Just to compare, this is the utopian dream for Toronto:
There are approx. 18 cars and trucks in that image.
They are taking up SIGNIFICANTLY more space, and are causing traffic.
Still, we keep saying, “give us more of this, please!”.
Insanity or stupidity?
Having cyclists all around comes with all sorts of unwritten rules, people need to get used to it for it to function properly. Amsterdam has a lot of tourist that aren’t used to the bicycle-culture, don’t know the unwritten rules, and at the same time to local populace expects them to, so that causes problems. You’ll notice that other dutch cities like Utrecht and Groningen have it figured out much better, have a far smoother experience, but perhaps have it easier because there are less tourists.
No matter how you cut it, I’d rather be hit or nearly hit by a cyclist than by a F150.
Driving comes with WRITTEN rules and drivers can’t even seem to follow them like full stops at stop signs or pedestrians having the right of way at crossings. At least with a bicycle if some rules are ignored by either side the risks are far less deadly.
The thing is that these rules are not “unwritten” at all. They are part of the (written down) traffic code. To give an example, you have pedestrian zones where you are not allowed to bike, and you have regular roads where pedestrians need to keep to the sidewalk. Also, you have bicycle paths meant for cyclists only, and sidewalks meant for pedestrians only. When you walk on the road or on a cycling path you are violating the traffic code, not some unwritten rule.
Fair!