This summer, I bought a Flevobike Greenmachine recumbent bike. Marvelous piece of technology. First long distance ride: 450 km to CCC, mostly in former East Germany.For the last few days, I've been experimenting with commuting to work by bike. Here's a short comparison of the biking experience between (ex-)GDR and the wider Brussels area (higher score == better experience):
bike lane present: GDR 1 - Brussels area 0
bike lane ends in obstacle (tree, pedestrian lane, other): GDR 1- Brussels area 0
cars parked in bike lanes: GDR 1 - Brussels area 0
cars in bike zone at traffic lights: GDR 1 - Brussels area 0
"tuxracer" potholes and bumps: GDR 1 - Brussels area 0
bored youngster in front waving (fake?) gun at you: GDR 1 - Brussels area 0
absolutely unneeded traffic lights: GDR 1 - Brussels area 0
friendly people smiling at recumbent: GDR 1 - Brussels area 1
Overall rating: GDR 8 - Brussels 1
Still, an enjoyable experience, and faster than you think. Leuven-Brussels, door to door, less than an hour for a geek without any real training.
