Growing up in the Netherlands, bicycles were a huge part of my daily life and culture. We rode our bikes everywhere–around town, to buy groceries, to see friends. Bikes in the Netherlands are sturdy, supportive and comfortable to ride. The frames are designed with healthy, upright posture in mind—and they look cool, too. We love our bikes the way Americans in driving cities love their cars. When you spend that much time together, your vehicle becomes a trusted friend.
When I moved to New York City in the 1990s, there wasn’t much of a bicycle culture here. People walked, rode the subway, hopped into taxis, and even drove through the bumper-to-bumper traffic. But where were the bikes? Only the few brave souls (like the daredevil bike messengers) pedaled through the city streets.
A couple decades later, it’s a different story. We have wide bicycle lanes and landscaped paths everywhere. Families ride along the Hudson River, and everyday people bike to work and back instead of jamming onto crowded trains. In big cities across the U.S. and Canada, the bicycle revolution is well underway. And why not? Biking is healthy, relaxing, and a great way to contribute eco-friendly sustainability to the planet. With rising fares and fuel prices, riding a bicycle is also a smart economic idea.
When New York was settled by the Dutch, it was originally known as New Amsterdam. The inspiration for our company’s name is also our mission: to bring the best of Holland’s bicycle culture to America. Like you, I love great design and well-made objects. I want the maximum quality and experience for a price that delivers wonderful value. We’re proud to introduce our carefully-selected lines by European companies with superior craftsmanship and design.
We look forward to sharing our bicycles—and the happiness of riding them—with you.
Jeffrey Sleebos, CEO
New Amsterdam Bicycle Company
