Cycling in the Rain: Dutch Resilience in Utrecht’s Downpour

This blog is all about the Netherlands and its cycling culture. I love showcasing pictures and videos of people effortlessly pedaling through cities and picturesque landscapes. No matter what I publish, however, the inevitable question always arises: what happens when it rains? In my latest video, captured on a rainy morning in Utrecht – which is the country’s fourth-largest city – I will provide a glimpse into the everyday resilience of Dutch cyclists.

This video was filmed on a Friday morning around 9:30 am in a school holiday. Even though schools were closed, many parents were underway with their children.

Some people wore a complete so-called rain suit over their normal clothes.

Contrary to what some seem to think, rain doesn’t deter the Dutch from cycling. In fact, as the well knows adage goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing.” And indeed, the Dutch have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Rainwear is readily available at bike shops and department stores, ensuring that weather doesn’t stand in the way of daily commutes.

The Dutch Cycling Embassy published one of my videos about cycling in rainy weather on Facebook. About that ever present question: “How do the Dutch cycle in the rain?” they remarked, “The same way they do on a sunny day; they sit on the seat and push the pedals. The only difference is in the clothes 😉.” This encapsulates the essence of Dutch pragmatism – adapting to weather conditions rather than succumbing to them.

Different people chose different solutions to defy the rain. Most covered their heads in some way, with a hood or sometimes an umbrella.

In an earlier blog post, I quoted a publication by an office supplies company that delved into the practicalities of cycling to work in the rain. Their survey and weather records analysis yielded intriguing insights. While 4 out of 5 cyclists were undeterred by rain, most opted to delay their commute by a few minutes, patiently waiting for the rain to subside. Remarkably, 73% of respondents noted that their employers were understanding when they arrived a bit later due to rainy weather.

What becomes apparent is the collective acceptance of rainy-day inconveniences. Wet trousers, skirts, or rain-drenched hair are not met with disapproval in Dutch offices. The fact that people from all walks of life are also cyclists fosters a shared understanding that weather is beyond anyone’s control.

The so-called rain poncho is less visible than it used to be. Seeing how this woman struggled to keep it in place in the wind is perhaps an explanation why this type of rain gear is less popular than rain pants and rain coats that stay in place much easier.

Digging into historical weather data, the company discovered some intriguing patterns. Contrary to expectations, summer emerged as the wettest season, while Wednesday claimed the title of the least wet working day. Perhaps most fascinating was the revelation that rain tends to be at its minimum between 9 am and 10 am, aligning with the experience of many cyclists (including yours truly) who find the rain dissipating as they settle into their workday.

In this new video, shot on October 20, 2023, the weather offered a typical Dutch scenario: 19.4 mm of precipitation over 12.4 hours, with no glimpse of the sun. The average temperature hovered around 11.6 °C, making it a chilly yet manageable ride for the seasoned cyclists of Utrecht.

A father and his son together on one bicycle in the rain. Hoods firmly in place but their jeans soaking wet. They know that those jeans will dry again.

Positioned near Vredenburg, that well-know bustling Utrecht street, just after the morning rush hour, I captured the resilience of the passing cyclists. No matter what the weather is, over 20,000 cyclists navigate this street daily. Due to the traffic lights, the cyclists appeared in waves, and even after most people were already at work, the waves kept coming.

When Dutch families planned an outing on the bicycle in the school holidays that outing will be made no matter what the weather is.

I must say this couple – apparently a mother and daughter – did surprise me. With their matching sun glasses they seem to want to wish the rain away. Remember the weather forecast for this day included the words “no glimpse of the sun”.

So, what do the Dutch do on a rainy day? They continue cycling. Pulling zippers a bit higher, unfurling umbrellas, or donning rain suits, they press on. The hassle of finding an alternative pales in comparison to the simplicity of adapting to the weather.

My video captures more than just rain-soaked streets and determined cyclists. It also encapsulates a bit of the Dutch spirit – an unwavering commitment to cycling, come rain or shine. In the Netherlands, it’s not about avoiding the rain; it’s about cycling through it with a smile.

“Nobody cycles in the rain” – the Dutch prove that that is nonsense!