Amsterdam - what an amazing city! Everywhere you look there are people on bicycles! They're all kinds of people:
business people, students, tourists, parents riding with seats
for young children, workers and shoppers carrying things in
bags and baskets. With a population of 1.3 million, Amsterdam
has around a million bicycles - that's four times the numberof
cars - and 60% of all journeys in the city are made on a bike.
Amsterdam has flat roads - but that isn't the only reason
why cycling works so well there. It's also because the cityis
organised to suit cyclists as well as motorists. There are lots
of cycle paths where cars aren't allowed. Other streets and
roundabouts have bike lanes and there are special traffic
lights for cyclists. Parking a car in the city centre is difficult -
but there are thousands of parking places for bikes. And ifyou
don't want to ride your own bike, it's easy and cheap to hire
one.
There are a few places where cyclists can't go. For example,
they can't ride on a motorway. Also there are tunnels under
the river which they can't use - they cross the water on ferries
instead. But for many trips, it's easier to get somewhere on a
bike than in a car.
So it's normal to cycle here - and it's usually safe. Helmets
aren't worn in Amsterdam because there isn't much danger
from other traffic. Every child has road safety lessons at
primaryschool and children are taught by their parents to ride
on the roads from an early age. When they are 12, they take a
test to show they can cycle safely.
Amsterdam is designed to be bike-friendly. Other cities should
have a look and follow its example.

Ex4. Look at the questions about the reading on
page 100 and complete the rules.
• Is Amsterdam organised well for cyclists?
• Are bicycles used by teenagers in Amsterdam?
• When is a safety test given to children?
• Why are so many bikes ridden in Amsterdam?​

marsidd    1   15.05.2021 08:47    5