Beer Bike

This is a beer bike, a common sight in most Dutch cities (not just Amsterdam). Basically, ten people sit around a moving bar, pedalling away to their heart's content, while a stone-cold designated driver (in the Netherlands affectionately called "Bob". No really, there is this hilariously folky song and this silly advertisement to prove it.) 

Where was I? 

Right, with one designated driver up front taking the jolly group for a sight-seeing tour around the city (which is not always Amsterdam).

Yesterday the beer bike made it onto the Australian news. And then this morning, I wake to find the Sydney Morning Herald.com covering it again. Now in my humble opinion, there simply has GOT to be more important news in the world to cover than a change in Dutch Government regulations against what is essentially no more than a buck's party novelty item. 

And, gosh, I've seen these things in person. Watch this video, immediately.
Did that seem dangerous to you? They're playing youthful Michael Jackson, while regular bikes zoom past without a problem. "Watch out lady! A very slow and cumbersome 10-person bike is gradually running you over!" The whole situation reminds me of that drawn-out steamroller scene from Austin Powers.

It seems to me that accidents simply happen, usually to amazing comedic effect. And alcoholic idiots will continue to cause a problem, especially in a city like Amsterdam which champions intoxication of all kinds (I'm not going to implicate any other Dutch cities in that statement). Maybe it's time for us to accept the bruises to our egos and shins, and simply let the kids have a bit of fun on the weekend. Because as far as dangerous or worrisome international situations go, this seems more concerning to me than this.

Lots o Love

Centine