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10,000 fewer on-street car parking spaces. That's the pledge from Amsterdam's new coalition government over the next four years. While many cities still argue whether change is possible, Amsterdam is reclaiming its public realm one tree, bench, bike rack, terrace, playground, and garden at a time.

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Yeah thats great but what do they do when bad weather means cycling to work means they show up at the office in wet clothes soaked to the skin or when it's summer time and cycling to work means they all stink of sweat all day?

Melissa & Chris Bruntlett@modacitylife.com

“Now show it in the rain,” is a comment that pops up in our feed occasionally, as if the country that cycles 18 billion kilometres while experiencing 217 days of precipitation each year grinds to a halt every single time the skies open. There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad infrastructure.

You are talking to someone that used to cycle ten miles to work every day in London. Rain ponchos do not stop the water splashing up from the road, they just make you get hot and sweaty as well as wet and if you think you don't get sweaty after cycling to work I feel sorry for your coworkers.

You’re right, it’s a little known fact that when it rains in bike-centric cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, no one can get to work and everyone stinks of sweat. Weird that these cities grind to a conplete halt and every time it rains and no one had noticed until you pointed it out.

When it rains I either put on a raincoat and bike regardless, or I take the bus or metro. Society continues to function, you’ll be shocked to hear.

Thread.

Melissa & Chris Bruntlett@modacitylife.com

Something we often hear when we're talking about cycling infrastructure is that it’s ableist. That it only allows the physically fit to use their streets; to the exclusion of everyone else especially the elderly or disabled. It's worth pushing back on that idea on several levels. 🧵