Got A Minute

HELLO PEOPLE GOT AMINUTE?

Mobility is a pressing issue. Across various fronts, efforts are ongoing to work out how we should travel from place to place and do so sustainably. We might grab our bike, e-bike or EV, take public transport, or walk to our destination, but are we actually doing so more conscientiously? For this issue, we asked readers if they make deliberate choices about their travel, and which forms of transport they choose.

Eduard Elias “Essentially, I do everything by bike. For me personally it’s the best way to travel, because you’re flexible, can easily go anywhere and always find a ‘parking space’. In Amsterdam, it’s the easiest way to get around. Unless you absolutely need to, it’s better not to take the car. That said, I drive electric, which was a conscious choice as well. If my destination is easy to reach by bike or public transport, those are always my go-to options. I’ve noticed this is the general trend, especially with the spread of electric bicycles as an alternative for getting around.”

Mischa Fetisov “It has been an interesting transition, moving from Moscow to Amsterdam. The easiest way to get around in Moscow is by public transport. It seems to me it’s so much better to go by bike here. The infrastructure is amazing and everyone likes it. In the Netherlands, even though it rains a lot, a lot of people put on their raincoats and brave the weather on their bikes, because it is a perfect way to get around. Right now, I travel to work by public transport, which is very nice as well because the schedules are clear and you know exactly where to go.”

Mengwen Yang “When my partner and I were looking for a place to live in Amsterdam, it turned out to be so difficult. We decided to look in other places with good connections to Amsterdam, and found that in Hilversum. Our place is near the train station, which was exactly what we were looking for, and it takes us only twenty minutes to travel to Zuidas. I can’t deny we would like to travel by car as well, but it can be quite difficult to find a parking spot. In the end, it is easier and more comfortable to travel to work by train. It would be a dream to just live here in Amsterdam and be able to hop on a bike and cycle to work. Maybe it will happen one day.”

Erwin de la Fuente “At my age, choosing how to get around always involves some more thought. I live in Amsterdam-Oost, and if I go into the city I take my bike or walk. People who are of age and have a threshold income receive a public transport card to travel for free in the big cities. I like using that to for trips to places like The Hague and Rotterdam. You can use the metro, tram and bus to visit all the attractions, such as museums, which is lovely. It can be very busy, though, but luckily not all the time.”