typically.nl

A variation of the bakfiets, the crate bike is a phenomenon that’s mainly observed in Amsterdam. Ingredients: one bike plus one crate, preferably an old bakery or produce crate. You tie it to the front of your bike, using nothing more than a few ty-raps. Useful for transporation of just about anything.

Before you ask, the bicycle situation in Amsterdam is a tad different from the rest of .nl. Bikes with racks, crates, child seats, sea containers and mobile homes attached are much more common. It makes sense in a city full of tiny streets lined with cobble stones. (It also makes sense ‘coz it’s cheap.)

Crate bike in Amsterdam

Since bikes are uniquitous, it makes sense they’re adorned with useful additions such as crates. I kid you not, people actually transport living pets in them, as well as more mundane items such as groceries. They also come in handy to transport your heavy-duty chain lock, required to safely store your bicycle on the street.

Another crate bike in Amsterdam

Crates come in all sorts and sizes, but invariably represent the owner’s personal style. Black plastic bakery crates are common; they cost a €5 deposit but are often “borrowed”. Any crate originally devised for transporting produce works great too. The black omafiets (grandma bicycle) above comes with a deluxe reed crate, but might be seen as a particular posh exception to the rule. Both photos were shot literally within 10 meters of each other. Can you imagine how many crate bikes roam the streets of Amsterdam every day?