is super flat — like a pancake! 🥞
There are hardly any hills or mountains, so pedaling a bike is easy, even for kids. You don’t have to puff and sweat just to go to school or the bakery. Captain PillowBelly said, “If I rode my bike here, I might never need a nap again! …Maybe.”
🛣️ Reason #2: The Country Is Built for Bikes
The Dutch don’t just ride bikes — they plan for bikes.
There are:
- Bike lanes almost everywhere
- Bike traffic lights
- Bike parking lots (some with thousands of bikes!)
- Even bike bridges and bike-only roads
It’s like the Netherlands said, “Let’s build a whole country where bikes feel at home!” And they did!
🌍 Reason #3: Biking Is Good for the Planet
Bikes don’t need gas or electricity — just your legs! 🚴♀️
That means:
- No pollution
- No loud engines
- Cleaner air
- Happy trees and animals
Captain PillowBelly said, “It’s like giving the Earth a hug every time you ride!”
👨👩👧 Reason #4: Everyone Can Do It
In the Netherlands, everyone rides a bike:
- Kids ride to school
- Parents ride with babies in seats
- Grandparents ride with baskets full of flowers or groceries
It’s part of life — like brushing your teeth or saying “Goede Morgen!”
🐨 Captain PillowBelly’s Ride
Jan, the Captain’s new Dutch friend, let him borrow a small bike. But Captain PillowBelly’s short koala legs had trouble reaching the pedals. “Maybe I’ll stick to sailing,” he laughed — and then hopped in Jan’s bike basket instead!
So the next time you see someone riding a bike, think of the Dutch — a country full of happy people, clean air, and lots of pedals.
Maybe you’ll take a ride too!
Captain Pillowbelly's Adventures 