The Three Times I Learned to Ride a Bike

Re-learning to ride a bike in the Netherlands gave me insight into how culture, investment, and commitment can lead to lasting change.

Don't be intimidated - just go with the flow. (Photo by Noralí Nayla on Unsplash)

I don't remember the first time I learned to ride a bicycle. It probably looked much like it did for a lot of kids in 1970s suburban America: my dad running behind me, holding on to the banana seat and keeping me steady, and then silently letting go. Once I had gotten the hang of it, I spent most of my childhood biking around the neighborhood with friends, enjoying the freedom to expand the boundaries of my small town.

The second time I learned to ride a bicycle I was in my early 20s. I was living in Boston and was inspired by a friend to sign up for the Boston to New York AIDS Ride, a multi-day cycling event to raise money for AIDS-related health services. I went all-in: I bought a red steel-frame Specialized road bike with clipless pedals. I had to learn the difference between Presta and Schrader valves and how and when to use my bike's 21 gears. I learned to fuel myself for day-long rides and to mentally conquer hills. On organized training rides I learned the etiquette and language of cycling in a group. And during the three-day ride, I learned the power of support, encouragement, and collective determination.

The third time I learned to ride a bicycle was when I moved to Amsterdam. I was excited to relocate to the Netherlands in part because of the cycling culture. But when I arrived, I quickly saw that I was not prepared for Dutch cycling, in spite of the many hours I had spent on a bike. The flow of bike traffic looked like organized chaos and it made me hesitant and anxious. For weeks I extended my commute to avoid taking the ferry to Centraal Station, where cyclists competed with taxis, pedestrians, and scooters. Eventually, though, I realized that the key to cycling in Amsterdam was to go with the flow, and join the hive mind. Experienced Dutch cyclists were able to anticipate my course and react to me - if I was confident and didn't hesitate. Once I made that discovery, I was able to appreciate the unique joys of doing everything by bike, even on grey and rainy Dutch days!

In thinking about these learning experiences, I see a connection to leadership development, as well. As with the Dutch commitment to cycling, new organizational practices need to be integrated into the culture in order to have a lasting impact. The things I learned on my AIDS Ride group training rides were useful, but only in the context of that group. In the Netherlands, cycling is introduced to young children, it is supported by national infrastructure and investment, and it is a matter of identity and pride for the Dutch.

What can your organization learn from the Netherlands's approach to cycling? How might you go all-in to create a culture that values leadership and professional development?