To one not accustomed to it, the number of bicycles in Holland is staggering. Roads and highways are lined with bicycle paths, and even in towns, there is a constant flow of bikes, often of the straight, stately “Dutch” model, in the streets. There are many arguments in favour of the bike: it is a cheap and non-polluting means of transportation, and the flatness of the country makes it easy to use, even on long distances.